What a pleasure to watch a video with an entrepreneur like Martin who really understands what he is talking about, speaks simply and without spewing unnecessary jargon or buzzwords! Congratulations on this interview, Realpars!
Hi Cassio, What a great compliment! Thanks a lot for sharing that with us. Thanks for your support, great to hear that you have been enjoying it! Happy learning!
The man single handedly rescued a big part of my master thesis because he does a lot of support work and i have never programmed anything like a plcnext before. 5 star guy
Real Pars has such amazing content! Im currently going to school for engineering and I enjoy watching all this videos to further my knowledge. Keep up the great work guys!
Hi Nick, Thanks a lot for your kind compliment! We are always extremely happy to hear such positive feedback! If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. Happy learning!
Thanks RealPars and Martin for the video. Having recently just started looking into this space for household automation and small machine shops, it surprised me how inflexible and 'anti-integration' many of the industrial based PLC offerings were. Great to see some companies making an effort to change that!
I feel sad because I graduated now and missed watching your channel for a long time. super interesting channel and you are a great team. hope you the best.
Thanks for giving Martin Boers a platform to talk about the PLCNext and answer questions. I've been curious about it for a little while and it's nice to get a different perspective than just the marketing videos. Respectfully, Shahpour, I want to suggest a few changes to your interview style. You often interrupt Martin as soon as you know what he's going to say, then explain in your own words. I thought that really interrupted the flow of the interview, and I kept finding myself wondering what else Martin was going to say. Do explain things in different words to clarify. Don't stop Martin from explaining. Similarly, you often say "yes" loudly every 5 seconds while Martin is talking. That's also disruptive.
JavaScript: on the client, on the server, and now on the PLC! I really, really love the fact that this exists (ecause of Rust/C++ not because of js, ha!). Maybe I'll finally get into PLCs! Now go get all those Arduino people hooked on this!
I know how you feel ... I have been waiting 25 years for a PLC like this ... If you are are interested in Rust and C++, you could dip your toe in the water using the Sample Runtime series of articles on Github. (github.com/PLCnext/SampleRuntime). This walks you through your first C++ "Hello World" application for PLCnext Control, and then builds from there. We are planning a similar series for Rust, for C# (using .NET core), and for Python.
Rust can do everything, Server + Client(webassembly) + Realtime +deterministic + Safe memory. It's the perfect language for such controllers. On top of Linux + Preempt_RT patch. I like it. Two network interfaces that are the future are: OPC-UA TSN and DDS-TSN. Regarding GUI in embedded (and as website) it will be Flutter from Google which will the standard for embedded systems in the future.
Hi Albert, Thanks a lot for your kind compliment! We are always extremely happy to hear such positive feedback! If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. Happy learning!
I second this question! Also, does one have full access to the underlying Linux OS tools (iptables etc) to support firewalling and network segmentation via VLANs (i.e. 802.1q tagging/trunking) etc?
Thanks for a great question. PLCnext Technology is developed according to the international standard IEC 62443-4 "Security for industrial automation and control systems". Here are some areas where security features have been implemented in PLCnext Control: - Operating System components: Bootloader, Syslog-ng, SSH, Open SSL, Firewall nf-tables, etc. - Hardware design with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to store manufacturer's roots of trust . - Secure communication: SFTP, VPN, NTP, HTTPS, TLS, etc. - Role-based user management via web-based management . - Firewall configuration via web-based management . - Certificate handling; Crypto store via web-based management . - Firmware update via web-based management . - VPN via Linux configuration files . - Built-in OPC UA server with security support.
I can't afford one of these marvelous machines, but it does solve a major design problem I have. The only solution I've seen! I know we're talking well over $10,000.00 each and I need 3. I'm not saying it's not worth it. I'm saying I don't have anywhere near that kind of money.
The PLCnext has a dual-core processor, does this mean that the PLC application runs on one core of the PLCnext and for example a .net core framework on the other processor core? So for example, if a program in the .net core framework gets stuck due an unlimited while loop, will that affect the PLC program and get the PLC application crashed? Or will they run separately due the dual-core processor and will not affect each other? Kind regards, Bart Minten Research internship PLCnext
Hi Bart, thanks for your question. The dual core processor can be used purely within the IEC-61131 programming context, so that different IEC tasks can be scheduled to run on different cores. Outside the PLCnext runtime, applications like .NET core apps usually don't affect the PLC program, even if the .NET app gets stuck due to a problem like you describe, and even if the .NET app is running on the same core as the PLC program. The reason is that the Linux OS with Preemt-RT patch will always interrupt lower-priority processes (like .NET core apps) in favour of real-time processes (like the PLC program), even if the .NET app is stuck in an endless loop. So while you can use a multi-core processor to spread processing load and run tasks in parallel, you won't need to worry about rogue apps on one core affecting the PLC program running on the same core. I hope this answers your question.
Hi Martin great explanation at all, but unfortunately I have one thing missed. Are you going to deliver as well a pure Software Controller as PLCNext. Means a PLCNext as hardware independent Software PLC?
Hi Alexander, thanks for the feedback. As you may know, we already have hardware independent software PLC products for IEC 61131 programming (PC WORX SRT and PC WORX RT). We have had requests for the PLCnext Runtime to be made available as a hardware independent package, which I believe is a long-term aim of the development team, however this is probably still some way in the future.
