Version 3.1 of TwinCAT provides the user with new and extended functions. Integration in Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 means that the latest version of the software suite can now be used. The source code to control databases such as Microsoft Team Foundation Server or Subversion is available in TwinCAT 3.1, including compare and merge function for all programming languages. Configuration and programming can be generated automatically with the extended automation interface, which is new for the PLC sector.
TwinCAT 3.1 also offers extended possibilities for motion control applications; for example, users can integrate their own transformations conveniently in NC I and CNC.
New Scope 2 functions facilitate the display and analysis of data even over a long period with many new trigger functions. Additional reporting and print functions are available and users benefit from the co-operation with TwinCAT Scope 2, in particular in connection with the Condition Monitoring library.
In addition, the TwinCAT OPC UA implementation has been extended by function blocks. A connection from the PLC to a further OPC UA server can be established directly via the OPC UA channel.
High reusability of software modules
TwinCAT 3 was released in late 2011 to provide users with a modern engineering tool. A TwinCAT 3 application has a completely modular structure for high reusability. The modules can be written in different languages: apart from the IEC 61131, a classic language now extended by object orientation, further languages are available in C/C++ and Matlab/Simulink. In the TwinCAT real-time these modules can be distributed to different cores of a multi-core CPU and can be executed highly deterministically even with the shortest of cycle times.
The release of TwinCAT 3.1 is planned for the 2nd quarter of 2013.
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