Competitive edge in building automation with PC-based control

The PC-based control principle

The PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has proven itself worldwide since 1980 in the widest variety of industries and applications, from the machine controller and the automation of wind turbines to building automation and AV and media technology. What was regarded 40 years ago as an outsider position has developed very quickly into a standard in the automation industry. Innovative product developments that underscored Beckhoff's PC-based control philosophy followed continuously and are regarded today as milestones in automation technology, such as the modular Bus Terminal system, the high-speed fieldbus EtherCAT or the Embedded PC. The basis for the universal usability of the Beckhoff control solution is its modularity, its scalability in terms of power and its openness toward other systems and tools. The PC-based control platform enables the integral and complete automation of all trades: from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to room automation, including lighting, solar protection and window control, and from remote maintenance and energy data acquisition to operation and monitoring. For this purpose, Beckhoff offers an extensive toolkit of hardware and software components, which can be used both in individual trades and across systems. Sturdy Industrial PCs or Embedded Controllers with TwinCAT as the universal automation software virtually form the heart of the controller and integrate PLC, visualization, motion control, safety technology and measurement tasks. The Beckhoff I/O systems log data from all sensors and actuators: from daylight-dependent lighting to facade control, and from the control of heating, ventilation and air conditioning to the control of show lights, sound and projection. EtherCAT, the real-time fieldbus system, provides for the necessary communication speed. Through support for all common protocols and interfaces of media and building technology, the Beckhoff automation platform is able to address all industry-typical devices and systems. Due to the modularity of the system, only a new I/O signal has to be integrated into the terminal segment in the case of a function extension. The programming and configuration of the various trades and their functionalities is carried out with TwinCAT via a uniform software. Various software blocks are available for diagnostic functions and configuration, which greatly simplifies engineering.

Your advantage with PC-based control:

• Cost-effectiveness: from investment to implementation to usage
• Sustainability: with today's technologies for tomorrow's requirements
• Simple networking: all information is available on one platform
• Flexibility: in order to react to users' individual needs, even during use
• High availability: through the use of open standards

EtherCAT I/O Terminals automate any functionality in building services

In 1995, Beckhoff launched the Bus Terminal, which has since become one of the most important technology standards in automation technology. This was followed by the development of the fast EtherCAT communication system in 2003. Launched by Beckhoff as an open system, it became a global standard in automation within a few years. With around 100 signal types, an extensive EtherCAT I/O Terminal portfolio is available to users that is extremely well suited for automating every functionality in building applications in terms of both its performance and variance. The Bus Terminals enable a variety of simple building bus systems such as KNX/EIB, DALI-2, DMX, M-Bus, BACnet MSTP and others to be integrated into the controller. This ensures compatibility and continuity with the existing system. Existing and future investments are protected.

In contrast to the Bus Terminals, in which the fieldbus signal is converted in the Bus Coupler to the internal, fieldbus-neutral terminal bus, the EtherCAT protocol is completely preserved up to the individual terminal with EtherCAT Terminals. The EtherCAT I/Os enable DMX and SMPTE-Timecode to be integrated into the controller. EtherCAT Terminals are used in almost every building automation application.

The universal basic function block for automation

The I/O signals are wired decentralized to fieldbus devices or centrally to the controller. The available vendor-specific fieldbus devices with fixed input/output configurations and design often make it necessary to use an entire group of devices with similar functions. This complex signal acquisition results in high material, installation, design and documentation expenditures as well as high costs for later changes or extensions. Inventory management and service staff are put under unnecessary strain.

The Beckhoff Bus Terminal is an open and fieldbus-neutral I/O system consisting of electronic terminal blocks. The head of an electronic terminal block is the Bus Coupler with the interface to the fieldbus. Bus Couplers are available for all leading fieldbus systems. With the master terminals, fieldbus functionalities are also available in the form of a standard Bus Terminal. This is particularly advantageous for bus systems that are integrated as subsystems into a higher-level system. It means that only one system is required for the subsystem and for the higher-level bus interface. The master terminals are available for the following building bus systems: BACnet MSTP, KNX/EIB, LON, DALI/DALI-2, DMX, MP-bus, M-bus, SMI, EnOcean, Modbus and others.

