In the smart factory, software forms the basis for controlling and monitoring automated processes. And even beyond network management and control technology, software solutions from automation providers help users by making the smart functions of previously simple devices such as sensors and actuators easily accessible. Separate software for all devices from one manufacturer enables users to avoid having to work with different tools.

The 'Turck Automation Suite' - TAS for short - is Turck's software platform that users can download free of charge and use directly in the web browser of any Windows PC without installation. This platform provides users with a central tool for using and managing all the functions of the manufacturer's devices - from sensors and fieldbus devices to edge controllers and PLCs. This makes them easy to set up and manage in industrial Ethernet networks.

TAS also integrates an IODD configurator and provides access to all IO-Link functions of the Turck devices. The software suite thus combines numerous functions that were previously available in individual programs, supplemented by new functions, views and apps - for example the IO-Link View for the overview and management of the IO-Link master and all connected IO-Link devices.

The network scan

IO-Link View shows an overview of all IO-Link masters and devices available in the network

© Turck

The 'Network scan' function finds all available Ethernet devices from Turck in the network and displays their device information directly. The network view also enables IP addresses and passwords to be assigned and firmware updates to be carried out for all devices in the network. The device-specific websites of all Ethernet devices can be accessed directly from the software.

Many Network View functions can also be executed as a batch function. This means that many devices can be updated and processed together, which saves a lot of time during commissioning and maintenance for large networks - without a PLC or third-party software. The option to export device networks as a CSV also simplifies documentation, collaboration and administration.

As a software suite, TAS integrates various functions that can be selectively activated in the platform - the so-called apps. These are executed at device level and start without additional installation via plug-and-play. Various apps are currently available for IO-Link sensors, such as radar and vibration sensors, inductive couplers and RFID apps for HF and UHF applications.

Programming without software installation

The IODD Configurator can be used to configure IO-Link devices.

© Turck

The logic software with the designation ARGEE turns the Ethernet I/O modules from Turck into robust IP67 logic controllers for use directly in the field without a control cabinet (field logic controller). This means that conditions and actions can be programmed without software installation. Although ARGEE will not be able to replace every PLC, the engineering software opens up new paths in control technology, as it can relieve networks and higher-level controllers by executing simple logic tasks on site. With TAS, ARGEE programs can be imported as a batch function on a group of devices and managed centrally.

The new software platform also enables the convenient management of 'BEEP' configurations. Turck's 'Backplane Ethernet Extension Protocol' reduces the number of IP addresses required in industrial networks and simplifies the use of the TBEN and FEN20 multiprotocol block I/O modules. The protocol enables networks with up to 33 TBEN modules to be connected to the PLC via a single IP address in Profinet, Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP networks. By reducing the number of IP addresses, users can quickly connect high-density I/O networks to low-cost controllers.

Simplification for IO-Link

Turck's TBEN modules such as this RFID interface can be conveniently parameterized via the software.

© Turck

TAS also supports Turck's IO-Link apps such as IODD Configurator, Radar Monitor and Vibration Monitor during commissioning and management. Users can call up and execute the respective app directly in the special IO-Link View.

The IODD Configurator, for example, can be used to parameterize IO-Link devices from all manufacturers. The app displays IO-Link process data in a graphical progression curve, which is helpful during setup. Users also have access to the plain text of all relevant parameters of the IO-Link devices used.

The Radar Monitor graphically displays the measured values of the Turck radar sensors and makes it easier to set them up by visualizing the signal curve in real time - especially when setting filters to suppress interference signals or in tricky mounting situations. Users can easily adapt filters, measurement windows and other parameters to the conditions of each application.

Demo tools for RFID devices

The Radar Monitor makes it easier to set up the sensors by visualizing the signal curve in real time.

© Turck

TAS provides three UHF demo tools for RFID devices: 'Gate Applications' simulates bulk reading, i.e. the simultaneous reading of several data carriers in gate applications. The app checks whether all tags are captured with sufficient security. Tag Trace' can be used to determine the ideal start and stop times for optimum read and write processes in moving applications. Tag Population' measures the read and write performance at different tag positions of a static object. The UHF reader continuously increases its performance and indicates the minimum performance required to reliably detect the tag.
For HF RFID solutions, the 'Tag Actions HF' function enables convenient handling of RFID tags if a user wants to test and execute various functions with the Turck RFID system using an HF reader. This includes the creation of a list of read HF tags, the reading of information via the tag memory and the simple editing, reading and writing of data in a user-defined memory area of the tag.

IIoT platform with improved security

The software platform improves the tamper protection of previous programs. All device actions must be enabled with the device password. However, the password remains stored for the duration of the browser session and can be applied to all devices with the same password if required, which ensures user-friendliness.

The author: Christoph Schmermund is Product Manager RFID Interfaces at Turck in Mülheim.

© Turck

The IIoT platform is currently available in version 1.7 and will be supplemented with additional functions from update to update and provide more and more digital services. It will also receive a connector function to the Turck Cloud, with which it can be used as a virtual edge controller on a PC or local servers as well as selected Turck devices. This will facilitate the intelligent evaluation of production data for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, even across plant boundaries. Data transfer via MQTT and OPC UA to higher-level systems and automatic configuration routines for service cases are also supported.