PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Several control system manufacturers have recently introduced virtual PLCs. What do you think about this development? Lukas Punzenberger: Virtual PLCs are not new. For several decades, many suppliers have been providing strictly software-based control systems that are independent of the hardware and are known as “soft PLCs” or software-based programmable logic controllers. As long as both the PLC logic and the application program are available only as software, a soft PLC solution can be run on almost any hardware. We call this a virtual PLC.
of the resources used on a computer. This makes the possibilities for virtualizing zenon Logic, and also for merging OT and IT, truly limitless. What sets apart zenon Logic from other virtual PLCs? Lukas Punzenberger: zenon Logic is an integrated component of our zenon software platform for end-toend equipment automation. As a result, the virtual PLC can also be integrated in larger projects without additional configuration activities. What is the benefit of embedding PLC functionality in an end-to-end zenon project? Lukas Punzenberger: The purpose and function of the zenon software platform is to exploit the full potential of digitalization and automation by connecting machines and equipment, and monitoring, analyzing, and controlling them as a complete system. Using zenon IIoT Services, projects can also include machines and equipment at remote locations, as well as building management systems or energy systems and the connection to IT. In addition to industry and hardware independence, zenon’s strengths also include interoperability at all levels. The software platform is compatible with all commercially available industrial controllers, fieldbuses and variants of Industrial Ethernet as well as OPC UA. In addition, it meets industry-specific standards, such as those for power generation and distribution or those applicable in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors. In these settings, zenon Logic is a kind of silver bullet, because it makes it possible to implement PLC functionality anywhere in the overall system without installing hardware or intervening in existing subsystems.
Does COPA-DATA have a virtual PLC offering? Lukas Punzenberger: In fact, COPA-DATA has marketed a soft PLC solution in conformance with the IEC 61131-3 standard as part of its product offering for more than 20 years under the name zenon Logic. This solution is hardware independent and can be used as a virtual PLC. You can run programs and functions at any level. Our main focus is always on flexibility for users. So, there are no restrictions when it comes to choosing the best possible solution. How extensive are the virtualization options in zenon Logic? Lukas Punzenberger: Depending on where it makes more operational sense, zenon Logic can run on a PLC or an industrial PC directly in the machine, on an edge device in a control cabinet close to the machine, in the company’s internal server room, in the corporate data center, or even on infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions from a cloud provider. To simplify the provision of PLC functionality regardless of the platform, we provide zenon Logic packaged in Docker containers. These can be easily transported and installed as files, thus ensuring the separation and management
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In view of flexible, modular machines and systems, the classic automation pyramid is no longer valid.
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