We release PLC firmware updates at least once each quarter, so new features are always being added - including new communication protocols. Apart from Profinet, the AXC F 2152 firmware currently includes Ethernet/IP device functionality. Interbus support is added using a left-side extension module (similar to the Ethernet module shown in the video). There are also plans for a left-side Profibus extension module. Support for other protocols can be added using function block libraries from the PLCnext Store - e.g. Modbus/TCP, Modbus/RTU and CANbus. Then, using open-source libraries and the appropriate Software Development Kit (SDK), pretty much any other Ethernet-based communication protocol stack can be added, if required. EtherCAT is on the PLCnext Control firmware development roadmap, but I don't have up-to-date information on when this will be available.
Hi Jorge, Thanks for your comment! Phoenix Contact does not manufacture or sell robots, so I am afraid we are not the best people to answer this question. I understand that most industrial robots include some sort of embedded controller, which is usually programmed using proprietory software, and which usually has an industrial communication interface (e.g. Profinet) that allows data transfer and/or supervisiory control from other industrial systems like PLCs and HMIs. I am sorry that I am not able to give a more detailed answer to this question.
@@realpars no problem! You gave me an idea where to start to Search. Anyway, I take this moment to congrats you for the excellent content you make, totally worth it. I'm so happy to fallow this account. Thank for share! Greetings from Mexico
Python 3.x can be installed on the PLC's Linux operating system. In fact, at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Nürnberg in November, we will be showcasing a "Craft Beer" controller, which controls the beer brewing process using a Python application running on an AXC F 2152 PLCnext Control. Plug & Play & Prost !
Thanks for this video... I love to develop my self with someone developing it self... Like realpars I love seeing realpars develop day after day because develop of realpars it my develop... And I have request of adding a new library on (robot arm and knimatic motion control) best regards
Hi Charl, that's a great question. I think that text-based programming has some acceptance already. The most important thing is to be able to choose the most suitable programming language for a specific task. As much as I prefer text-based languages, there have been projects where Ladder, or Function Block Diagram, or SFC have simply been the best choice. On the other hand, there are some functions (e.g. string handling, array iteration, etc.) that are more suited to a text-based language. With PLCnext Control, these options now include languages from the IT world - including C/C++ and C#. So, it is up to automation engineers like us to choose the best language for the task, and then show our colleagues and customers that we have made the right choice by doing a great job. Then, acceptance will follow. :-)
@@MartinBoers great response Martin and great interview. It was a pleasure listening to your explanations. Question, is there a way to use the PLCNEXT controller platform to controll Allen-Bradley VFDs? Do you haves have coms already created that can be imported to the project?
@@darthenx2585 Thank you for your kind comments. There is nothing specific for Allen-Bradley VFDs built-in to PLCnext Engineer or PLCnext Control devices generally, but since PLCnext Control devices are Profinet Controllers, then any device with a Profinet device (slave) interface and a GDSML file can be integrated into a PLCnext Engineer project. It is also possible to integrate Profibus, Modbus/TCP, and Modbus/RTU devices (for example), but Profinet would be the best choice in this case. I expect that Allen-Bradley VFDs (like most other VFDs) have the option of a Profinet interface.
Hi Josh, thanks for the question. Unfortunately PLCnext Engineer software can currently only be run on Windows. I don't know of any plans to make it available on other platforms. The PLCnext Software Development Kits - which allow you to build native applications for PLCnext Control platforms - are available for Linux and Windows hosts. It is possible to install and run the Codesys runtime on PLCnext Control devices. I am not sure if the Codesys engineering software runs on macOS, but if so then that might be an option.
Integrating IEC programming with general programming is nice but that would complicate the T/S process. The technicians would have to be knowledgeable in both kinds of programming. Not a bad thing, but that would require the workesr to be more well verse.
Thanks for the interesting comment. This could also be a problem even when limited to IEC-61131 languages - technicians who are comfortable with programs written in Ladder Logic might not be so comfortable with programs written in Structured Text, for example. The opportunity to use even more programming languages like C++ and C# raises similar issues. This is one of the factors that should be considered when choosing which language(s) to use on a project - i.e. what is the skill set of the people who will maintain the software?
Thanks for your comment and question, Raj! This will actually make for a great future video course, I will happily go ahead and pass this on to our team as a topic suggestion.
Hi Rahul, thanks for the question. Automation devices from most manufacturers include one or more industry-standard communication interfaces, whether it be Profinet, Modbus/TCP or OPC UA. PLCnext Control supports most of the major communications protocols (with more on the way), so it should be possible to communicate with most third-party devices. If you ever want to check the compatibility of PLCnext Control with specific products or communication protocols, please post a question on the PLCnext Community Forum (www.plcnext-community.net) and we will be happy to advise.
Rahul, based on what I see in the PLCNext catalog, Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Interbus interfaces are easily integrated in addition to OPC UA. Martin indicated the web address of the PLCNext Community Forum, which is a great place to learn more about different aspects of the PLCNext product.
@@MartinBoers Universal I/O's are I/O modules that you can configure their ports into any type of IO you require, Honeywell has developed such modules.
@@bibo92004 Ah, OK, I understand. The next major firmware release for PLCnext Control (due November 2019) will include support for a new type of Axioline I/O module, which has some similar features to those types of universal modules. These new I/O modules will be launched at the SPS/IPC/Drives exhibition in Nürnberg, so keep an eye out for them on our website during November.
