The Netherlands, The PLCopen XML schemas and documentation as well as an introduction are available free to anyone on the internet at www.control-xml.com The downloadable files include a 156 page Explanation of the PLCopen XMLSchema, 58 page document on XML Formats for IEC 61131-3, and XML Schema files.
The PLCopen organization’s XML standard (www. control-xml.com ) provides an open, non-proprietary, software interface for the interchange of industrial and process control programs between controls, Product Life Cycle Management (PLM), Machine & Process Simulation, CAD, documentation software, and other systems.
Innovations in Product Life Cycle Management (PLM), modeling and simulation software are enabling virtual designs of machine, production lines and processes to avoid costly mistakes in actual implementation. The entire virtual plant and controls can be commissioned virtually to find problems before committing to real machines and controls reducing the time it takes to start manufacturing process and avoids costly rework at production startup time.
The PLCopen standard has gained acceptance by the AutomationML organization www.AutomationML.org. The AutomationML group accepted the PLCopen XML format for the description of control. This cooperation closes the gaps between production design (virtual factory) and the shop floor resulting in reduced time to market and lower costs for manufacturers. A number of PLCopen member companies are supporting the XML standard including independent software suppliers 3-S, KW-Software, and KirchnerSoft.
PLCopen’s XML standard provides an open non-propriety linkage to control system that has not been available until now. The only option leading edge manufacturers had before this development was to develop their own software creating interfaces to a single vendors proprietary control products. This could only be done on large projects at high cost and with the compromise of being tied to a single control vendor. PLCopen’s XML standard now provides an open playing field to lower costs and foster innovation in the same way open industrial networks, CAD interchange standards, OPC, and other standards have already done.
The PLCopen XML standard capitalizes on the open IEC 61131-3, Safety, Motion Control, and other standards to support virtual design and production. As a result, manufacturers can expect to reduce the cost of engineering and ramp-up time, and continually optimize their manufacturing operations with accurate, real-time, simulation models.
About PLCopen
PLCopen was founded in 1982 and is a worldwide not for profit organization dedicated to improving the automation programming efficiency and productivity in the controls industry. PLCopen efforts are focused on control software standards that harmonize industrial control programming worldwide.
PLCopen members are leading industrial automation companies including Siemens, ABB, Baumuller, Beckhoff, Bosch Rexroth, B&R, Digital, ProFace, ELAU, GE Fanuc, Honeywell, Mitsubishi, Omron, Parker Automation, Phoenix Contact, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, 3-S Software, ICS Triplex ISaGRAF, Yaskawa, and Yokogawa.
