Beckhoff introduces TwinCAT runtime for real-time Linux®, unlocking new possibilities in real-time control. By running multiple TwinCAT runtimes on a single industrial PC, users can integrate various system components on one powerful computer, simplifying programming and diagnostics. This setup also enables GPU access from the real-time environment, accelerating compute-intensive tasks like vision processing.
The TwinCAT runtime for real-time Linux® is based on Beckhoff’s proprietary Linux® distribution, extending beyond Windows and TwinCAT/BSD. Developed from the free Debian OS, it includes a real-time kernel for stable execution. The Debian package system facilitates easy software installation.
This combination offers a robust real-time control platform on Linux®. Using container technologies such as Docker®, Podman, or LXC, multiple TwinCAT runtimes can run on a single IPC, enhancing modularity in control applications. This allows for hardware consolidation and cost savings by optimizing computing capacity.
Linux® users gain new automation possibilities without changing the familiar TwinCAT programming environment. Benefits include optimized execution of multiple real-time applications on one CPU, increased flexibility with modular control code, simplified module addition or replacement, and targeted application updates. This leads to reduced time and costs in engineering.
Initially, TwinCAT runtime for real-time Linux® will be available for ARM-based CX82x0 and CX9240 Embedded PCs with ARM Cortex™ A53 CPUs, with plans to extend to other Beckhoff industrial and embedded PCs.
For more information, visit www.beckhoff.com/linux or contact info@beckhoff.com