Hi Christi, I don't think NI has ported LabView to a PLCnext Control platform, but if LabView source code or compatible binaries are publicly available (?), then anyone is free to give it a try.
Hello Andrew, thanks for the question. There is an I/O module in the Axioline range that supports digital input signals with a frequency of up to 300 kHz - just search our website (www.phoenixcontact.com) for part number 2688093. Feel free to ask more detailed questions about this or anything else PLCnext-related on the PLCnext Community Forum (www.plcnext-community.net).
Great question. PLCnext Control runs a Phoenix Contact runtime by default, but it is an open platform ... so you can replace the default runtime with the Codesys runtime, if you prefer. Visit the Codesys page in the PLCnext Store for more details: www.plcnextstore.com/#/48
@@MartinBoers thanks for the feedback. Can you provide some information on the plc next programming software? Is it like previous software from Phoenix in the sense that the license is free?
@@jeffhuff1000 There is more information on PLCnext Engineer in the PLCnext Community, here: www.plcnext-community.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=294&Itemid=372&lang=en That page has a link to the software download, and some "getting started" videos that you can follow along with. PLCnext Engineer is free, but there are some paid add-ons for advanced features - for example, a licence is required to unlock the Functional Safety programming features. But 99+% of applications for the AXC F 2152 can be completed with the free development tools.
Python can be installed on the PLC's Linux operating system. In fact, at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Nürnberg in November, we will be showcasing a "Craft Beer" controller, which controls the beer brewing process using a Python application running on an AXC F 2152 PLCnext Control.
No. The PLCNext starter kits come with a CPU, so programs can be run inside the hardware processor. Phoenix Contact has not yet developed a simulator for its processors. Stay tuned!
Hi Teguh, Thanks for your comment! Yes, the programming software is free! (You can download it here) marketplace.realpars.com/products/starter-kit-plcnext-technology-starterkit-1188165?_pos=1&_sid=f1ae43540&_ss=r Happy learning!
@@gunjanonutube Not at the moment, I'm afraid. There is talk of releasing an emulator, but I don't know when (or if) that will happen. That would certainly be very nice for our CI workflow. For now you will need to test your software on the target hardware.
@@MartinBoers What is the hardware specification? Which processor, how much memory and sd card capacity? moreover can we run your IEC61131 runtime on some other hardware?
@@gunjanonutube AXC F 2152: ARM® Cortex®-A9 2x 800 MHz with 512 Mbyte DDR3 SDRAM. RFC 4072S: Intel® Core™ i5-6300U 2x 2.4 GHz for Standard functions, with ARM® CortexR-A9 800 MHz & ARM® Cortex™-A8 600 MHz processors for Safety functions. Both have a pluggable SD card slot (currently 2GB and 8GB SD card options). Full hardware specifications are on the product pages on our website - just search for "AXC F 2152" or "RFC 4072S". At the moment it is not possible to run the IEC61131 runtime on third-party hardware platforms ... it is baked into the custom firmware for each PLCnext Control platform.
You are right, it is very cool. The AXC F 2152 has a dual-core ARM processor, and the RFC 4072S has a dual-core i5 processor. You can utilise this in your PLCnext Engineer project, by scheduling tasks to run in parallel on each of the two cores. In this case, the "Global Data Space" (part of the PLCnext runtime) takes care of data synchronisation and consistency when variables are accessed by programs running in parallel. For the IT developers using C/C++, Rust, etc. on a PLCnext Control, it is of course possible for a program to spawn worker threads from the main program, like you would on any other standard Linux platform.
You do not need to pay for any of the basic PLCnext Control software development products, including PLCnext Engineer, Software Development Kits (SDKs), or the programming extensions for Eclipse IDE (C++), for Microsoft Visual Studio (C#), and for Matlab Simulink. There are some paid add-ons for advanced features - for example, a licence is required to unlock the Functional Safety programming features in PLCnext Engineer. But 99+% of applications for the AXC F 2152 can be completed with the free development tools.
I guess you mean to be accepted as an engineer in a job? well then it depends on the country's laws, some allow companies to recruit however they want, some require a few months or even weeks of training and some require a formal collage degree.
Martin, what would you consider to be the strengths/differentiators of PLCNext compared to conceptually similar offerings such as: Brainbox RevolutionPi Ardbox, etc?
As per my question regarding similar projects, how open is PLCNext in terms of commodity off the shelf hardware replacement/upgrades for 'the smarts'? Does PLCNext utilise standard form factor motherboards, standard single board computer / SOC offerings etc?
