TwinCAT MC3: The new multi-core and multi-task solution for motion control

TwinCAT MC3 has a new modular architecture, which maximizes the utilization of the control computer’s CPU performance through its comprehensive multi-core and multi-task support:

Multi-core support
TwinCAT MC3 can be distributed to several CPU cores as required. Movements can be synchronized across all CPU cores in use.

Multi-task support
Axes with different cycle times can be operated on a single CPU core, precisely matching the speeds and tasks of the respective axes. This facilitates optimum utilization of a CPU core, as the fastest axis does not necessarily dictate the clock rate for all axes. The axes of a conveyor belt with a delta picker can thus be operated at a cycle time of 1 ms to ensure that the workpieces are picked up quickly, while the axes for width adjustment of the conveyor belt are operated at a cycle time of 4 ms on the same CPU core.

As with the previous motion control solution, TwinCAT MC3 abstracts the axes into axis objects that separate the hardware from the programming process. This creates hardware independence, the advantages of which can be seen in the following properties:

Independence through axis simulation
Axes can be simulated, with the option to incorporate a combination of real and simulated axes within a project. Switching between the real and simulated axis can be carried out in the configuration with a single click, for both an individual axis and a group of axes. This allows the axes to be programmed without a connection to the hardware and reduces the commissioning time on the real machine.

Independence from the drive system
A wide variety of drive systems, such as servo, stepper, and DC motors, as well as the XTS product transport system, are equally abstracted into axis objects to assure uniform programming. Programming is facilitated by the TwinCAT Tc3_Mc3 library, which offers PLCopen-compliant function blocks that users may recognize from NC2. With TwinCAT MC3, hydraulic axes are now also supported and fully integrated. General programming is carried out using the same PLCopen-compliant function blocks that are used for electric axes. There is also a library with supplementary function blocks for special fluid power functionalities.

Free choice of bus system
TwinCAT is an open control platform that supports the EtherCAT high-performance communication system as well as all other common fieldbus systems.

With TwinCAT MC3, the hydraulics are fully integrated into the TwinCAT environment. TwinCAT MC3 Fluid Power offers manufacturer-independent control of position, speed, and pressure/force. Three drive technologies are supported:

• valve-regulated drives
• pump-controlled drives
• variable-speed drives

MC3 Fluid Power ensures equally deep integration of electrical and hydraulic axes and enables seamless interaction, precise synchronization, and flexible integration across different hardware platforms. With the scalable platform from Beckhoff, TwinCAT MC3 Fluid Power can be used for a wide range of applications, from isolated hydraulic solutions to complete machine control systems.

TwinCAT MC3 Fluid Power simplifies commissioning through the use of hydraulics-specific input parameters, such as cylinder design and pressure sensors, to directly calculate the cylinder force. The library contains an integrated filter function and supports various position encoders (such as EtherCAT, SSI, EnDat^®, analog). It also monitors soft limits and tracking errors to ensure reliable operation. A hydraulically optimized control loop with integrated valve characteristics recording further improves accuracy and control stability.