PLCopen releases 3 new specifications

Oct. 25, 2016
Documents on more transparent communication, compliant libraries and safety-approved networks get an update.

Independent worldwide association for industrial suppliers and users PLCopen has released three new specifications.

PLCopen OPC-UA Client for IEC 61131-3, version 1.1

PLCopen together with the OPC Foundation published a new edition of the definition of a set of Function Blocks providing OPC-UA client functionality. With this functionality implemented on a controller it becomes possible to initiate a communication session to any other available PLCopen OPC-UA Server. The controller can exchange complex data structures horizontally with other controllers independently from fieldbus system or vertically with other devices using an OPC-UA server call in an MES/ERP system in order to collect data or even write new production orders to the cloud. It allows a production line to be independently active in combination with integrated OPC-UA Security features.

PLCopen Safe Motion, version 0.99

This work is a continuation of the PLCopen Motion and PLCopen Safety activities, which both resulted in a suite of specifications. This new document fills this gap around safety in motion. PLCopen has released this document as “Release for Comments” and will accept feedback until December 5, 2016. All received feedback will be used to create a final version of this document.

Creating PLCopen Compliant Libraries, version 0.99

The new document gives guidance and examples to create libraries of function blocks that can deal with the complexity of larger programs and in this way create extended application software faster and with fewer errors. This document is part of a larger set called Software Construction Guidelines. Within this set the “ Coding Guidelines” were published earlier this year

Templates are provided for the two basic function blocks operation differences: edge-triggered or level-controlled. This basis is extended with aborting, time-out functionality and a timer to spread an operation over multiple operating cycles. The included examples show also the basic code, including an object-oriented approach as provided by the 3rd edition of the IEC 61131-3 standard. PLCopen has released this document as “Release for Comments” and will accept feedback until November 25, 2016. All received feedback will be used to create a final version of this document. All received feedback will be used to create a final version of this document.