@@TheMadMagician87 I am not very familiar with the other products you mentioned. I am sure they each have their strengths, so it is up to a systems integrator to understand the features of all these products and select the most suitable one for each application. In saying that, for anyone considering PLCnext Control, here is a list of some features (mentioned in the video) that we are quite proud of: - Operating System: PLCnext Control is based on a standard Linux kernel with the PREEMPT-RT patch. So developers can interact directly with a familiar Linux OS, while also having the deterministic, real-time capability of a traditional PLC. - Security as standard: PLCnext Control is developed according to the international standard IEC 62443-4 "Security for industrial automation and control systems". - Each PLCnext Control platform has a corresponding Software Development Kit (SDK) that can be used by C/C++ developers to build their own PLCnext Control applications in the IDE of their choice. And the SDK can be used to cross-compile open-source projects and run them on PLCnext Control - this opens up a huge world of possibilities for extending the function of a PLCnext Control. - Multiple programming languages in one project - including traditional PLC languages like Ladder, but also languages from the IT world like C++ and C#. And Matlab Simulink models can also be included in PLCnext Control projects and executed in real time. - Local I/O: The AXC F 2152 PLCnext Control can be expanded with up to 63 I/O modules attached directly to the CPU. This includes any combination of digital, analog, serial, IO-Link, and many other function modules. A single digital I/O module can have up to 32 channels, so this allows for a huge number of local I/O connected directly to the CPU. - Remote I/O: Every PLCnext Control has a Profinet IO controller built in. Profinet is a real-time fieldbus standard that is designed for industrial applications. - Safety: The RFC 4072S PLCnext Control (shown in the video) includes a functional safety controller for safety applications up to SIL3 or PLe. - PLCnext Store: PLCnext Store apps can be downloaded directly to the PLC, as easily as apps for your smart phone. - PLCnext Community: there is an active and vibrant community where users of PLCnext Technology share their ideas, experiences and success stories. ... and last but not least - industrial strength! - Operating temperature range: -25 °C to +60 °C up to 2000 m above mean sea level - Shock: 30g, 11 ms period, half-sine shock pulse, according to IEC 60068-2-27 - Vibration (operation): 5g Hope this helps!
Hi Kennedy, Thanks for your comment! Great to hear your motivation. Our course library is specifically designed in a way where it provides all the tools needed for beginners to evolve into an advanced level through our hands-on courses. Feel free to browse through our course library to see all the different topics we are covering. bit.ly/30AVJaR Just to let you know, that we also have a free course on PLC Hardware bit.ly/2XnnUrF If you are interested, you will obtain full access to our complete course library (400+ video courses) by subscribing to either our monthly package for €22.12 a month or our yearly package for €159.28,-. Additionally, you will have access to our Technical Team - consisting of high ranking engineers with a lifetime of experience - who are here to help you out with any questions you might have along the way! Hope this helps! If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know - I’m more than happy to help!
Hi Madan, While there is some overlap in the skills that can be utilised on both platforms, PLCnext Technolology would generally be targeting different applications to Arduino.
PLCnext Engineer supports programming languages defined in the IEC standard 61131-3, including: - Ladder diagram (LD) - Function block diagram (FBD) - Structured text (ST) - Sequential function chart (SFC) If you choose to install the Codesys runtime on a PLCnext Control, then you can write programs using Continuous Function Chart (CFC).
What a pleasure to watch a video with an entrepreneur like Martin who really understands what he is talking about, speaks simply and without spewing unnecessary jargon or buzzwords!
Congratulations on this interview, Realpars!
Hi Cassio,
What a great compliment! Thanks a lot for sharing that with us.
Thanks for your support, great to hear that you have been enjoying it!
Happy learning!
The man single handedly rescued a big part of my master thesis because he does a lot of support work and i have never programmed anything like a plcnext before. 5 star guy
Real Pars has such amazing content! Im currently going to school for engineering and I enjoy watching all this videos to further my knowledge. Keep up the great work guys!
Hi Nick,
Thanks a lot for your kind compliment! We are always extremely happy to hear such positive feedback!
If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Happy learning!
All the way from Nigeria in Africa, i want to say a big thank you to REALPARS engineering team for the free knowledge and life changing.
Thanks a lot, Meshach. We truly appreciate that!
Thanks RealPars and Martin for the video. Having recently just started looking into this space for household automation and small machine shops, it surprised me how inflexible and 'anti-integration' many of the industrial based PLC offerings were.
Great to see some companies making an effort to change that!
Thanks for your support!
Codesys
I feel sad because I graduated now and missed watching your channel for a long time. super interesting channel and you are a great team. hope you the best.
Thanks for your kind comment, Ahmad! Hopefully, our video courses will still be helpful to you even though you have just graduated :)
Thanks for giving Martin Boers a platform to talk about the PLCNext and answer questions. I've been curious about it for a little while and it's nice to get a different perspective than just the marketing videos.
Respectfully, Shahpour, I want to suggest a few changes to your interview style. You often interrupt Martin as soon as you know what he's going to say, then explain in your own words. I thought that really interrupted the flow of the interview, and I kept finding myself wondering what else Martin was going to say. Do explain things in different words to clarify. Don't stop Martin from explaining. Similarly, you often say "yes" loudly every 5 seconds while Martin is talking. That's also disruptive.
Hi Jon,
Thanks for your feedback! Truly appreciated.
I don't have words which express my feeling upon realpars .thank you so much keep up it on
You are very welcome, Zenebe!
Fantastic content. You can tell he knows what he's talking about. Kudos to the interviewer for clarifying potentially confusing areas
Hey Fatona,
Thanks for your kind comment!
This is just incredible! Should we just say that PLCNEXT is the next automation solution brain ?
Fantastic#REALPARS!
JavaScript: on the client, on the server, and now on the PLC!
I really, really love the fact that this exists (ecause of Rust/C++ not because of js, ha!). Maybe I'll finally get into PLCs!
Now go get all those Arduino people hooked on this!
I know how you feel ... I have been waiting 25 years for a PLC like this ...