TwinCAT 3 Building Automation: the comprehensive software package for building automation

In order to make the engineering of applications in building automation as efficient and simple as possible, Beckhoff has developed an extensive construction kit of software tools, libraries and application samples. The basic tool is the free programming environment TwinCAT Engineering (TE1000). It allows free programming according to IEC 61131-3 and provides the system user with maximum flexibility in solving tasks.

The basic functions for the automation of all technical finishing systems of building automation – from simple logic blocks and PID controllers to tracking of the blind slats in relation to the sun's position – are included in the TC3 Building Automation library (TF8040). With the function blocks from the TC3 Building Automation library, system integrators have an extensive portfolio of ready-to-use applications, so-called templates, at their disposal. These are tried-and-tested and well-documented program blocks, ranging from applications in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology to the room automation functions of solar protection and lighting control. They simplify the system integrator's familiarization with the system and ensure a high level of system functionality. This increases the quality of the execution as well as the reusability and maintainability of the programs created. For the integration of the Beckhoff automation stations into a management and control level, communication via BACnet and OPC UA is integrated directly into the templates.

The system operation and parameterization can be carried out on site on the control cabinet via touch panel or remotely by means of an integrated HTML5 web visualization. The web-based visualization solution TwinCAT HMI (TF2000) is ideal for support with commissioning, system parameterization and maintenance. TwinCAT HMI supports all basic operating and monitoring functions of building automation, such as system graphics, alarm and event lists, scheduling and trends.

The BACnet solution from Beckhoff: scalable performance and wide range of functions

The international BACnet standard, which guarantees interoperability in building automation between devices from different manufacturers, is becoming increasingly important and is constantly being supplemented with new functions. TwinCAT BACnet can be used as a universal Ethernet protocol on all PC-based hardware platforms from Beckhoff, right down to the field level. The DIN rail-mountable Embedded PC series CX8191, CX9020, CX51xx the Industrial PCs of the C60xx series and Panel PCs in different display sizes are certified according to the BACnet standard ISO 16484-5 Protocol, Revision 14, and offer a control platform that is precisely scalable in terms of performance. In accordance with AMEV BACnet 2017, the AS-B application profile (extended BACnet functionality) meets the stringent requirements of public and private building operators for the supported BACnet functionality.

With the integration of the BACnet protocol into the TwinCAT System Manager it is possible to efficiently configure I/O Bus Terminals and BACnet devices with a single tool. BACnet servers and clients can be created in a structured manner from the PLC; BACnet properties can be accessed directly from the PLC. These capabilities also enable the efficient implementation of visualization components. Another function is the dynamic creation of BACnet objects, which can be used to create and configure time schedules and trend objects. Distributed clocks can be synchronized with the aid of the supported client and master functions. Also, adjustments to summer and winter time can be carried out automatically by the integrated operating system functionality. Hardware status monitoring has been integrated and is available for BACnet applications without additional effort. Extended alarm and event services, additional "primitive value" object types, improved equipment management and the increased execution performance available with BACnet Revision 14 have been implemented in TwinCAT BACnet and offer further advantages for users. The Beckhoff solution was developed completely in-house, drawing on the profound knowledge of our industry experts.

The efficient way to a DALI-2 lighting solution with simple configuration

With the TF8050 TwinCAT 3 Lighting Solution, Beckhoff has introduced an Excel-configurable lighting solution that focuses on simplifying all work steps from engineering to maintenance. All typical lighting controllers are integrated and the number of DALI lines is unlimited. Beckhoff bus Couplers installed decentrally in the network can be used with extensive lighting systems, which significantly reduces the cabling work. TF8050 also supports features such as remote control via web, the import and export of Excel data or simple maintenance. The Beckhoff lighting solution also includes functions for Human Centric Lighting (HCL) as well as the integration of DALI-2 sensors. All these functions are simple to configure, even without programming knowledge.

