28 n SPS SHOW REVIEW February 2025 www.drivesncontrols.com As well as unveiling new PLCs, VSDs, servodrives and I/Os at SPS (see November/December issue), Beckhoff Automation also announced the availability of real-time control as a virtual PLC, which it says will open up more application possibilities for virtualised distribution of TwinCat applications. According to Beckhoff, the advantages of virtual control technology include: • Increased flexibility Virtual control systems can be scaled easily and adapted to suit different requirements • Lower costs There is less need for physical hardware in the field • Simpler maintenance Maintenance and software upgrades are easier to carry out because no physical hardware is affected. 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 centre. Communications with decentralised I/Os can take place via an EK1000 EtherCat Coupler. Not only does TwinCat for Linux allow the TwinCat automation software to be executed using Linux, but it also allows TwinCat to be distributed and operated in the form of containers. Because of TwinCat’s modular structure, TwinCat applications can be distributed across several containers. The well-established ADS-over-MQTT technology is available for cross-network communications and can also be used to integrate virtualised engineering systems. The Linux-based virtual PLC implementation means that the application options can be extended to local data centres as well, allowing certain control or simulation and test tasks to be outsourced from the machine or its control PC. This mode is particularly attractive for applications with lower real-time requirements. Communications with decentralised I/Os can take place via the EK1000 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 a company via its IT network. www.beckhoff.com The German drives and automation specialist Baumüller has developed a new runtime environment for its control platforms, enabling faster engineering, shorter cycle times and greater flexibility. The environment supports modern standards such as high-level language programming and IoT connections, and can add AI to machines. The Linux-based system has been designed to meet the requirements of dynamic drive systems and supports cycle times up to 125ms, boosting productivity. Because the environment has been developed in-house, adjustments, such as customer-specific handling for EtherCat slaves, can be implemented quickly. The processor-independent system is tailored to the requirements of mechanical engineering. All of Baumüller’s software tools are integrated, saving time and costs, because data transfers are no longer needed. PLC programs can be created using objectoriented programming, resulting in modular, reusable and clearly structured programs. Existing templates, machine modules and PLCopencompliant libraries can be used. High-level languages such as C++ are also integrated and it is possible to use different languages in one program. Existing program codes can continue to be used and the system can be expanded later and used independently of the platform. The use of the open Linux operating system means that apps can be installed and used on controllers, simplifying and accelerating the creation of automation software using low-code programming. Another possibility is to expand control platforms with AI functions. Applications such as process optimisation or real-time data analysis are possible. Baumüller’s new b maXX 6000 servodrives can be expanded to include AI functions. A drivePLC integrated into the drive allows the servodrives’ high processing speed to be combined with AI applications. The new runtime system is available initially for Baumüller’s drive-integrated b maXX drivePLC integrated into the b maXX 6000 controllers, and for the new b maXX controllerPLC. It will be available for other Baumüller control platforms in the future. www.baumueller.com/en At SPS, Festo was showing a pair of optimised stepper motors that can be used with its CMMT-ST-MP servodrive controllers to offer coordinated servo systems at an attractive price. The cost-effective, IP20protected EMMB-ST stepper motors (shown below) are aimed at applications with basic requirements and are suitable for series machine manufacturers and for applications in electronics and small parts handling. The EMMT-ST motors offer IP65 protection and UL approval. Both types of motor support OCP (One Cable Plug) connections. The EMMB-ST motors use a space-saving plug with front or rear alignment, while the EMMT-ST motors have a solid M17 plug which can be swivelled through 310 degrees. Both types of motor can be commissioned quickly using Festo’s Automation Suite (FAS) software. www.festo.com Drives-maker develops its own Linux-based runtime environment Virtual PLCs could open up new application possibilities How Beckho ’s virtual PLC technology is structured
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