If you are are interested in Rust and C++, you could dip your toe in the water using the Sample Runtime series of articles on Github. (github.com/PLCnext/SampleRuntime). This walks you through your first C++ "Hello World" application for PLCnext Control, and then builds from there.
We are planning a similar series for Rust, for C# (using .NET core), and for Python.
Rust can do everything, Server + Client(webassembly) + Realtime +deterministic + Safe memory. It's the perfect language for such controllers. On top of Linux + Preempt_RT patch. I like it. Two network interfaces that are the future are: OPC-UA TSN and DDS-TSN. Regarding GUI in embedded (and as website) it will be Flutter from Google which will the standard for embedded systems in the future.
I like the display of intelligence by paraphrasing the information without losing the meat of the matter. Something that very rare these days.
Hi Albert,
Thanks a lot for your kind compliment! We are always extremely happy to hear such positive feedback! If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.
Happy learning!
@@realpars with such clear explanation there’s little left to ask about.
What forms of security are you implementing in your hardware? I am both an individual in implementing designs and am merging into Info-security.
I second this question!
Also, does one have full access to the underlying Linux OS tools (iptables etc) to support firewalling and network segmentation via VLANs (i.e. 802.1q tagging/trunking) etc?
Thanks for a great question.
PLCnext Technology is developed according to the international standard IEC 62443-4 "Security for industrial automation and control systems".
Here are some areas where security features have been implemented in PLCnext Control:
- Operating System components: Bootloader, Syslog-ng, SSH, Open SSL, Firewall nf-tables, etc.
- Hardware design with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) to store manufacturer's roots of trust
.
- Secure communication: SFTP, VPN, NTP, HTTPS, TLS, etc.
- Role-based user management via web-based management
.
- Firewall configuration via web-based management
.
- Certificate handling; Crypto store via web-based management
.
- Firmware update via web-based management
.
- VPN via Linux configuration files
.
- Built-in OPC UA server with security support.
Wonderful video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks a lot!
Thank You So much for sharing wonderful technology in PLC world
You are very welcome! Happy to hear that.
Amazing presentation, much informative. Appreciated.
Glad you enjoyed it! Happy learning
Very informative. Thanks realpars team you all are doing a very good job keep it up... awaiting for more productive videos like that. Great 👌👏
Thanks a lot for sharing your positive feedback with us, Gaurav! Great to hear that.
Happy learning!
What a fantastisch 🙂 Engineer Martin and co'! Thanks so much for the video and link!!!
You're very welcome, Olga! Happy learning
I can't afford one of these marvelous machines, but it does solve a major design problem I have. The only solution I've seen!
I know we're talking well over $10,000.00 each and I need 3. I'm not saying it's not worth it. I'm saying I don't have anywhere near that kind of money.
The PLCnext has a dual-core processor, does this mean that the PLC application runs on one core of the PLCnext and for example a .net core framework on the other processor core? So for example, if a program in the .net core framework gets stuck due an unlimited while loop, will that affect the PLC program and get the PLC application crashed? Or will they run separately due the dual-core processor and will not affect each other?
Kind regards,
Bart Minten
Research internship PLCnext
Hi Bart, thanks for your question.
The dual core processor can be used purely within the IEC-61131 programming context, so that different IEC tasks can be scheduled to run on different cores.
Outside the PLCnext runtime, applications like .NET core apps usually don't affect the PLC program, even if the .NET app gets stuck due to a problem like you describe, and even if the .NET app is running on the same core as the PLC program. The reason is that the Linux OS with Preemt-RT patch will always interrupt lower-priority processes (like .NET core apps) in favour of real-time processes (like the PLC program), even if the .NET app is stuck in an endless loop.
So while you can use a multi-core processor to spread processing load and run tasks in parallel, you won't need to worry about rogue apps on one core affecting the PLC program running on the same core.
I hope this answers your question.
Hi Martin great explanation at all, but unfortunately I have one thing missed. Are you going to deliver as well a pure Software Controller as PLCNext. Means a PLCNext as hardware independent Software PLC?
Hi Alexander, thanks for the feedback.
As you may know, we already have hardware independent software PLC products for IEC 61131 programming (PC WORX SRT and PC WORX RT). We have had requests for the PLCnext Runtime to be made available as a hardware independent package, which I believe is a long-term aim of the development team, however this is probably still some way in the future.
What communication protocols can your PLC support other than ProfiNet that you mentioned? For example does it support EtherCAT?
We release PLC firmware updates at least once each quarter, so new features are always being added - including new communication protocols. Apart from Profinet, the AXC F 2152 firmware currently includes Ethernet/IP device functionality.
Interbus support is added using a left-side extension module (similar to the Ethernet module shown in the video). There are also plans for a left-side Profibus extension module.
Support for other protocols can be added using function block libraries from the PLCnext Store - e.g. Modbus/TCP, Modbus/RTU and CANbus.
Then, using open-source libraries and the appropriate Software Development Kit (SDK), pretty much any other Ethernet-based communication protocol stack can be added, if required.
EtherCAT is on the PLCnext Control firmware development roadmap, but I don't have up-to-date information on when this will be available.
Codesys
Do industrial robots (like Fanuc robots) work with PLC? if not, how are they programmed?
Hi Jorge,
Thanks for your comment!
Phoenix Contact does not manufacture or sell robots, so I am afraid we are not the best people to answer this question. I understand that most industrial robots include some sort of embedded controller, which is usually programmed using proprietory software, and which usually has an industrial communication interface (e.g. Profinet) that allows data transfer and/or supervisiory control from other industrial systems like PLCs and HMIs.
