Introduction Beckhoff ADS (Automation Device Specification) provides an efficient interface for communication between applications. In TwinCAT2 and TwinCAT3 systems, modules such as TwinCAT PLC, NC, and CNC are designed as virtual automation devices, similar to actual physical devices that exchange information via TCP-based routing. Users can utilize Beckhoff’s publicly available free communication library to implement ADS communication. The professional recording software PLC-Recorder leverages this library, combined with its variable management and scheduling mechanism, to achieve high-speed, continuous data collection from Beckhoff controllers. Channel Configuration First, open the I/O isolator, add a channel, and configure the key parameters. In the channel’s “General” interface, set the collection cycle to ensure real-time data acquisition. Next, in the “Connection” interface, configure the accessible port number and target ID in the PLC. Specific parameters and environmental configurations can be referenced in the online manual (click the “?” button at the bottom of the page) to ensure accurate settings. Variable Configuration Click the variable configuration button to enter the variable configuration interface, where you can configure three types of variables: numeric, switch (boolean), and string. Set the variable type and starting address for each variable. Addresses are divided into symbolic addresses and absolute addresses. Symbolic addresses are the most recommended method by the software, formatted as follows: for global variables “.ABC”, for local variables “ProgramName.ABC”, for example, main.a1. For array access, for example, main.arry[1]; for structures (user-defined types), for example, main.ut1.ab. Examples of absolute address formats include IX0.1, MX10.1, QX0.2, IB10, MB10, QB10, IW12, MW12, QW12, ID4, MD4, QD4, etc. Variable Selection The variable selection feature allows online browsing of variables in the PLC and selection, and also supports variable selection through offline files (.tpy). This feature greatly enhances the flexibility and efficiency of variable configuration, especially in complex systems, enabling quick identification and addition of variables that need to be monitored. Start/Stop Control and Subsequent Analysis Start/stop control can be performed using the buttons on the left, calling offline analysis software for subsequent data processing. This design seamlessly connects the data collection and analysis processes, improving overall work efficiency. Summary and Precautions Compared to PLCs from Siemens, Mitsubishi, and others, Beckhoff PLC data collection relies on the ADS router, so it is necessary to install Beckhoff’s communication environment (the free part of Beckhoff software). Other settings and precautions can be referenced in Beckhoff’s manual, as well as in the relevant sections of the recording software manual. The recording software adopts Beckhoff’s batch data exchange mechanism and includes fault tolerance, resulting in very fast and stable collection speeds. Additional Knowledge: The PLC-Recorder professional data collection and analysis software can collect string variables as conveniently as numeric variables. In the future, we will periodically share more PLC engineering tips. Follow us to stay updated.