Telecontrol protocols now complete

The TwinCAT automation software for PLC and Motion Control applications has been completed with new PLC libraries for telecontrol in accordance with IEC 60870. IEC 60870 describes a general, open communication standard for telecontrol and network control technology. TwinCAT now supports the user standards for serial communication (IEC 60870-5-101), transmission of integrated totals (-102), protection data transmission (-103) and TCP/IP communication (-104).

With the implementation of the IEC 60870-5-102 protocol, all IEC 60870 protocols have now been implemented. The 102 protocol serves for the transmission of counter states of electrical energy quantities. These values are usually transmitted at longer periodic intervals. Special safety measures ensure that the values cannot be falsified.

The TwinCAT PLC library implements a serial interface, via which the individual ASDUs (application-layer service data units) can be sent or received. The serial interfaces of PCs, Embedded PCs or Beckhoff I/O terminals KL6xxx (serial Bus Terminals) or EL6xxx (serial EtherCAT Terminals) can be used. Within the protocol structure, the interface lies above the connection layer and already integrates the required procedures and transmission telegram formats. Application functions, such as retrieval of the individual counter states or product identification are not implemented in the interface. Examples of the implementation of application functions are included in the documentation.