TwinCAT turns 30
Beckhoff’s introduction of TwinCAT automation software in 1996 marked an evolutionary step in PC-based control technology. With the switch from DOS to Windows operating system, PLC programming in accordance with IEC 61131-3, and an integrated engineering environment, Beckhoff created product based on the principle of abstracting hardware and software. The TwinCAT platform combines automation functions—from PLC and motion control to CNC and advanced measurement technology, as well as machine vision, robotics and AI tools—in a deterministic, real-time environment.
As early as 1986, Beckhoff separated the control function from proprietary hardware devices. Building on this, the market launch of The Windows Control and Automation Technology (TwinCAT) 30 years ago completed the basis for PC-based control. TwinCAT provides a means of transferring IT standards for use in automation and building them into an integrated, high-performance and deterministic control platform with real-time extensions.
Initially with a focus on Windows, TwinCAT has expanded to support other operating systems such as TwinCAT/BSD and Linux. In addition, Beckhoff combined all the engineering tools into a single software concept and supported globally established PLC programming standards according to IEC 61131-3, as well as popular IT programming languages and tools including C, C++, MatLab and Simulink.
From the start, TwinCAT has been characterized by 100 µs performance, and main memory was suddenly available in almost unlimited quantities. TwinCAT also offered motion control functions right from the outset, from simple standard axes to electronic gearing and cam plates to five-axis CNCs. The number of axes that TwinCAT could control grew every year, from 10 more than 1,000 axes.
Built on openness and flexibility
A significant feature of the TwinCAT architecture is its openness, which consolidates the full spectrum of automation in a single software concept. While the focus was initially on PLCs, motion control and I/Os, the platform now comprises more than 100 highly specialized functions, including functions for high-performance measurement technology, control technology and communication. All machine functions are calculated deterministically on a central industrial PC and transferred to the I/O level with exact clocking via the high-speed EtherCAT fieldbus.
The performance capability of industrial PCs also facilitates integration of many other technologies. Machine vision with TwinCAT Vision and the system-integrated robot controller are anchored in the software as native runtime modules. The implementation of artificial intelligence is also rapidly increasing in importance. TwinCAT Machine Learning Creator enables the generation of AI models for outstanding performance data.
