Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · PLC and control programming

TwinCAT

Also known as: The Windows Control and Automation Technology, Beckhoff TwinCAT

German: TwinCAT

In industrial automation, TwinCAT (The Windows Control and Automation Technology) is Beckhoff's software system for PC-based control, combining engineering tools and real-time runtime for PLC, motion control, HMI, measurement and other functions on industrial PCs.

  • PLC programming
  • Vendor product

In one sentence

TwinCAT is Beckhoff's software for PC-based control, with engineering tools and a real-time runtime for PLC, motion and more.

Example

A packaging machine runs its PLC logic, 20 servo axes and the HMI in TwinCAT on one Beckhoff industrial PC, connected to I/O via EtherCAT.

How it applies

  • Engineering: TwinCAT separates engineering (programming and configuration) from the runtime on the target system. Functions are added as software products and licenses rather than as separate hardware.
  • Versions: TwinCAT 2 and TwinCAT 3 are different generations with different engineering environments. Existing machines may run either, so service teams must know which one they face.
  • Lifecycle: The runtime, the installed function packages, the operating system and the project all have versions. Together they form the machine's software Configuration baseline.
  • Documentation: State the TwinCAT generation, build and installed functions for each delivered machine, and describe license handling for spare IPCs. Service documentation should explain how to back up and restore the complete system.

Keep in mind: product names and features change. Check product scope, versions and licensing against the vendor's current documentation.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Blog editorial definition, based on vendor product information

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

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