I am sorry that I am not able to give a more detailed answer to this question.
@@realpars no problem! You gave me an idea where to start to Search. Anyway, I take this moment to congrats you for the excellent content you make, totally worth it. I'm so happy to fallow this account. Thank for share!
Greetings from Mexico
Great!!! I am a FAN of Phoenix Contact!!! Good Video. More likes!!!!
Happy to hear that, Sergey! Happy learning!
the video very helpful. thanks you very much!
Glad to hear that! Happy learning
What is the difference between PLCnext and Controllino Sir?
Thank you, Jumeldi! That's actually a great suggestion for a possible future video course, I will happily pass this on to our course developers.
Sir, can the PLCnext programmable using Python 3.x ?
Python 3.x can be installed on the PLC's Linux operating system.
In fact, at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Nürnberg in November, we will be showcasing a "Craft Beer" controller, which controls the beer brewing process using a Python application running on an AXC F 2152 PLCnext Control.
Plug & Play & Prost !
@@MartinBoers Sir, Thank you for your kind reply.
Thanks for this video... I love to develop my self with someone developing it self... Like realpars I love seeing realpars develop day after day because develop of realpars it my develop... And I have request of adding a new library on (robot arm and knimatic motion control) best regards
Hi Derin,
Thanks for your support! I will make sure to forward your topic suggestion to our creator team.
Thanks for sharing and happy learning!
Hi Martin, a more general question. Do you have an opinion on the time scale that text based plc programming will be accepted by industry?
Hi Charl, that's a great question.
I think that text-based programming has some acceptance already. The most important thing is to be able to choose the most suitable programming language for a specific task. As much as I prefer text-based languages, there have been projects where Ladder, or Function Block Diagram, or SFC have simply been the best choice. On the other hand, there are some functions (e.g. string handling, array iteration, etc.) that are more suited to a text-based language.
With PLCnext Control, these options now include languages from the IT world - including C/C++ and C#.
So, it is up to automation engineers like us to choose the best language for the task, and then show our colleagues and customers that we have made the right choice by doing a great job. Then, acceptance will follow. :-)
@@MartinBoers great response Martin and great interview. It was a pleasure listening to your explanations.
Question, is there a way to use the PLCNEXT controller platform to controll Allen-Bradley VFDs? Do you haves have coms already created that can be imported to the project?
@@darthenx2585
Thank you for your kind comments.
There is nothing specific for Allen-Bradley VFDs built-in to PLCnext Engineer or PLCnext Control devices generally, but since PLCnext Control devices are Profinet Controllers, then any device with a Profinet device (slave) interface and a GDSML file can be integrated into a PLCnext Engineer project. It is also possible to integrate Profibus, Modbus/TCP, and Modbus/RTU devices (for example), but Profinet would be the best choice in this case.
I expect that Allen-Bradley VFDs (like most other VFDs) have the option of a Profinet interface.
I've got a question for you, how many individual external selections can be made using this? Maximum.
Can the Engineering software be installed on macOS 11, Big Sur, natively, without using dual boot?
Hi Josh, thanks for the question.
Unfortunately PLCnext Engineer software can currently only be run on Windows. I don't know of any plans to make it available on other platforms.
The PLCnext Software Development Kits - which allow you to build native applications for PLCnext Control platforms - are available for Linux and Windows hosts.
It is possible to install and run the Codesys runtime on PLCnext Control devices. I am not sure if the Codesys engineering software runs on macOS, but if so then that might be an option.
@@MartinBoers Thank you. I appreciate the response.
Integrating IEC programming with general programming is nice but that would complicate the T/S process. The technicians would have to be knowledgeable in both kinds of programming. Not a bad thing, but that would require the workesr to be more well verse.
Thanks for the interesting comment. This could also be a problem even when limited to IEC-61131 languages - technicians who are comfortable with programs written in Ladder Logic might not be so comfortable with programs written in Structured Text, for example. The opportunity to use even more programming languages like C++ and C# raises similar issues. This is one of the factors that should be considered when choosing which language(s) to use on a project - i.e. what is the skill set of the people who will maintain the software?
Thank you for this video! Looks very helpful.
You are very welcome, Javier! Happy learning.
Well well I live to see today plc advancement lad combine with c++ a fantastic idea
Thank you Linton, I hope you find this useful in your own automation projects!
@@MartinBoers I intend to
Very informative video, thank 👏 👍
Great to hear that - thanks for sharing, Muhammad!
How do you implement MODBUS Tcp on AXC F 2152?
Thanks for your comment and question, Raj!
This will actually make for a great future video course, I will happily go ahead and pass this on to our team as a topic suggestion.
Really great video!! Very informative. Thank you
great
Thank you, Bruce!
Wooooow THANK YOU SO... MUCH FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO
You are very welcome! Happy learning.
What about third parth devices like Ab, seimens vfd, servo connectivity with ethernet or any other protocols?
Hi Rahul, thanks for the question.
Automation devices from most manufacturers include one or more industry-standard communication interfaces, whether it be Profinet, Modbus/TCP or OPC UA.
PLCnext Control supports most of the major communications protocols (with more on the way), so it should be possible to communicate with most third-party devices. If you ever want to check the compatibility of PLCnext Control with specific products or communication protocols, please post a question on the PLCnext Community Forum (www.plcnext-community.net) and we will be happy to advise.