The Lighting Solution is fully web and HTML-capable, decentrally scalable and can be operated directly via a multi-touch panel. Fast function changes, addressing and extensions or groupings across DALI lines are directly possible during operation. Daylight-dependent human centric lighting concepts can also be implemented.

The advantages at a glance:

• greatest possible simplification of all work steps for electricians, system integrators, and operators
• easy to configure; also available as a fully configured plug-and-play solution
• easy to expand and maintain
• unlimited number of DALI lines
• grouping across DALI lines
• fully web and HTML-capable
• hardware-independent
• locally scalable
• includes all typical lighting controls

Embedded Controller certified for BACnet/IP

BACnet (Building Automation Control Network) is a standardized, manufacturer-independent communication protocol for building automation. Areas of application include HVAC, lighting control, safety and fire alarm technology.

The CX8191 is a compact DIN rail-mountable Ethernet control system with an ARM Cortex™-A9, 800 MHz CPU. The BACnet or OPC UA protocols can be operated via the switched Ethernet fieldbus interface. Alternatively, K-bus or E-bus terminals can be series-connected; the CX automatically detects which system is connected during the start-up phase. The controller is programmed with TwinCAT 3 via the Ethernet interface.

In conjunction with the BACnet-MS/TP terminal EL6861, the CX8191 can also act as a router to MS/TP networks. Several MS/TP networks are possible. Moreover, additional protocols and services such as OPC UA, MQTT or Modbus TCP/RTU can be operated. The CX8191 is therefore an almost universal device that can be used very flexibly from control tasks to gateway functions.

The compact, high-performance controller for automation and visualization tasks in the building

The CX9020 Embedded PC is ideal for small to medium-sized projects in the field of building automation. With its wide range of communication options, it is ideally suited for use in the HVAC, room automation and media technology systems. The CX9020 can be used in many areas of building automation due to its support for BACnet, OPC UA, MQTT and Modbus TCP/IP as well as the connection of a wide range of subsystems at the Bus Terminal level, such as BACnet MSTP, KNX/EIB, LON, DALI/DALI-2, DMX, MP-Bus, M-Bus, SMI, EnOcean and Modbus. In combination with the TF8050 lighting solution, the high-performance small controller can be used to illuminate entire halls. In room automation, the CX9020 with the building automation software TwinCAT 3 Building Automation (TF8040) could possibly be used as a controller for the shading, lighting and air conditioning of some rooms. Connections to the media controller are also conceivable.

CX51xx as a high-performance building controller

The high-performance CX51xx Embedded PC – in conjunction with the TwinCAT 3 Building Automation software (TF8040) – is the optimal control platform for the automation of buildings with many data points. With the CX51xx series, the user obtains a very high-performance BACnet controller, which can easily process more than 2000 BACnet objects. Of course, the CX also provides all other connection options, such as OPC UA, MQTT and Modbus TCP at the IP level, as well as a wide range of interfaces for the integration of subsystems such as BACnet MSTP, KNX/EIB, LON, DALI/DALI-2, DMX, MP-Bus, M-Bus, SMI, EnOcean and Modbus at the Bus Terminal level.

A DVI-I interface allows the CX51xx to be connected to a Beckhoff panel for operation and monitoring. The performance class of the CX51xx allows an HMI to run in addition to the PLC. The media world can also be integrated superbly with the common protocols via TwinCAT 3. This gives the user a controller that covers the entire spectrum in the building, from the control of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to room automation and from energy measurement to the cloud connection.

CX7000: the variably usable small controller in the building

The CX70xx Embedded PC is ideal for implementing small stand-alone solutions in the building, such as a small ventilation system. The CX7000 is also ideally suited for room automation. With its eight integrated multifunction inputs and four multifunction outputs, it is a very inexpensive compact controller. Of course, the CX7000 can be flexibly extended by all Bus and EtherCAT Terminals, so that subsidiary bus systems such as KNX/EIB, LON, DALI/DALI-2, DMX, MP-Bus, M-Bus, SMI, EnOcean and Modbus can also be connected.

