Skip

Light + Building 2026 Contactor – exhibitors, products, contacts

You can find the Interactive Hall Plan 2026 here.

Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Linux®-based real-time control with TwinCAT

Linux®-based real-time control with TwinCAT

Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Description

With the TwinCAT Runtime for Linux®, Beckhoff is opening up new application possibilities for real-time control. In the future, several TwinCAT Runtimes will be able to be executed on a single industrial PC for the first time, enabling users to combine different system parts on one large computer, for example. With this hardware consolidation, computing resources are better utilized. Virtual control technology, i.e. a Virtual PLC, can also be implemented on a server PC with the containerized version of TwinCAT. Furthermore, accessing a GPU (graphics card) from the real-time environment will be possible. The GPU is then used as a hardware accelerator for particularly computing-intensive applications such as vision.

TwinCAT Runtime for Linux® is based on Beckhoff's own Linux distribution, which expands the choice of operating systems in addition to Windows and TwinCAT/BSD. The distribution was developed using the free Debian operating system and includes a Linux® real-time kernel as standard for real-time execution of the runtime. The Debian package system also makes it easy to install additional software. Initially, the new CX82x0 and CX9240 Arm®-based Embedded PCs will be offered with Linux® runtime. The Beckhoff Linux® distribution will then be successively rolled out for all other industrial and embedded PCs.

Features

  • TwinCAT Runtime for stable real-time control based on Linux®
  • modularization of machine and other control applications
  • support for container technology such as Docker®, Podman, or LXC
  • individual execution of several TwinCAT Runtimes on a single industrial PC
  • hardware consolidation through improved utilization of computing capacity
  • freer coupling of software and machine modules
  • Multi-tasking capable operating system facilitates software modularization

Advantages for real-time control

  • new options in TwinCAT automation for Linux® users
  • unchanged application programming with TwinCAT
  • optimized execution of multiple real-time applications using one CPU
  • increased user flexibility through modular control code
  • easy to add or replace application modules
  • targeted implementation of updates for individual applications
  • reduced work and costs for engineering

More products by Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG

ED series

Users have long appreciated Beckhoff's EtherCAT Terminals for their excellent performance, modular scalability, and user-friendliness. The entire portfolio has received a technological upgrade with the ED series: modernized design, tool-free assembly, and app-based diagnostics make signal acquisition more efficient than ever. Existing series remain fully compatible: the user-friendly ED series sets a standard for the future. Product features
  • future-proof platform allows easy implementation with new signals and functions
  • modernized and cost-efficient portfolio that assures backward compatibility
  • push-in wiring connection speeds up installation and simplifies handling
  • consistent form factor facilitates setup, maintenance, and diagnostics
    • overview in the control cabinet via uniformly arranged LEDs
  • app-based diagnostics reduce downtime
    • status monitoring and fault diagnosis via app
  • DMC code on front of terminal ensures fast product identification and traceability
  • fast and familiar EtherCAT communication down to the last terminal

Benefits for your machine designs

  • future-proof investment protection thanks to flexible integration options
    • compatibility with existing EtherCAT Terminals for flexible usage
  • faster installation, commissioning, and maintenance thanks to simplified handling
  • increased availability through simplified maintenance and minimized downtimes
  • simple terminal traceability for quality assurance and spare parts management
  • I/O system can be uniquely adapted to a wide range of machine concepts
    • high scalability according to signal type, number of channels, resolution, and functionality
    • flexible integration of other fieldbus systems through bus coupler and terminals
  • very user-friendly thanks to quick and easy wiring
    • wiring connections can be directly plugged into the terminal
  • high productivity and quality with fast reactions to process events
  • reduce system costs without compromising on performance

More information about Light + Building