TwinCAT Development Environment

The Software for automation TwinCAT (The Windows Control and Automation Technology) will be distinguished into:

• TwinCAT 2: System Manager (Configuration) & PLC Control (Programming)
• TwinCAT 3: Enhancement of TwinCAT 2 (Programming and Configuration takes place via a common Development Environment)

Details:

• TwinCAT 2:
• Connects I/O devices to tasks in a variable-oriented manner
• Connects tasks to tasks in a variable-oriented manner
• Supports units at the bit level
• Supports synchronous or asynchronous relationships
• Exchange of consistent data areas and process images
• Datalink on NT - Programs by open Microsoft Standards (OLE, OCX, ActiveX, DCOM+, etc.)
• Integration of IEC 61131-3-Software-SPS, Software- NC and Software-CNC within Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista, Windows 7, NT/XP Embedded, CE
• Interconnection to all common fieldbusses
• More…

Additional features:

• TwinCAT 3 (eXtended Automation):
• Visual-Studio®-Integration
• Choice of the programming language
• Supports object orientated extension of IEC 61131-3
• Usage of C/C++ as programming language for real time applications
• Connection to MATLAB®/Simulink®
• Open interface for expandability
• Flexible run-time environment
• Active support of Multi-Core- and 64-Bit-Operatingsystem
• Automatic code generation and project creation with the TwinCAT Automation Interface
• More…

Within the following sections commissioning of the TwinCAT Development Environment on a PC System for the control and also the basically functions of unique control elements will be explained.

Please see further information to TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3 at http://infosys.beckhoff.com.