Extremely space-saving, flexibly expandable and sturdy: the new generation of ultra-compact Industrial PCs

Launched with the C6015, the series of ultra-compact Industrial PCs has positioned itself extremely successfully on the market due to its flexible application possibilities. As a sturdy control cabinet IPC with an Intel^® Atom™ CPU with up to four cores and a clock speed of 1.91 GHz, the C6015 is suitable for automation, visualization and communication tasks. Its small dimensions of 82 x 82 x 40 mm and the flexible mounting options make the fanless multi-core PC the ideal controller for applications with high performance requirements and minimal mounting space in almost all areas of building automation. The C6015 is certified for BACNet/IP and is a powerful controller for HVAC systems. It is also ideal for use as an edge device for compressing and collecting data and makes the building controller IoT-capable.

The C6017 multi-core computer, which measures just 82 mm x 82 mm x 66 mm, adds a variant to the family with additional optional interfaces. Due to its high computing power and fanless design, the C6025 is particularly suitable for demanding control applications that also take into account the aspect of green IT. The basis for this is the Intel^® Core™ i U processor, which consumes significantly less power. The C6030 offers advantages such as low space requirements, universal usability and flexible mounting, even for complex applications with the highest performance requirements. The C6032 has a further board level for modular interface and function extensions. The use of compact PCIe modules allows it to be perfectly adapted to the respective application and requirement profile in the building automation.

BC9191 room controller: covers all standard functions

The BC9191 room controller integrates various automation functions in a single module and thus represents a compact and efficient solution in the price-sensitive field of room control. Pre-installed standard functionalities cover all necessary functions for room control, thus simplifying commissioning. In addition to integrated I/O signals and a sub bus connection for room control units, the BC9191 has a K-bus interface and thus enables modular extension using Beckhoff Bus Terminals. Changes to room automation functions are possible in the TwinCAT development environment and save complex rewiring, as would be the case with wired controllers. As a freely programmable Ethernet controller the BC9191 can also be used as decentralized intelligence and thus offers the user the greatest possible flexibility in the construction of system-spanning, energy-efficient room automation.

Connection of up to 64 DALI control gears and DALI-2 sensors (input devices)

The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) is a simple bus system for building automation that transmits the signals for the digital operation of lighting devices. The lighting, sensor, button and switching elements are wired in parallel, and are linked through the controller. Other actuators, such as heating control valves or the motors for operating blinds are increasingly being put under digital control.

DALI offers the following advantages:

• An inexpensive interface with simple installation
• Fully digital switching of lamps and similar equipment
• All well-known electronic control gear manufacturers support DALI and DALI-2

The KL6821 DALI/DALI-2 Multi-master and Power Supply Terminal allows the connection of up to 64 DALI/DALI-2 slaves and 64 DALI-2 sensors (input devices). The KL6821 is integrated into the Beckhoff Bus Terminal system as a normal Bus Terminal and is therefore fieldbus-independent. The higher-level Bus Coupler transfers the data from the DALI master terminal to the controller. The DALI power supply unit integrated in the KL6821 supplies the DALI bus. No further components are required for the operation of the DALI line.

Universal dimmer with integrated diagnostics

The dimmer bus terminals with a rated power of up to 300 VA (W) for KL2751 and 600 VA (W) for KL2761 are designed for the direct connection of various lighting devices, such as incandescent lamps as well as inductive and electronic control gears. The lighting devices are detected and controlled in the correct operation mode. Integrated diagnostics indicate the operating states by means of LEDs and make the status data available via the bus system. The electronic dimmer is extremely compact and is equipped with automatic load detection.

