With XFC technology Beckhoff achieves fast and highly deterministic control solutions. The technology is based on an optimised control and communication architecture comprising an advanced industrial PC, ultra-fast I/O terminals with extended realtime characteristics, the high-speed Ethernet system EtherCAT, and TwinCAT automation software.
Beckhoff’s XFC technology offers fast I/O response (input – process – output)
With XFC it is possible to realise I/O response times and cycle times of 100 μs or better without having to give up central intelligence and associated high-level algorithms. This technology opens up new process optimisation options for the user that were not possible in the past due to technical limitations. In addition to optimised cycle time, XFC also offers high temporal accuracy and enhanced resolution.
XFC components fall into four categories:
TwinCAT
Fast realtime control software with Microsoft Windows running at down to 50 μs cycle time and using standard IEC 61131-3 programming.
EtherCAT
High speed control communication technology capable of processing distributed digital I/O signals in 30 μs and incorporating advanced realtime features such as synchronisation, time stamping and oversampling based on distributed clocks.
EtherCAT terminals
High speed I/O technology for digital and analog signal processing, supporting time stamping and oversampling to achieve timing resolution down to 10 ns.
Industrial PC
Fast CPU Industrial PC based on high-performance realtime motherboards, built in compact form factors and optimised for control applications.
All XFC components are based on open standards. This means that any engineer or programmer can develop fast, high-performance control solutions with standard components.
Innovative separation of recyclable materials Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A plant built by Belgian specialist machine builder, Absolem Engineering features an innovative process for separating recyclable materials. Using PC-based control from Beckhoff, a major problem has been elegantly solved - the generation of different signal sequences for the exact synchronisation of different camera systems.
Read more...Open control system for retrofit of conveyor control system Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
For every online retailer, warehouse logistics is part of the critical infrastructure. An Australian office equipment supplier has retrofitted the warehouse logistics installation of its central warehouse, and replaced the proprietary decentralised controllers of the conveyor lines with PC-based control from Beckhoff, based on powerful EtherCAT communication.
Read more...PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...Panel PCs for the production floor Vepac Electronics
Industrial Computer Hardware
The TP-5945 is an ideal computing solution for various operations on the production floor. The clean and modern look, coupled with PCAP technology for accurate and responsive touch functionality, enhances the precision and practicality of industrial operations.
Read more...Rugged waterproof box computers Vepac Electronics
Industrial Computer Hardware
Teguar waterproof box computers are constructed with rugged aluminium or stainless steel housing. The aluminium housing acts as a heatsink for efficient, fanless cooling. These computers can be used in a wide variety of applications that require a rugged and compact computer.
Read more...EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Control technology for energy-efficient biogas power plants Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
Reverion’s goal is to help solve two of the biggest problems facing humanity by creating a truly sustainable energy system and removing gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere. The new generation of biogas power plants makes it possible to maximise the potential of biogas, and also benefit from surplus solar and wind energy that would otherwise remain unused.
Read more...PC-based control for waterjets Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice
Control systems are subject to very specific demands from every form of production technology, including waterjet cutting. IGEMS from Sweden set itself the goal of taking this process to a new level in terms of precision and speed, and achieved it with the help of PC-based control.
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