Twincat 2; Twincat 3; Twincat Development Environment; Installation Of The Twincat Real-Time Driver - Beckhoff EL2124 Documentation

5.2

TwinCAT Development Environment

The Software for automation TwinCAT (The Windows Control and Automation Technology) will be
distinguished into:
• TwinCAT 2: System Manager (Configuration) & PLC Control (Programming)
• TwinCAT 3: Enhancement of TwinCAT 2 (Programming and Configuration takes place via a common
Development Environment)
Details:
• TwinCAT 2:
◦ Connects I/O devices to tasks in a variable-oriented manner
◦ Connects tasks to tasks in a variable-oriented manner
◦ Supports units at the bit level
◦ Supports synchronous or asynchronous relationships
◦ Exchange of consistent data areas and process images
◦ Datalink on NT - Programs by open Microsoft Standards (OLE, OCX, ActiveX, DCOM+, etc.)
◦ Integration of IEC 61131-3-Software-SPS, Software- NC and Software-CNC within Windows
NT/2000/XP/Vista, Windows 7, NT/XP Embedded, CE
◦ Interconnection to all common fieldbusses
◦ More...
Additional features:
• TwinCAT 3 (eXtended Automation):
◦ Visual-Studio®-Integration
◦ Choice of the programming language
◦ Supports object orientated extension of IEC 61131-3
◦ Usage of C/C++ as programming language for real time applications
◦ Connection to MATLAB®/Simulink®
◦ Open interface for expandability
◦ Flexible run-time environment
◦ Active support of Multi-Core- und 64-Bit-Operatingsystem
◦ Automatic code generation and project creation with the TwinCAT Automation Interface
◦ More...
Within the following sections commissioning of the TwinCAT Development Environment on a PC System for
the control and also the basically functions of unique control elements will be explained.
Please see further information to TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3 at http://infosys.beckhoff.com.
5.2.1

Installation of the TwinCAT real-time driver

In order to assign real-time capability to a standard Ethernet port of an IPC controller, the Beckhoff real-time
driver has to be installed on this port under Windows.
This can be done in several ways. One option is described here.
In the System Manager call up the TwinCAT overview of the local network interfaces via Options → Show
Real Time Ethernet Compatible Devices.
EL20xx, EL2124 Version: 5.2
Commissioning
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