Integrated energy consumption measurement in building automation

Energy efficiency plays an important role in building automation. In order to save costs, energy consumption must be reduced and processes optimized. For the energy management of buildings and plants, it is necessary to record the consumptions of water, electricity and heat at the shortest possible intervals. For the support of cost-optimizing energy management systems, Beckhoff's PC-based control offers the possibility to monitor, measure and analyze energy data via a monitoring system that is completely integrated in the standard controller. Specific I/O components allow the high-precision and transparent acquisition of all energy data in a building. The data are processed and analyzed by the TwinCAT control software. Saving potential can be fully exploited, thereby creating the basis for DIN EN ISO 50001 compliance. With a broad portfolio of Bus Terminals and EtherCAT Terminals for energy management, Beckhoff provides suitable technology for the ongoing monitoring of power consumption as well as for the detailed consumption analysis.

Beckhoff terminals for direct current measurement:

• EL3403 and KL3403 3-phase power measurement 500 V AC
• EL3413 3-phase power measurement 690 V AC
• EL3773 high-end grid analysis

Terminals for the indirect measurement (metering) of heat, gas, and water:

• KL6401 LON Bus Terminal
• KL6781 M-Bus master terminal
• EL6224, KL6224 IO-Link master terminals
• EL1xxx/KL1xxx digital input terminals (acquisition of pulse outputs)

Compact M-Bus solution makes special hardware unnecessary

Beckhoff is expanding its range of power measurement terminals with the KL6781 M-Bus master terminal: electricity, water, gas or energy meters with M-Bus interface are simply integrated in the fieldbus-independent Bus Terminal system, making external M-Bus gateways unnecessary. The KL6781 M-Bus master terminal in a compact 12 mm housing allows the direct connection of up to 40 M-Bus devices, each with a current consumption of 1.5 mA. To connect additional devices, another KL6781 can simply be introduced in the Bus Terminal segment. The M-Bus master terminal converts the data from the internal terminal bus into M-Bus-compliant physics. 24 bytes of data per terminal are available for this purpose. The TwinCAT PLC M-Bus software library, which is available free of charge, simplifies the integration of M-Bus devices from numerous manufacturers through predefined profiles.

Integration of the KNX/EIB building bus system into the Beckhoff controller

The KNX/EIB Bus Terminal KL6301 connects the KNX/EIB bus system to the Beckhoff Bus Terminal system. The KL6301 offers the possibility to exchange any data with KNX/EIB devices. The ETS software is not required for configuring the KL6301. It is configured and parameterized via TwinCAT function blocks (IEC 61131-3).

Blind terminals simplify the shading of buildings

Solar protection plays an increasingly important role in today's climate conditions and the focus on energy saving. Beckhoff offers a comprehensive component portfolio for blind control. The KL2722 bus terminal with internal locking logic is suitable for standard applications such as blinds or venetian blinds with a 230 V drive. The KL2602 is available for roller shutter drives. Many functions can be realized in combination with the function blocks from the Beckhoff TF8040 software for building automation. Beckhoff's portfolio includes the KL2532 for very small motors in the range from 24 - 48 V DC. The KL2552 is suitable for very precise louver adjustment; it allows the additional connection of encoders. Current measurement is integrated in both terminals. The Beckhoff range includes the KL2284 for standard DC motors – a low-cost solution for operating four DC motors.

SMI master terminals for direct connection to the standard motor interface (SMI)

The KL6831 and KL6841 SMI master terminals allow direct connection to the SMI bus system, simplifying the automation of blinds and solar protection devices. In combination with intelligent energy and lighting management, the slats can be positioned to the precise degree and tracked according to the position of the sun. The SMI drives can return actual positions, error messages and service information to the SMI master terminal. Up to 16 drives can be connected to an SMI master terminal. The KL6831 is suitable for LoVo SMI devices. The KL6841 is used to connect 230 V AC SMI devices.

1-channel BACnet MS/TP Interface

The EL6861 serial interface enables the connection of BACnet MS/TP devices (master-slave/token passing) via an RS485 interface. Up to 32 MS/TP devices can be connected – and up to 64 if using ultra-low power transceivers. Use the EL6861 interface only in combination with TwinCAT and CX9020 as a minimum, since the BACnet MS/TP driver integrated in TwinCAT implements the communication via the MS/TP protocol (BACnet Revision 12). The configuration is also done in TwinCAT.