Rahul, based on what I see in the PLCNext catalog, Ethernet, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Interbus interfaces are easily integrated in addition to OPC UA. Martin indicated the web address of the PLCNext Community Forum, which is a great place to learn more about different aspects of the PLCNext product.
Can your PLC support universal I/O modules?
Hello - can you clarify what you mean by "universal" in this context?
What brand of I/O module are you are thinking of?
@@MartinBoers Universal I/O's are I/O modules that you can configure their ports into any type of IO you require, Honeywell has developed such modules.
@@bibo92004
Ah, OK, I understand.
The next major firmware release for PLCnext Control (due November 2019) will include support for a new type of Axioline I/O module, which has some similar features to those types of universal modules. These new I/O modules will be launched at the SPS/IPC/Drives exhibition in Nürnberg, so keep an eye out for them on our website during November.
@@MartinBoers great to hear, will look forward to it
Can we use Labview with it ?
Hi Christi, I don't think NI has ported LabView to a PLCnext Control platform, but if LabView source code or compatible binaries are publicly available (?), then anyone is free to give it a try.
Do you support fast inputs(rotation sensor)
Hello Andrew, thanks for the question.
There is an I/O module in the Axioline range that supports digital input signals with a frequency of up to 300 kHz - just search our website (www.phoenixcontact.com) for part number 2688093.
Feel free to ask more detailed questions about this or anything else PLCnext-related on the PLCnext Community Forum (www.plcnext-community.net).
Is PLC NEXT running Codesys? If not, why?.....
Great question. PLCnext Control runs a Phoenix Contact runtime by default, but it is an open platform ... so you can replace the default runtime with the Codesys runtime, if you prefer.
Visit the Codesys page in the PLCnext Store for more details: www.plcnextstore.com/#/48
@@MartinBoers thanks for the feedback. Can you provide some information on the plc next programming software? Is it like previous software from Phoenix in the sense that the license is free?
@@jeffhuff1000
There is more information on PLCnext Engineer in the PLCnext Community, here:
www.plcnext-community.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=294&Itemid=372&lang=en
That page has a link to the software download, and some "getting started" videos that you can follow along with.
PLCnext Engineer is free, but there are some paid add-ons for advanced features - for example, a licence is required to unlock the Functional Safety programming features. But 99+% of applications for the AXC F 2152 can be completed with the free development tools.
does it support Python?
Python can be installed on the PLC's Linux operating system.
In fact, at the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Nürnberg in November, we will be showcasing a "Craft Beer" controller, which controls the beer brewing process using a Python application running on an AXC F 2152 PLCnext Control.
Does plc next have online simulator
No. The PLCNext starter kits come with a CPU, so programs can be run inside the hardware processor. Phoenix Contact has not yet developed a simulator for its processors. Stay tuned!
Is PLCnext Engineer software free ?
Hi Teguh,
Thanks for your comment!
Yes, the programming software is free! (You can download it here) marketplace.realpars.com/products/starter-kit-plcnext-technology-starterkit-1188165?_pos=1&_sid=f1ae43540&_ss=r
Happy learning!
which version of linux kernel and what realtime extension used in the PLC?
Currently the AXC F 2152 uses Linux kernel version 4.14, with the PREEMPT-RT patch (wiki.linuxfoundation.org/realtime).
@@MartinBoers can we get an image of the same os to run on a virtual machine for testing?
@@gunjanonutube
Not at the moment, I'm afraid. There is talk of releasing an emulator, but I don't know when (or if) that will happen. That would certainly be very nice for our CI workflow.
For now you will need to test your software on the target hardware.
@@MartinBoers What is the hardware specification? Which processor, how much memory and sd card capacity? moreover can we run your IEC61131 runtime on some other hardware?
@@gunjanonutube
AXC F 2152: ARM® Cortex®-A9 2x 800 MHz with 512 Mbyte DDR3 SDRAM.
RFC 4072S: Intel® Core™ i5-6300U 2x 2.4 GHz for Standard functions, with ARM® CortexR-A9 800 MHz
& ARM® Cortex™-A8 600 MHz processors for Safety functions.
Both have a pluggable SD card slot (currently 2GB and 8GB SD card options).
Full hardware specifications are on the product pages on our website - just search for "AXC F 2152" or "RFC 4072S".
At the moment it is not possible to run the IEC61131 runtime on third-party hardware platforms ... it is baked into the custom firmware for each PLCnext Control platform.
Cool! I knew the PLC stuff will eventually join IT :P
Question - how about multithreading / multiprocessing?
You are right, it is very cool.
The AXC F 2152 has a dual-core ARM processor, and the RFC 4072S has a dual-core i5 processor. You can utilise this in your PLCnext Engineer project, by scheduling tasks to run in parallel on each of the two cores. In this case, the "Global Data Space" (part of the PLCnext runtime) takes care of data synchronisation and consistency when variables are accessed by programs running in parallel.
For the IT developers using C/C++, Rust, etc. on a PLCnext Control, it is of course possible for a program to spawn worker threads from the main program, like you would on any other standard Linux platform.
Salute to you Sir, thanks a lot.
Thank you, Algen!
THANKS A LOT........ TO GUEST
You are welcome. It was a pleasure speaking with Shahpour.
fantastic, very nice
Thanks for your support, Raffaele!
