More than 70 years ago, the birth of computers opened the information age for human society. Subsequently, microcontrollers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) gradually replaced traditional relays, becoming the mainstream control devices in the field of industrial automation.
However, everything changed in 1985.
That year in Germany, a young engineer named Hans Beckhoff discovered that an Intel 286 computer, used as a storage subsystem, had more powerful functions and a wider range of applications than the microprocessor main system while controlling a wood processing machine.
Thus, Hans completely changed his mind. He compiled all control logic into a software program, then installed the software on a PC with real-time extension cores, successfully using the PC as a controller.
In 1986, the company founded by Hans, Beckhoff, launched the first PC-based controller, marking the beginning of a new era in PC control.
Beckhoff’s first PC-based controller
Like other new technologies, early PC control technology did not gain quick recognition. However, with rapid advancements in PC technology, PC control technology also developed rapidly and continuously improved. Particularly as a pioneer and major promoter, Beckhoff set one milestone after another in the history of PC control technology, sparking a wave of development in PC control technology.
For over 40 years, Beckhoff has never stopped innovating.
The launch of Beckhoff’s modular bus terminal system fundamentally impacted the bus structure at the time. The real-time software platform TwinCAT, running under Windows, can transform any compatible PC into a real-time controller with PLC, NC, and CNC capabilities, achieving integrated development for programming, design, monitoring, and configuration.
Over the years, Beckhoff has actively expanded its product range and continuously improved existing products. After launching the Ethernet-based industrial real-time communication technology EtherCAT, Beckhoff has continually enhanced EtherCAT’s transmission speed and reliability, with EtherCAT G technology achieving transmission rates of up to 1 Gbit/s.
In 2010, Beckhoff introduced TwinCAT 3, seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio®, supporting multi-core and multi-tasking, and integrating high-level language programming into the TwinCAT platform, opening a new era of industrial automation based on PC control.
By the 21st century, PC control technology not only addressed many shortcomings of early technologies but also became the mainstream control system in the industrial field due to its inherent openness and advantages in computation, storage, networking, and programming.
Beckhoff offers a rich variety of industrial PCs, fieldbus systems, motion control, and powerful TwinCAT software products, forming a complete PC-based control system widely used in industries such as wind power generation, metal processing, photovoltaics, semiconductors, and packaging.
With the arrival of the Industry 4.0 era, IT and OT are increasingly merging. PC-based control technology can seamlessly integrate with technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and edge computing, forming the ideal new generation of industrial control architecture. PC control technology will embark on a new journey, heading towards broader horizons.
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