Beckhoff TwinCAT, TOPServer OPC and IO Server + 1 Year Support & Maintenance Agreement

The TOP Server Beckhoff TwinCAT Driver provides a communication interface to Beckhoff devices over TwinCAT. This driver provides data exchange between OPC UA, OPC DA, SuiteLink and DDE clients and Beckhoff TwinCAT PLC, BC9xxx Coupler Controller and BX9xxx Coupler Controller software systems using the Beckhoff ADS API. These software systems turn any compatible PC into a real-time controller with a multi-PLC system, NC axis control, programming environment and operating station.

TwinCAT PLC programs can run on PCs or on Beckhoff Bus Terminal Controllers. A message router manages and distributes all the messages, both in the system and via TCP/IP connections. PC systems can be connected with each other via TCP/IP, while Bus Terminal Controllers are integrated via serial interfaces and fieldbuses. The data link to TwinCAT servers always takes place via the message router system. This enables Windows programs not only to work with the local server but also to exchange data with all registered TwinCAT servers worldwide. The message router also ensures that the data exchange to remote servers on other PCs or field equipment can occur.

Many PC fieldbus cards from various manufacturers are supported. It is possible to operate more than one fieldbus card per PC. Master and slave functionality is supported depending on the selected fieldbus card. The fieldbus cards can be configured and diagnosed conveniently via the TwinCAT System Manager. TwinCAT I/O includes the TwinCAT real-time system for operating the fieldbuses and a DLL interface to application programs.

NOTE: Starting with TOP Server V5.13, the Beckhoff TwinCAT Remote Manager Utility and TcAdsDll.dll will no longer be provided as part of the TOP Server install. Users will need to obtain the TwinCAT ADS Communication library from Beckhoff in order to configure successful AMS Remote Connections.