TwinCAT PLC++
Next generation PLC technology
TwinCAT PLC++: A significant leap in performance for engineering and runtime
TwinCAT PLC++ is the latest innovation from Beckhoff for seamless integration into the proven TwinCAT environment. Based on IEC 61131-3 languages, advanced technology has been implemented to elicit significant improvements in engineering and runtime performance. With the focus placed on DevOps principles such as continuous integration and continuous deployment, Beckhoff continues to pursue its philosophy of merging automation and IT. The result is advanced PLC technology that provides the ideal solution even for complex customer-specific requirements and takes the efficiency of automation processes to the next level.
The major advantages of TwinCAT PLC++ are:
- performance gains in engineering and runtime
- increased user-friendliness
- full IEC conformity and high code quality
- seamless integration into DevOps workflows
- assured continuity and high compatibility
- deep integration into the TwinCAT world
TwinCAT PLC++ is the latest PLC generation available in the TwinCAT system. Runtime and engineering are improved, creating significant added value, and the switch is easy to make while preserving current TwinCAT functions – a real plus plus for the user.
The advantages of TwinCAT PLC++ in more detail
TwinCAT PLC++ offers significant runtime performance advantages over the existing TwinCAT PLC. The same control code can be executed up to 1.5 times faster with TwinCAT PLC++. A particular highlight is the new compiler, which facilitates further optimization of the control code in terms of execution time. This optimization option, which is familiar from the IT world, generates a further and significant increase in speed of up to a factor of 3 compared to TwinCAT PLC. This means that an industrial PC with lower computing power may be sufficient for machine control, which reduces hardware costs. If the hardware platform remains unchanged, the freed-up computer resources can be used to implement more control functionality or to increase the productivity of the machine by minimizing cycle times.
From an engineering perspective, TwinCAT PLC++ reduces throughput times all the way from control code development through commissioning, and even beyond to the entire machine life cycle. This is achieved through reduced operating times and shorter project loading and translation times. The minimized project lead times reduce costs and enable new machines and systems to be in introduced to the market more quickly. With these advantages, TwinCAT PLC++ is the ideal choice for companies that want to optimize their control solutions and ultimately increase their ability to compete.
Further performance gains can be achieved in combination with TwinCAT MC3, the new generation of motion control technology which has already been introduced to the market. TwinCAT MC3 features an advanced engineering and runtime architecture. When both TwinCAT basic functions are used together, complex applications and processes can be effectively controlled and monitored, which increases the competitiveness of the customer solution.
Beckhoff has channeled 30 years of experience into the development of TwinCAT PLC++. A key factor in its successful implementation has been the feedback from more than 20,000 TwinCAT users worldwide. The result is an improved, intuitive user interface and improved functions that make work easier for users.
Developers specifically benefit from:
- extensible code snippets
- guided code creation via shortcut
– the addition of formatted parameters for function block, method, and function calls
– the creation of state machines using enums (CASE) - enhanced monitoring features
– online-offline code comparison
– placeholders for variable values in comments
– mini controls for monitoring variables - a pool of favorites for quick access
- an optional complete file view
– no visual separation between declaration editor and programming editor
– multiple programming objects in a single editor - AI-supported programming with TwinCAT Chat
These features make it possible to work even more efficiently than before, thereby shortening the development cycle and reducing time-to-market.
As a member of the German IEC group, Beckhoff is actively involved in the latest developments and best practices in standardization. TwinCAT PLC++ is almost fully compliant with the fourth edition of IEC 61131-3 and thus meets the highest international standards. This conformity facilitates exchange and cooperation between different automation systems and enables the use of standard-compliant object-oriented programming, including classes and access modifiers for variables.
Compliance with the IEC standard offers additional safety aspects for programming, which are supplemented by extended type checks in the compiler. TwinCAT PLC++ also supports a secure online change where pointers and references are automatically adjusted to avoid code that is susceptible to errors. This increases the reliability and safety of the application. An integrated emergency mode allows users to respond explicitly in the event of a machine emergency and execute a separate code for an orderly shutdown.
With TwinCAT PLC++, the program code is initially stored in plain text at file level. This makes it much easier to use source code management systems such as Git, as comparing different code versions is particularly easy and intuitive. What’s more, the new compiler is available as a stand-alone component and can be called up automatically via a command line interface. Given that a complete engineering instance is no longer required, this allows automated processes for creating and testing program code in unit tests to be significantly optimized.
TwinCAT PLC++ thus provides an excellent basis for seamlessly integrating PLC code development into DevOps workflows. Automated test procedures can be used to check and assure code quality. Automated tests not only increase the reliability of the control system, but also boost the efficiency of the testing process. As result, products can be launched more quickly and the risk of errors in the field is reduced.
TwinCAT PLC++ is based on the proven TwinCAT architecture and is fully integrated into the existing TwinCAT landscape. TwinCAT PLC++ is therefore also fully compatible with the existing TwinCAT functions and can even be used in parallel with the existing TwinCAT PLC if required. In addition, all available PLC libraries can continue to be used.
This facilitates a gradual transition, with TwinCAT PLC and TwinCAT PLC++ operating in parallel. An integrated converter enables the efficient transfer of existing program code, so that expertise is readily available in TwinCAT PLC++. This means that existing TwinCAT Scope and TwinCAT HMI applications, for example, can continue to be used without any changes. Switching to TwinCAT PLC++ therefore requires minimum effort, and investments already made are protected.
The option of continuing to use existing libraries and applications makes for a seamless transition to the new PLC generation. This facilitates the introduction of new technologies and increases the efficiency of automation processes.
The new TwinCAT PLC++ architecture enables even deeper integration of TwinCAT functions. For example, TwinCAT HMI and TwinCAT Target Browser will be able to access PLC variables directly in the future, without the program code having to be compiled and executable beforehand.
In addition, a programming assistant based on TwinCAT Chat and supporting the creation of both textual and graphical code can be integrated. This makes it possible to fully exploit the extensive potential of the TwinCAT world and to make the entire engineering process more efficient.
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