Sir, can you make video pc work use plc ilc171 4.40 communication with rs 485 and TCP ip communicated to visu+express
Hi Sharad,
Thanks for sharing your suggestion with us! I have sent this over to our course developers.
Happy learning!
@@realpars okay thank you ,I will wait for the course
Do you need a licence for the PLC Engineer developer?
You do not need to pay for any of the basic PLCnext Control software development products, including PLCnext Engineer, Software Development Kits (SDKs), or the programming extensions for Eclipse IDE (C++), for Microsoft Visual Studio (C#), and for Matlab Simulink.
There are some paid add-ons for advanced features - for example, a licence is required to unlock the Functional Safety programming features in PLCnext Engineer. But 99+% of applications for the AXC F 2152 can be completed with the free development tools.
I guess you mean to be accepted as an engineer in a job? well then it depends on the country's laws, some allow companies to recruit however they want, some require a few months or even weeks of training and some require a formal collage degree.
Martin, what would you consider to be the strengths/differentiators of PLCNext compared to conceptually similar offerings such as:
Brainbox
RevolutionPi
Ardbox, etc?
As per my question regarding similar projects, how open is PLCNext in terms of commodity off the shelf hardware replacement/upgrades for 'the smarts'?
Does PLCNext utilise standard form factor motherboards, standard single board computer / SOC offerings etc?
@@TheMadMagician87
I am not very familiar with the other products you mentioned. I am sure they each have their strengths, so it is up to a systems integrator to understand the features of all these products and select the most suitable one for each application.
In saying that, for anyone considering PLCnext Control, here is a list of some features (mentioned in the video) that we are quite proud of:
- Operating System: PLCnext Control is based on a standard Linux kernel with the PREEMPT-RT patch. So developers can interact directly with a familiar Linux OS, while also having the deterministic, real-time capability of a traditional PLC.
- Security as standard: PLCnext Control is developed according to the international standard IEC 62443-4 "Security for industrial automation and control systems".
- Each PLCnext Control platform has a corresponding Software Development Kit (SDK) that can be used by C/C++ developers to build their own PLCnext Control applications in the IDE of their choice. And the SDK can be used to cross-compile open-source projects and run them on PLCnext Control - this opens up a huge world of possibilities for extending the function of a PLCnext Control.
- Multiple programming languages in one project - including traditional PLC languages like Ladder, but also languages from the IT world like C++ and C#. And Matlab Simulink models can also be included in PLCnext Control projects and executed in real time.
- Local I/O: The AXC F 2152 PLCnext Control can be expanded with up to 63 I/O modules attached directly to the CPU. This includes any combination of digital, analog, serial, IO-Link, and many other function modules. A single digital I/O module can have up to 32 channels, so this allows for a huge number of local I/O connected directly to the CPU.
- Remote I/O: Every PLCnext Control has a Profinet IO controller built in. Profinet is a real-time fieldbus standard that is designed for industrial applications.
- Safety: The RFC 4072S PLCnext Control (shown in the video) includes a functional safety controller for safety applications up to SIL3 or PLe.
- PLCnext Store: PLCnext Store apps can be downloaded directly to the PLC, as easily as apps for your smart phone.
- PLCnext Community: there is an active and vibrant community where users of PLCnext Technology share their ideas, experiences and success stories.
... and last but not least - industrial strength!
- Operating temperature range: -25 °C to +60 °C up to 2000 m above mean sea level
- Shock: 30g, 11 ms period, half-sine shock pulse, according to IEC 60068-2-27
- Vibration (operation): 5g
Hope this helps!
İT İŞ GREAT JOB!
Thank you, Orhan!
good Technology
I want to enter industrial automation but how do I start?
Hi Kennedy,
Thanks for your comment!
Great to hear your motivation. Our course library is specifically designed in a way where it provides all the tools needed for beginners to evolve into an advanced level through our hands-on courses. Feel free to browse through our course library to see all the different topics we are covering. bit.ly/30AVJaR
Just to let you know, that we also have a free course on PLC Hardware bit.ly/2XnnUrF
If you are interested, you will obtain full access to our complete course library (400+ video courses) by subscribing to either our monthly package for €22.12 a month or our yearly package for €159.28,-.
Additionally, you will have access to our Technical Team - consisting of high ranking engineers with a lifetime of experience - who are here to help you out with any questions you might have along the way!
Hope this helps! If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know - I’m more than happy to help!
What about Arduino
Hi Madan, While there is some overlap in the skills that can be utilised on both platforms, PLCnext Technolology would generally be targeting different applications to Arduino.
Cfc?
PLCnext Engineer supports programming languages defined in the IEC standard 61131-3, including:
- Ladder diagram (LD)
- Function block diagram (FBD)
- Structured text (ST)
- Sequential function chart (SFC)
If you choose to install the Codesys runtime on a PLCnext Control, then you can write programs using Continuous Function Chart (CFC).
@@MartinBoers codesys is too complicated for an electrical engineer
What about machine learning !?
I feel like I would go now to the plant and smash all the 150 pieces of s7 1500s with a large hammer.
Thanks for interview. Noch mal auf Deutsch bitte.
Ich lerne ... langsam!
@@MartinBoers Übung macht den Meister
@Christian D
Vielleicht ist es mein australischer Akzent.
:-(
LAD
Of course.