PLC scope software

Graphic display of curves is essential for optimising controllers and setting drive axes. In order to be able to use the extended graphics features of current PC technology, including DirectX, Beckhoff redesigned the Scope software for the TwinCAT automation suite, which was originally developed several years ago.

The new TwinCAT Scope features separate the logger and the viewer: the logger, which can also be installed in a Windows CE control system, records the data from different channels with time stamps and saves them intermediately. The data can come from different PCs and different software devices, including PLCs and motion control. The viewer fetches the data from the logger by means of ADS and displays it.

The configuration of the scope is also carried out in the viewer. An assistant supports the search for variables to be recorded. Following selection of the controller, it is possible to browse inside the corresponding PLC. Individual variables can simply be selected.

The modular approach of the TwinCAT Scope makes extension with new features easy. Various defined interfaces are already integrated, eg, for alternative axes (logarithmic) or special output formats (Microsoft Excel). The data can be processed before they are graphically displayed, eg, through a fast Fourier transformation.