Working on the basis of TwinCAT for Linux^®, Beckhoff is opening up more application possibilities that enable resource-efficient, virtualized distribution of TwinCAT applications. Both the TwinCAT PLC runtime and TwinCAT functions in the form of containers can be operated not only locally on the controller, but also in a data center. Communication with decentralized I/Os can take place via the EK1000 EtherCAT Coupler in this case.

Not only does TwinCAT for Linux® allow the TwinCAT automation software to be executed on the basis of the Linux® operating system, but it also enables TwinCAT to be distributed and operated in the form of containers. Thanks to the modular structure of TwinCAT, the individual TwinCAT applications can also be distributed across several containers.

ADS-over-MQTT technology, which has been established on the market for many years and is familiar to users, is available for cross-network communication and can also be used for integrating a virtualized engineering system.

This implementation of a virtual PLC means that the application options can be extended to the local data center as well, allowing certain control or simulation and test tasks to be outsourced from the machine or its control PC. This operating mode holds particular appeal for applications with lower real-time requirements. Communication with the decentralized I/Os can take place via the EK1000 EtherCAT Coupler, which supports the integration of the I/Os via a switched and routed IP network. This simplifies the distribution of various TwinCAT applications and enables the central integration of I/Os located at different points in the company via the IT system.

The advantages of virtual control technology with TwinCAT and Beckhoff hardware:

• Increased flexibility: virtual control systems can be easily scaled and adapted to different requirements
• Lower costs: there is less need for physical hardware in the field, reducing the associated costs
• Simplified maintenance: maintenance and software upgrades are easier to carry out as no physical hardware is affected

Offers a width of just 12 mm and a combination of up to 12 signal interfaces in one compact device.

New compact, multi-I/O interface in one device

The EL8601-8411 EtherCAT Terminal supports up to 12 signal interfaces and nine signal types in one multi-purpose I/O module.

Beckhoff’s new EL8601-8411 EtherCAT Terminal offers incredible interface flexibility in a compact, 12-mm-wide design. With up to 12 signal interfaces (8 x DI, 2 x DO, 1 x AI, 1 x AO) and nine signal types in one terminal, the multi-interface is ideal for numerous applications. These use cases include systems that require only a few complex signals or to enable highly flexible signal configuration on custom machines without adding single-purpose hardware.

The EL8601-8411 offers a large number of configurable combinations to create a compact solution for applications where only a few complex signals are required. For example, it can serve as an ideal complement to microcontrollers, such as the CX7000 Embedded PC, which offer a direct backplane connection to the Beckhoff I/O system.

In addition to the digital inputs and outputs, one analog input and one analog output can be configured as a current or voltage signal. The digital inputs with configurable filter times can also be used for 24 V HTL encoders with A/B track, including latch and gate function, or as an up/down counter with a counting frequency of up to 100 kHz. Two of the digital outputs can be used as a PWM signal that can be modulated in both pulse width and frequency in a range of 20 Hz to 25 kHz.

Beckhoff