PLCOpen Overview

April 01, 2008
Feature

Summary

PLCopen North America is dedicated to improving the automation programming efficiency and productivity of control engineers. Our efforts are focused on the IEC 61131-3 worldwide control software standard that harmonizes industrial control programming interfaces. PLCopen continues to add to the standards improving the productivity of control engineers. Some examples:Motion StandardsThe PLCopen Motion standards are an example that includes the following functions: MC_TouchProbe, MC_AbortTrigger, MC_ReadDigitalInput, MC_DigitalCamSwitch, MC_ReadDigitalOutput, MC_WriteDigitalOutput, MC_SetPosition, MC_SetOverride, MC_TorqueControl , MC_ReadActualVelocity, MC_ReadActualTorque, and MC_GearInPos. XML StandardPLCopen XML standard 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.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.About PLCopenPLCopen was founded in 1992 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.Membership of PLCopen has many benefits for vendors, users and institutes:

Direct Technical Issues Influence

Contact with other Vendors, Users and Institutes

Early Information Exchange

Information and Early Benchmark Access

Early Recognition of Trends

Recognition as a Supporter of Standardization and Open Architecture

Increases Demand for Certified Products Membership categoriesPLCopen strongly supports the user community with different membership levels. Companies: commercial organizations active in the field of Industrial Control, IC:

Suppliers (Based on Size)

Users

Re-sellers

Non-profit organizations

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