For up to 255 axes,

for servo drives, frequency converter and switched drives, stepper motors

Is freely configurable thanks to its pure software realization.

The TwinCAT NC PTP software includes axis positioning software (set value generation, position control), an integrated software PLC (TwinCAT PLC) with an NC interface, operating program for commissioning and an I/O connection to the axes through various fieldbusses such as Profibus, CANopen, DeviceNet, the SERCOS interface, Ethernet and the Beckhoff Lightbus.

NC PTP Software in the PC
The PC processor executes the entire calculation and axis regulation task: This includes the generation of set values, reading and scaling actual values, as well as the regulation, computation and scaling of the set value output. For this purpose, the axes are categorized into logical components (variables) for displacement measurement, drive and regulator, and can be flexibly linked to real elements such as position encoders and power controllers. The PC cyclically exchanges data with the drives and measuring systems over the fieldbus. Appropriate interfaces are available for connecting to all the common fieldbusses. The digital connections via Lightbus, SERCOS interface, Profibus and CANopen should be particularly emphasized here.

The capacity of a PC allows axes to be moved in parallel with the PLC functionality. PC power means that several dozen axes can be positioned simultaneously in real time. The axes can be linked to I/O interfaces, and parameters can be set. The positional controller acquires the actual position by means of displacement measuring systems. These encoders are, optionally, incremental or absolute.

Axis functions can be embedded into the IEC 61131-3 PLC programming system by means of a function block library. The data interface to Windows NT/2000 programs is implemented by means of open standards (OPC, Beckhoff ADS)

Positioning
Positioning is executed with a powerful, modern positioning algorithm, in which profiles are generated with jerk limitation and with pre-control of speed and acceleration to minimize the following error. The controller structures can be configured (P controller, PID controller, PID with speed pre-control, PID with speed and acceleration pre-control). Override functionality is also available.

When drives are being commissioned, or during servicing work, the online menu allows important axis parameters such as destination position, set speed, acceleration, jerk, reference speed, and controller Kv factor to be set, and also permits execution of general axis functions such as start, stop, or movement to a new destination at a new speed.

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