TwinCAT 3 | eXtended Automation (XA)
Beckhoff created a global standard for automation with the launch of PC-based control technology in 1986. On the software side, the TwinCAT (The Windows Control and Automation Technology) automation suite forms the core of the control system. The TwinCAT software system turns almost any PC-based system into a real-time control with multiple PLC, NC, CNC and/or robotics runtime systems. TwinCAT 3 is the systematic further development of TwinCAT 2, with which the world of automation technology is being redefined.
TwinCAT 3 highlights
only one software for programming and configuration
Visual Studio® integration
more freedom in selecting programming languages
support for the object-oriented extension of IEC 61131-3
use of C/C++ as the programming language for real time applications
link to MATLAB®/Simulink®
open interfaces for expandability and adaptation to the tools landscape
flexible runtime environment
active support of multi-core and 64-bit systems
migration of TwinCAT 2 projects
automatic code generation and project implementation with the TwinCAT Automation Interface
eXtended Automation Technology – TwinCAT 3 extends the standard automation world
eXtended Automation Architecture
supports all main fieldbuses
supports IEC 61131, C/C++, MATLAB®/Simulink®
supports Motion Control: from point-to-point to CNC
supports TwinSAFE configuration
supports Scientific Automation: robotics, measurement technology, Condition Monitoring
eXtended Automation Engineering
one tool – Microsoft Visual Studio®
integrated: IEC 61131 – worldwide standard in automation
integrated: C/C++ – worldwide standard in IT
integrated: TwinCAT System Manager – well-known configuration tool
link to MATLAB®/Simulink®: worldwide standard in science
expandable with other tools: editors, compilers
TwinCAT 2 projects can be migrated.
TwinCAT 3 modules: standardised programming frames
using the .NET programming languages for non-real-time capable applications (e.g. HMI)
eXtended Automation Runtime
IEC 61131, C/C++, MATLAB®/Simulink® objects in one runtime
integrated TwinSAFE runtime
extended real-time-functionality: min. 50 μs cycle time and low jitter
enhanced performance: support of multi-core CPUs
future-proof: supports 64-bit operating systems
