BECKHOFF HAS ANNOUNCED a real-time Linux version of its TwinCat runtime platform that it says will open up new application possibilities for real-time control. The ability to execute several TwinCat runtimes on one industrial PC will allow users to combine different system parts on one high-performance computer, streamlining programming and diagnostics. Beckhoff says that the development will save time and cut engineering costs. One possibility is to access a GPU (graphics card) from the realtime environment, providing a hardware accelerator for particularly computing-intensive applications such as vision. The Linux version of TwinCat runtime is based on Beckhoff’s own Linux distribution, adding to the existing Windows and TwinCat/BSD operating system options. This distribution was developed using the free Debian operating system and includes a Linux real-time kernel for real-time execution of the runtime. The Debian package also makes it easy to install additional software. Using container technologies such as Docker, Podman or LXC, several TwinCat runtimes can be executed on a single IPC to achieve modularity in machines and other control applications. The individual execution of several TwinCat runtimes on one PC makes it easier to consolidate hardware, thus cutting costs due to the improved utilisation of the available computing capacity. Linux users will be able to take advantage of a new world of automation possibilities, while TwinCat application programming is unchanged. Other potential benefits include: increased user flexibility as a result of the modular control code; simplified addition or replacement of application modules; and updates targeted at individual applications. TwinCat runtime for real-time Linux will be available initially for Beckhoff’s new Arm-based CX82x0 and CX9240 Embedded PCs (with Arm Cortex A53 CPUs). The Linux distribution will then be rolled out to all of the company’s other industrial and embedded PCs. https://www.beckhoff.com/en-gb/products/product-news/linux-r TECHNOLOGY n Linux-based platform opens up new real-time control options Beckhoff says that its real-time Linux version of its TwinCat runtime will allow several applications to run on one IPC
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