[Motion control has been an essential component of the TwinCAT automation platform since its introduction in 1996. Even in 'TwinCAT NC2', axes are abstracted into axis objects so that the axes can be simulated and programmed independently of the hardware. In addition, a wide range of functionalities is available for every application, from simple single-axis movements to complex axis couplings and path planning based on these.

With 'TwinCAT MC3', the possible number of axes and complexity of the application is scaled according to the TwinCAT platform level.

© Beckhoff

The current motion control generation 'TwinCAT MC3' is also fully integrated into the TwinCAT system and enables the abstraction of axes. The current version also offers additional benefits thanks to a new and modular architecture. These include comprehensive multicore and multitask support - with the possibility of synchronized movements across all processor cores used. In addition, the previous restriction on the number of axes no longer applies.

Optimized utilization of CPU performance

With 'TwinCAT MC3', the possible number of axes and complexity of the application is scaled according to the TwinCAT platform level.

© Beckhoff

Seamless integration into the automation system means that the Motion Control solution can not only be operated in parallel with the other TwinCAT functions on a system, but can also interact with the other TwinCAT functions. This means that 'TwinCAT MC3' can be operated in parallel with the previous NC2 Motion Control solution. In addition, MC3 axes can also be coupled to existing NC2 axes. This makes it possible to implement new machine components with 'TwinCAT MC3' without having to adapt the existing machine components that use NC2.

The 'TwinCAT Drive Manager' also supports the commissioning of Beckhoff drive solutions and can, as usual for NC2, automatically create MC3 configurations and axes with standard parameters. TwinCAT Scope' is available as a diagnostic tool. It can be used to record movements and dynamics and then analyze them manually using various tools.

Optimized utilization of CPU performance

TwinCAT MC3 is a new generation of Motion Control that offers all the advantages of a modular architecture.

© Beckhoff

Thanks to consistent multicore and multitask support, the CPU performance of the control computer can be optimally utilized with the current Motion Control generation. As a result, the possible number of axes and complexity of the application scales according to the selected TwinCAT platform level: In this context, 'multicore' support means that 'TwinCAT MC3' can be distributed to several CPU cores as required; synchronized movements are possible across all CPU cores used. Multitask support means that axes with different cycle times can be operated on one CPU core - in line with the speeds and tasks of the respective axes. This enables optimized utilization of a CPU core, as the "fastest" axis does not necessarily dictate the cycle time for all axes. In this way, the axes of a conveyor belt with delta picker can be operated with a cycle time of 1 ms to ensure that the workpieces are picked up quickly, while the axes for width adjustment of the conveyor belt are operated with a cycle time of 4 ms on the same CPU core.