Open Automation Suite simplifies automation processes.

Press Release Summary:



TwinCAT v2.9 enables users to configure, program, and debug controllers with uniform, open software for sequence and motion. Configuration Mode automatically scans and recognizes network scanners, network nodes, and terminal and signal channels to simplify address assignment. TwinCAT System Manager allows for remote diagnostics and setup features during startup and machine service. Additional offerings include on-the-fly CAM profile changes and NC Interpolation.



Original Press Release:


Beckhoff Releases TwinCAT 2.9 - Complex Automation Made Simple


MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Beckhoff releases version 2.9 of the open automation suite TwinCAT, enabling users to configure, program and debug smallest controllers to most powerful PC-based controllers with a uniform, seamless and open software suite for sequence and motion.

The new TwinCAT version 2.9 reduces configuration and programming efforts by automatically scanning of network devices and addressing. Existing software components can easier be re-used and start-up time for machines is reduced significantly by powerful debugging features and automatic configuration features.

TwinCAT offers full support for Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP (Professional or Home) with most recent service packs, Embedded NT 4.0 and Embedded XP, as well as Windows CE .NET (runtime support). It comes with new XML based interface technology and engineering interfaces that allow for automated software deployment.

Configuration made simple

With a new "Configuration Mode", TwinCAT now automatically scans and recognizes network scanners, network nodes and even terminal and signal channels and simplifies address assignment. Without PLC program present, IO can be forced and read, allowing for a complete IO test during installation. Remote operation for the TwinCAT System Manager allows for enhanced remote diagnostics and setup features during startup and machine service situations.

Engineering interface

With support for a variety of source code management systems, larger groups of engineers are able to work together collaboratively with TwinCAT. Through an engineering interface server, tools like Microsoft Visual Source Safe or MKS Source Integrity may be operated, driver development for other tools is supported. PLC code may be checked in and out for single functions, function blocks and programs, version numbers allow for history tracking, version-compare and roll-back.

CAM Profile changes on-the-fly

Cam profiles can be developed with a graphical CAM Design Editor, making complex functions transparent and understandable. Now, the changes do no longer need a download, as the increasing performance of PC processors allow to calculate the trajectories on-line in real-time. Profile download time shrinks dramatically, and with this capability, CAM profiles can be designed to be dynamic, dependent on control or math functions of the control system.

TwinCAT NC Interpolation

TwinCAT NCI interpolates axes in continuous-path moving groups of three axes - now, an emergency stop function controls evenly high decelerated brake ramps for all axes; and the NC program may be interrupted for e.g. a tool change - the control will continue the program on hold. Additionally, a retrace function allows for reverse order processing of an NC program to a location of starting over again. Applications for these functions are in various industries using consumables in their machine tools that need service, replenishing and reiteration of the task performed.

Beckhoff is an international leader in the design and application of PC-based open control solutions, and has been providing high-end automation products and systems to the manufacturing and process industries since 1980. The company has a presence in more than 35 countries, and continues to apply emerging technologies to solve today's manufacturing challenges.

Beckhoff USA

12204 Nicollet Ave S

Minneapolis MN 55337

Fax: (952) 890 2888

Email: beckhoff.usa@beckhoff.com

Internet: www.beckhoffautomation.com

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