ctrlX PLC

PLC software for scalable power

ctrlX AUTOMATION ensures that your machine can handle whatever the future has in store. ctrlX PLC provides a scalable PLC control solution which combines the advantages of classic PLC automation with the communication and functional requirements of the Internet of Things. This perfect combination is paving the way for the Factory of the Future.

The pioneering ctrlX PLC software is as powerful as it is flexible. The fact that it boasts various different scalable levels for basic, standard and advanced tasks means that it is always the ideal solution for projects of varying sizes.

ctrX PLC software highlights

Group picture of the ctrlX PLC portfolio, consisting of ctrlX WORKS PLC app and ctrlX CORE X3

As it is integrated in the open automation system ctrlX AUTOMATION, which is based on the embedded operating system Linux Ubuntu Core with real-time extension, function extensions can be added via apps without any issues. This means that ctrlX PLC can be tailored to suit any task as necessary. Users have the freedom to use both apps from the ctrlX OS Store and their own apps. Ready-made function modules, program templates and automatic code generation via a REST interface also increase the effectiveness and efficiency of engineering.

The ctrlX Data Layer provides access to all real-time and non-real-time data. It ensures centralized provision of the data selected by the user in order to enable seamless integration with other apps. Established standards such as OPC UA and MQTT ensure that the collated data and information can be shared with other systems. For control of servo drives, I/O and other field devices, ctrlX AUTOMATION mostly uses the proven performance and reliability of EtherCAT. Networking with other control systems is possible via OPC UA, PROFINET and Ethernet/IP. The power range means that ctrlX PLC can be integrated into an extremely wide range of automation environments.

The entire system involves a belt-and-braces approach to security, from the design of ctrlX AUTOMATION through to the security-by-design approach and the dedicated security apps for firewall and VPN which can be additionally supplemented – all of which is IEC 62443-certified.

ctrlX PLC systems can be centrally administered extremely easily via the ctrlX Device Portal, enabling efficient management.

The benefits for users at a glance:

Easy start – Intuitive launching and programming
Linux-based – Open, stable and secure real-time operating system
Straightforward app integration – Own apps and apps from third-party providers

ctrlX Data Layer – Centralized access to all real-time and non-real-time data
Free choice of programming language – IEC 61131, high-level programming or graphical languages
Full performance – Cutting-edge 64-bit multi-core ARM CPU

Easy start – Intuitive launching and programming
Linux-based – Open, stable and secure real-time operating system
Straightforward app integration – Own apps and apps from third-party providers
ctrlX Data Layer – Centralized access to all real-time and non-real-time data
Free choice of programming language – IEC 61131, high-level programming or graphical languages
Full performance – Cutting-edge 64-bit multi-core ARM CPU

Flexible PLC architectures for a wide range of applications

Straightforward integration, launch and work processes

User sits at the engineering PC and creates a PLC program with the engineering toolbox ctrlX WORKS

A key feature of ctrlX PLC is how user-friendly it is. The PLC software enables users to make a swift start and boasts advantages in terms of engineering. Based on the standard programming tool for engineering – in accordance with IEC 61131 – with ctrlX PLC users benefit from intuitive launching and programming. Everything is integrated in the software and engineering toolbox ctrlX WORKS in order to ensure swift, centralized access.

Even the app integration process is a breeze – regardless of whether it involves in-house developed apps or apps from third-party providers. Users can create their PLC program, for example, with applications and tools to suit their needs:

Own real-time applications – High-level language programming for more complex tasks in real time
Open source – Graphical open-source programming tools for swift diagnostics and visualization
Application of scripting languages – Use of scripting language applications for algorithms, and integration of in-house developed apps and third-party apps in various different languages
PLC add-ons – Selected CODESYS PLC add-ons for an extremely wide range of different tasks

ctrlX PLC is perfectly suited for the following applications

Users solve a wide variety of automation tasks with the ctrlX PLC software: from building automation and assembly tasks to process control.

Building automation

Lighting
Air conditioning and cooling
Temperature control
Compressed air control

Industrial assembly line for automated production of goods

Assembly automation

Pressing
Connecting
Reshaping
Handling
Measuring and checking
Dosing
Labeling
Transport

Controlled process in food production, PLC-controlled vessels for tempering and stirring chocolate

General PLC market

Processes automation
Energy technology
Entertainment industry
Traffic management
Sewage technology
Waste management

IoT & PLC

In PLC & IoT applications, own process know-how can be easily integrated with ctrlX AUTOMATION. Customers benefit from the openness of the system, the security and the free choice of programming languages. The automation toolkit can be used in a wide variety of IoT & PLC applications, such as building automation.

Further application examples:

General Motion Control, Performance Motion Control, Manufacturing, Smart Energy

IoT & PLC

In PLC & IoT applications, own process know-how can be easily integrated with ctrlX AUTOMATION. Customers benefit from the openness of the system, the security and the free choice of programming languages. The automation toolkit can be used in a wide variety of IoT & PLC applications, such as building automation.

Further application examples:

General Motion Control, Performance Motion Control, Manufacturing, Smart Energy

ctrlX AUTOMATION Magazine 2023/2024 –
Now available!

„Openness is everything“ – this is the motto of the ctrlX AUTOMATION magazine 2023/2024. This year, it´s all about openness and co-creation, which enables a completely new world of automation. Furthermore, there will be innovations of the product portfolio, exciting case studies and expert opinions on digitalization and connectivity.

PLC software for scalable power