The following devices are typically connected to the EL6861:

• frequency converters
• pumps
• drives (especially valve drives)
• room control units
• compact controllers (e.g., volume flow regulators)

The MP-Bus master terminal enables direct connection of MP-Bus slave devices. The MP-Bus was developed by Belimo for connecting valves, throttle valves, air valves, fire dampers and for window ventilation systems. Up to 16 field devices – eight drives and eight sensors – can be connected to the KL6771. Process data exchange is fieldbus-independent. Several KL6771 Bus Terminals can be connected to the same Bus Coupler or Bus Terminal Controller.

The EnOcean master terminal receives signals from battery-less sensors or sends data to actuators. With a radio signal range of at least 30 m, the wiring of buildings can be simplified significantly. The KL6581 EnOcean master terminal is the link between the KL6583 EnOcean transmitter and receiver modules and the application. Up to eight KL6583 EnOcean transmitters and receivers may be connected to one KL6581 EnOcean master terminal. The EnOcean data are transmitted via the corresponding fieldbus system or the controller. The KL6583 modules are connected to the KL6581 via two wires for the power supply and two wires for the data bus that transmits the EnOcean telegrams. The maximum total length of the data bus is 500 m.

Integration of LON networks into a PC-based building automation system

Beckhoff supports the international LON standard with the KL6401. LON is a local sensor/actuator network in which the devices communicate directly with one another via network variables (SNVTs). It is typically used for cross-subsection networking within building automation, preferably in purpose-built buildings. A LON network consists of up to 32,000 intelligent network nodes. Its modular structure allows for flexible changes and redesigns.

Control of DMX devices via the DMX master terminal

DMX is the standard protocol for controlling professional stage and effect lighting equipment. This is used, for example, for the dynamic lighting of showrooms and salesrooms as well as for exclusive plays of light and color in prestigious buildings, such as hotels and event centers. Color mixing and brightness values are transmitted to DMX devices that are static light sources, while moving sources of light also receive spatial coordinates. EtherCAT’s high data transfer rate enables light settings to be updated at a higher rate, with the result that changes of light and color are perceived by the eye as being more harmonious. With the EL6851, DMX devices with three axes such as scanners, moving heads or spotlights can be controlled. In addition, the EL6851 can also be used to drive the RDM (Remote Device Management) protocol. RDM is an extension of the DMX protocol and enables addressing and parameterization of devices. TwinCAT offers associated libraries.

Connection of DMX controllers

DMX is the standard protocol for controlling professional stage and event equipment, such as that used for the dynamic lighting of showrooms and salesrooms, as well as for exclusive plays of light and color in prestigious buildings such as hotels and event centers. In addition to the EL6851 DMX master terminal for controlling DMX slaves, Beckhoff offers a way to connect DMX consoles (or other DMX master forms) with the EL6851-0010 DMX slave terminal. In this way, any DMX console can be integrated as an operating unit for the Beckhoff controller. The control via a DMX console can also be connected with other forms of controllers, such as an HMI or control panels.The EL6851-0010 DMX slave terminal allows the input data of the DMX console to be linked to any other signals in the control system by the Beckhoff controller. Non-DMX-capable devices, such as DALI lamps or Bus Terminals, can also be addressed via the DMX console In addition to the EL6851-0010 DMX slave terminal. Beckhoff also offers the integration of light consoles via sACN, Art-Net™, PosiStageNet or OSC.

Maximum flexibility for proven and new operating concepts with multi-touch

The new Beckhoff Panel generation with industry-standard multi-touch displays offers the right solution for any application. The wide model variety ranges from different display sizes and formats to custom models. For single-touch users, the new panel generation also offers excellent value for money and a smart alternative to other systems.

