| | | |

Beckhoff: TwinCAT Controller Redundancy

PB-59-Beckhoff-TwinCATRedundancy-400.jpg

August 22, 2022

Plant availability plays a crucial role in the process industry in particular, so building redundancy into automation technology designs is vital. This is why Beckhoff expanded its extensive range of solutions in this area to also include a software solution for redundant control operation: TwinCAT Controller Redundancy.

While the robust design of the company’s Industrial PCs alone already ensures a high level of availability, Beckhoff is now expanding its product portfolio to check yet another box with TwinCAT Controller Redundancy (TF1100). This entirely software-based solution allows two standard industrial PCs that both run the same PLC program to operate as redundant controllers in just a few easy steps.

An additional, high-performance network connection between the two controllers provides the necessary synchronization. Standard Ethernet is used here, so no dedicated hardware components are required. With minimal effort, this ensures that only one of the two industrial PCs addresses the fieldbus components at any given time, and that the control programs are executed simultaneously on both computers. This synchronicity is the basic prerequisite for changing the primary industrial PC in the event of a fault without losing any information.

Other redundancy methods

In addition to controller redundancy, the well-established EtherCAT Redundancy (TF6220) software protects against failures caused by faulty cable connections. The I/O modules are connected by two separate cables, which should ideally be laid in different locations. While EtherCAT Redundancy addresses communication from the controller to the fieldbus, the TwinCAT Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP, TF6230) now also provides cable redundancy for Ethernet communication according to IEC 62439-3 to higher-level systems such as MES or decoupled HMI systems. The protocol defines a redundant and transparent network connection, which can be monitored and diagnosed in TwinCAT.

Important_Links_Bar.jpg

https://www.beckhoff.com/en-en/company/news/news-detail_424753.html

More Information

 

Related Articles

Network Infrastructure Featured Product Spotlight

PBUS 14 Panduit logo 400

This webinar presented by Beth Lessard and Keith Cordero will be highlighting three Panduit solutions that will optimize network equipment and cabling to ensure that your spaces are efficiently and properly managed to support ever-evolving business needs of today and beyond. Products that will be featured include PanZone TrueEdge Wall Mount Enclsoure, Cable Managers, and Adjustable Depth 4-Post Rack.

REGISTER HERE


Editor’s Pick: Featured Product News

Siemens: SIMOVAC Non-Arc-Resistant and SIMOVAC-AR Arc-Resistant Motor Controllers

The Siemens SIMOVAC medium-voltage non-arc-resistant and SIMOVAC-AR arc-resistant controllers have a modular design incorporating up to two 12SVC400 (400 A) controllers, housed in a freestanding sheet steel enclosure. Each controller is UL 347 class E2, equipped with three current-limiting fuses, a non-load-break isolating switch, and a fixed-mounted vacuum contactor (plug-in type optional for 12SVC400). The enclosure is designed for front access, allowing the equipment to be located with the rear of the equipment close to a non-combustible wall.

Read More


Sponsored Content
Electrify Your Enterprise

Power is vital to production, and well-designed control cabinets are key. Allied Electronics & Automation offers a comprehensive collection of control cabinet solutions including PLCs, HMIs, contactors, miniature circuit breakers, terminal block connectors, DIN-rail power supplies, pushbutton switches, motor starters, overloads, power relays, industrial Ethernet switches and AC drives engineered to keep your operations running safely, reliably and efficiently.

Learn more HERE.


Products for Panel Builders

  • Celduc: New SMQR Quad Series Solid State Relay

    Celduc: New SMQR Quad Series Solid State Relay

    Celduc’s Solid State Relays are designed for industrial applications where fast and long electrical life in switching is required. Celduc has recently launched a new range of Quad AC Output Solid State Relay. With this new SMQR Series you will get four independently controlled AC output Solid State Relays in an industry standard package. With the models… Read More…

  • Brady: M211 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer

    Brady: M211 Portable Bluetooth Label Printer

    Design. Preview. Print. All from your phone. The M211 portable Bluetooth label printer is a tough, compact labeler that belongs on any jobsite. Seamlessly design, preview and print labels right from Brady’s Express Labels Mobile app for iOS and Android. Create custom labels from your phone’s familiar keyboard via ultra strong BLE Bluetooth technology. Maximize… Read More…