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

TwinCAT 3

Also known as: TC3, TwinCAT 3.1

German: TwinCAT 3

In industrial automation, TwinCAT 3 is the third generation of Beckhoff's TwinCAT software, whose engineering environment is integrated into Microsoft Visual Studio and whose runtime executes IEC 61131-3 programs, C/C++ modules and other real-time components on industrial PCs.

  • PLC programming
  • Vendor product

In one sentence

TwinCAT 3 is Beckhoff's current TwinCAT generation, with Visual Studio-based engineering and a runtime for IEC 61131-3 and C++.

Example

In TwinCAT 3, an engineer adds a C++ module for a special filter algorithm to a project whose machine logic is written in structured text.

How it applies

  • Engineering: The engineering part (XAE) and the runtime part (XAR) are installed separately. The Visual Studio integration gives access to source control, object-oriented IEC 61131-3 programming and integration of C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink-generated modules.
  • Versions: TwinCAT 3.1 is released in builds, such as 4022, 4024 and 4026. Projects, libraries and runtimes must be compatible; opening a project in a newer build may upgrade it. See Version compatibility.
  • Maintenance: Service laptops often need several builds installed or selectable to support machines in the field.
  • Documentation: For each machine, record the TwinCAT build of engineering and runtime, the library versions and the license configuration. Release notes should call out build changes explicitly.

TwinCAT 3 vs. TwinCAT 2

TwinCAT 2 used its own engineering tools; TwinCAT 3 integrates engineering into Visual Studio and adds C/C++ and object-oriented features. Migration requires conversion and retesting.

Keep in mind: product names and features change. Check builds, functions and compatibility 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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