Highlights:

• display sizes from 7-inch to 24-inch (16:9, 5:4, 4:3)
• landscape and portrait mode
• multi-touch (PCT): e.g., for 5-finger or 2-hand touch operation
• high touch-point density for safe operation
• high-quality aluminum housing, milled from a solid block
• metal perimeter protection for the display front
• built-in or mounting arm models
• Control Panel with CP-Link 4 or DVI/USB-Extended technology
• Panel PCs with CPUs from Intel^® Atom™ to Core™ i7
• optional electromechanical push-button extension

Inexpensive and powerful: the Panel PC for the control and visualization of buildings

The CP6606 Panel PC enables the control and visualization of all building functions. As a cost-saving but high-performance built-in Panel PC from the "Economy" series, the CP6606 takes over both the control of HVAC systems and the visualization. The display size of 7 and 10.1 inches is large enough for the local operation and monitoring of the systems. EtherCAT support can be used to connect the required I/O terminals and subsidiary bus systems to the Panel PC. The second Ethernet port can be used to connect the Panel PC to other systems and the BMS, such as BACnet/IP or the OPC UA protocol.

The fast way to an individual HMI

TwinCAT HMI makes consistent use of widely used IT standards such as HTML5, JavaScript and CSS. Through the integration of a fully graphical editor with an extensive toolbox in the familiar TwinCAT 3 engineering environment, it is possible to create extensive visualizations with little effort. Customer-specific functions that are not part of the visualization toolkit can be implemented using the IT standards mentioned above or via higher-level programming languages. The visualizations created are platform-independent and responsive on the client side. The powerful underlying architecture makes numerous application scenarios possible: from local panel solutions to multi-client, multi-server and multi-runtime configurations.

Instead of using proprietary systems, Beckhoff relies on IT standards:

• Visual Studio^® for engineering
• HTML5 for design
• TLS for secure communications
• the user interface runs on any HTML5-enabled browser – regardless of operating system, resolution or display

Easy engineering: easily and securely into the cloud with Beckhoff IoT

The integration of IoT into the standard controller via TwinCAT IoT is just as suitable for new projects as it is for retrofit tasks. The IoT connection can be realized either via the Beckhoff controller or to a third-party controller – or even without a controller at all via the Beckhoff IoT coupler. Standardized protocols such as AMQP, MQTT and OPC UA are available for simple and secure communication with the cloud. The TwinCAT IoT Communicator app allows direct mobile access to TwinCAT process data. The complete data acquisition in synchronization with the cycle takes place via TwinCAT Analytics and enables, for example, the predictive maintenance of plants. With the cross-subsection PC-based building controller from Beckhoff, system integrators can shorten the engineering process, react more quickly to changes of plan and integrate or retrofit the connection of a private or public cloud directly into the standard controller via TwinCAT IoT. The integration of a cloud connection into the controller gives building operators fast, flexible access to all recorded energy consumption data from any location and at any time. Clear trend recordings form the basis for improved energy management in the smart building. Buildings of a similar size and type of use can be compared with one another in a performance benchmark. With the help of any end device, such as a smartphone, tablet, notebook or desktop PC, the systems can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Unusual events in the operating sequence, such as a sharp increase in water consumption, can be reported to the operator as an alarm. In this way, a pipe breakage can be detected at an early stage and consequential damage can be avoided.

Beckhoff supports the OPC UA as an integrated communication platform

OPC UA is gaining importance at all levels of the automation pyramid: scalability ranges from the small 15 KB footprint in embedded sensors to the ERP level in the case of SAP and the cloud. OPC UA has its origins in automation technology, but is neutral and is therefore increasingly used as a universal communication platform in the areas of building automation and smart metering. OPC UA provides platform independence from the operating system and the language as well as scalability from the sensor to the ERP/cloud level. Security-by-Design provides security concepts with user authentication, message signing and the encryption of transferred user data already in the OPC UA stack. It is precisely the specification of information models that makes OPC UA interesting for other organizations. They can organize their existing objects in the UA namespace, i.e. defining "What is being communicated?", while OPC UA regulates the secure transport and access rights in terms of "How will communication take place?"