PLC libraries added to automation software

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jan 31, 2007

Beckhoff has added PLC libraries for IEC standard telecontrol protocols to its TwinCAT automation software, available from Hayes Control Systems.

PLC libraries for IEC standard telecontrol protocols are the latest enhancement to Beckhoff's TwinCAT automation software, which is available in the UK from Hayes Control Systems.

The new libraries, which support IEC60870-5-101 for serial transfers, and IEC60870-5-104 for TCP/IP, make TwinCAT a versatile and cost-effective choice for telecontrol applications of all types.

The slave implementations for the 101 and 104 protocols, developed by Beckhoff as pure PLC libraries, are already being used in a wide range of applications, often in conjunction with embedded PCs from the Beckhoff CX family.

In some applications, however, a device must simultaneously operate in slave and master mode.

For these applications, Beckhoff has developed a new PLC library - TwinCAT PLC IEC 60870-5-104 master - that adds master functionality for the 104 protocol, enabling slave and master process images to be easily synchronised.

TwinCAT automation software integrates real-time control with PLC systems, NC axis control and a programming environment in a single, dynamic package.

The software PLC/NC/CNC is embedded in Microsoft operating systems Windows NT/2000/XP, where programming is based on the globally recognised IEC 61131-3 standards.

TwinCAT Links to all common fieldbuses and PC interfaces for I/O signals.