Step 7 compatible soft PLC tested: News from Kuka Controls

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KUKA Controls, a leading supplier of real-time extension technology, has tested the soft PLC AT-S7 in the context of its certification program. It was certified for its seamless operation in KUKA Controls real-time extensions CeWin and VxWin. AT-S7 is a low- to high-end Step 7 compatible PLC solution for open x86 platforms.

AT-S7 is always based on a real-time operating system which clearly distinguishes it from conventional soft PLC solutions.

System integrators and OEMs will appreciate the open standard allowing them to easily design system solutions and redundant systems.

AT-S7 is programmed in Step 7 like the original Siemens PLCs.

Resulting from Siemens' worldwide market leadership in the industrial automation segment, Step 7 is the prevalent programming tool for PLCs and therefore most developers are familiar with it.

Furthermore, infrastructure like programming tools, software libraries, etc currently in use for Simatic controllers can be used for AT-S7 as well.

Thus, AT-S7 combines the possibility to develop in the familiar Siemens look and feel environment with the flexibility of an open platform.

The software does not emulate a PLC, it rather is a full PLC CPU.

Communication is carried out via TCP/IP or the virtual network of CeWin/VxWin.

Customers in need of real-time performance for their control system are likely to base the soft PLC on an RTOS like Windows CE or VxWorks.

Yet, real-time operating systems often do not offer a user-friendly HMI.

For this task Windows XP is a good choice offering even more advantages like the availability of many third-party drivers and software.

KUKA Controls' CeWin and VxWin allow a combination of Windows XP with either Microsoft Windows CE or Wind River's VxWorks on just one x86 processor.

Through this integration of control and GUI on a single system, hardware cost and space is considerably reduced.

Resulting from this reduction in components, MTBF is significantly increased.

Most importantly, the coexistent Windows XP does not affect the real-time performance of the system.

About KUKA Controls - KUKA Controls is a wholly owned subsidiary of KUKA Roboter, the number one European industrial robot supplier and a part of IWKA Group.

KUKA Controls specializes in real-time software, operating systems, motion control, graphical user interfaces (GUI), handhelds, dynamic algorithms, PC-based hardware development and application programming.

KUKA Controls globally markets real-time extension technology for automation and robotics as well as for test and measurement instrumentation, and for medical devices and equipment.

KUKA robot controllers are developed and produced for the parent company.

About KUKA Roboter - KUKA Roboter, based in Augsburg, Germany, is a member of the IWKA Group (Karlsruhe) and ranks among the world's leading supplier of industrial robots.

Core competencies are the development, production and sale of industrial robots, controllers, software and linear units.

The company is the market leader in Germany and Europe, and the number three in the world.

The KUKA Robot Group employs about 1,650 people worldwide.

Of these, 1,100 are employed in Germany, either at the KUKA Robot Group headquarters in Augsburg, or at various subsidiaries.

In 2003, sales totaled EUR 420 million.

Over 20 subsidiaries provide a presence in the rest of Europe, the US and Asia.

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Step 7 compatible soft PLC tested

KUKA Controls has tested the soft PLC AT-S7 in the context of its certification program for its seamless operation in real-time extensions CeWin and VxWin.