Introduction to the template system of the PLCnext Technology Toolchain This template system is a powerful and flexible tool designed to simplify the generation of files based on user-defined templates containing placeholders. These placeholders are automatically evaluated and filled by the PLCnext Technology Toolchain, streamlining the process of creating files with dynamic… Read More
Programming on PLCnext Technology Demands on automation technology are increasing due to digitization in the industrial sector. Flexibility, networking, exchange of information – the “Internet of Things” (IoT) is gaining evermore importance for modern, flexible and efficient production. Automation systems and their controllers must become more adaptable and must… Read More
C++ programs in PLCnext Technology With PLCnext Technology, you can use programs created with C++ in the real-time context of a PLC along with conventional IEC 61131‑3 programs. To use programs and program parts created in C++ within the scope of PLCnext Technology, Phoenix Contact provides tools and add-ins that help to integrate your… Read More
Advanced use of IComponent and IProgram Using the PLCnext CLI , Eclipse® Add-in or Visual Studio® extension creates the meta configuration files (*.libmeta, *.compmeta, *.progmeta) required for PLCnext Engineer as well as the following functions with a functional implementation during compiling. If you have special requirements that go beyond this, the following descriptions will help you understand the… Read More
C# core libraries The C# core libraries are part of the PLCnext Technology Toolchain and will be available in the PLCnext Technology Toolchain installation folder. These libraries are necessary to program and build real-time C# applications for PLCnext Control devices. They are replacing the equally named .NET libraries with a subset… Read More
Supported data types in C# The following table illustrates how the IEC 61131‑3 data types are linked to the .Net framework and to C#, respectively. Note: Variables of data types that are marked with a + in the Attribute mandatory column must have the (otherwise optional) attribute DataType for unambiguous assignment. Read More
Creating a C# function block library With Visual Studio®, you can program functions, function blocks, function containers and programs in C# which you can subsequently import using the PLCnext Technology engineering software, PLCnext Engineer and use on a PLCnext Technology device. Tutorial video Note: Tutorial videos are embedded from the Phoenix Contact Technical Support YouTube channel. With playing… Read More
Providing help files for libraries Libraries can include help files that contain a help page for each POU. The help files can be added in the Compiled Help (.chm) format (all toolchain versions) or in HTML5 format (as of toolchain version 2022.6). These help files can be provided in… Read More
PLCnext Technology naming conventions When designating PLCnext Technology components, please observe the following conventions. Correct functioning of your components can only be ensured if you adhere to the following specifications. GDS ports A designation… may not start with a number must consist of at least two… Read More
Java RSC API ‒ Troubleshooting Valid with firmware releases up to 2024.6 Note: The Java RSC API has been replaced by a better solution, see Using gPRC communication. Therefore the support for this tool is already discontinued. If you decide to use the Java RSC API anyway you’ll be on… Read More
