Beginner's Guide to the PLCnext ecosystem
Welcome to the PLCnext Technology ecosystem with all its opportunities. Now - what do you want to achieve first? Which one is your first approach? Here's a short introduction to the different paths:
Using the all-in-one PLCnext Control as a classic controller, programmable in the IEC 61131-3 languages of industrial automation
Using the PLCnext Control as a new-world controller, programmable high-level languages and using features and services of the PLCnext Runtime
Using the all-in-one PLCnext Control as an open system independent from the PLCnext Runtime and IEC 61131-3 languages
PLCnext as a classic controller
Classic automation programming begins with PLCnext Engineer, the free-of-charge engineering suite of the PLCnext ecosystem. You can use the usual IEC 61131-3 languages as well as ready-for-use function block libraries with PLCnext Engineer.
Here's a bunch of free-of-charge starting points:
- Download and install the PLCnext Engineer software, containing a detailed help
- Read the PLCnext Engineer Quick Start Guide topics series
- Watch the PLCnext Engineer Getting Started tutorial video series (available in English and German)
- Attend the PLCnext Engineer Basics and PLCnext HMI Basics e-Learning classes (available in English and German)
PLCnext programming in high-level languages
PLCnext Technology was developed to enable users to write real-time programs and functions in C++ and C#, and then use those programs and functions in their project. Importantly, this is still based around PLCnext Engineer as the overall project development tool for working with PLCnext Technology.
- PLCnext Technology e-learning class
- Introduction to the PLCnext Runtime
- Overview to the services that come with the PLCnext Runtime
- Start programming your own solution
- Where to get tools for the high-level languages in PLCnext programming
- Tutorial video on programming a first C++ project with PLCnext Technology
- Tutorial video on programming a first C# project with PLCnext Technology
PLCnext as an open system
The third way directs at users who want to write and run real-time programs on the PLCnext Control – either using the ESM, or their own run-time – or they might want to write and run non-real-time applications.
In any case, these people will still probably want to make use of PLCnext Runtime features:
- Accessing I/O modules via the Global Data Space
- Recording variables in real-time by using the DataLogger
- Connecting via interfaces like Remote Service Calls (RSC), the gRPC server, the REST data interface , or the embedded OPC UA serverfor communication to resources within the PLCnext Runtime
- Using examples from Github
- Trying out what's possible with OCI containers
Which PLCnext Control is best for you?
Now, are you eager to start out and develop your own solution? Simulate a real target with PLCnext Engineer Simulation - free of charge for the basic PLCnext Control.
You already tried everything that is possible with just a simulated PLCnext Control? Then it's time to get your PLCnext hardware. Check out the PLCnext Control comparison to find the perfect match for your project.
If you're just interested to try a few things, maybe the new PLCnext Technology Starterkit is your first choice.