TwinCAT/BSD

TwinCAT/BSD combines the TwinCAT runtime with FreeBSD, an industrially tested and reliable open source operating system. In addition to multi-core support and a small footprint, TwinCAT/BSD with the Beckhoff Package Server offers a simple way to install TwinCAT Functions and FreeBSD applications or to update the complete system.

What is FreeBSD

FreeBSD is a Unix-compatible open source operating system directly originating from Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD). As an open source project, FreeBSD is continually being developed further, improved and optimized by a large group of developers. On account of the generous BSD license, Beckhoff has opted for FreeBSD, which enables the integration of TwinCAT without licensing problems.

FreeBSD is very popular and is used worldwide by renowned companies. A detailed list of users can be found here:
https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/freebsd/#whois

FreeBSD supports both x86 and X64 platforms and makes scalable systems possible with ARM CPUs extending up to powerful Xeon CPUs.

Further information on FreeBSD can be found on the homepage of the FreeBSD Foundation or that of the FreeBSD project:
https://www.freebsdfoundation.org/
https://www.freebsd.org/

TwinCAT

TwinCAT/BSD supports all TwinCAT 3 runtime functions. The programming is still carried out with the familiar Microsoft Visual Studio®-based TwinCAT XAE from a Windows development computer. TwinCAT/BSD offers multi-core support, allowing individual cores to also be reserved for the exclusive use of TwinCAT.

In addition to the TwinCAT HMI Server, an HTML5 web browser can be used as a client for TwinCAT HMI. The configuration takes place as usual via the graphic editor of the TwinCAT XAE development environment.

Software and updates

In addition to a large number of FreeBSD programs, TwinCAT Functions can also be installed via the Beckhoff Package Server. Moreover, the uncomplicated updating of the operating system as well as the TwinCAT runtime is possible in this way via the network. Software packages can also be installed offline. The software packages are first loaded to a development computer with a network connection and later installed directly on the Beckhoff Industrial PC. The hosting of the customer's own package server on their side is also possible. Apart from FreeBSD programs that can be offered in this way, many well-known programs from Linux are also available:
https://www.freebsd.org/ports/

Write filter

As is familiar from the Windows operating system, TwinCAT/BSD provides a write filter that protects the system from persistent changes. With the write filter activated, the system is in a previously defined state following a restart.

Backup and restore

A TwinCAT/BSD system can be backed up and restored using a USB stick that offers similar functions as the Beckhoff Service Stick for Windows operating systems. A backup can also be created from the live system, which is backed up locally or via the network to a remote system.