Monday, August 28, 2006

Latest version of PLC and motion control software

Hayes Control Systems has released the latest version of Beckhoff's TwinCAT PC software system for PLC and NC motion control functions for use with Windows NT Embedded.
Hayes Control Systems has released details of the latest version of Beckhoff's TwinCAT PC software system for PLC and NC motion control functions. Designed specifically for use with Windows NT Embedded, the new version of TwinCAT improves system scalability, while maintaining the existing NT software solutions. Microsoft's Windows NT Embedded 4.0 operating system has quickly become established throughout industry since its introduction in August of last year.

In combination with the new TwinCAT software, operators are provided with an important control solution that occupies the middle ground between high-end NT PCs and Embedded Windows CE devices.

The use of TwinCAT under NT Embedded provides users with a number of operating benefits.

Firstly, the software reduces the resource requirements for PC hardware: a minimum of 12MB RAM user memory and only 40MB non-volatile memory are needed.

In addition, instead of a hard disk, it is possible to use a flash disk where resistance to vibration is needed (operation without hard disk).

The software also offers the possibility of 'headless' operation, ie controlling a system without monitor, keyboard or mouse.

The new TwinCAT software is integrated as a finished component in an NT Embedded system and, if desired, Hayes can supply the system as part of a fully pre-installed Beckoff industrial PC.

Alternatively, a customised NT Embedded system with its own user interface can be created using the two Microsoft tools, target Designer and Component Designer.

As a further user benefit, the basic code for Windows NT 4.0 and NT Embedded is the same, which means that all the TwinCAT components and all Win32-based application programs function identically under both systems to simplify operation for existing users of the Hayes Beckhoff range.