Learn BECKHOFF-TWINCAT with Real Code Examples
Updated Nov 27, 2025
Installation Setup
Install TwinCAT XAE engineering suite
Configure Windows real-time settings
Install runtime (XAR) on target PC
Add EtherCAT devices in I/O configuration
Activate configuration and download PLC program
Environment Setup
Windows 10/11 PC
TwinCAT XAE installed
EtherCAT network card (Intel)
Real-time settings configured
Runtime license (except Free PLC mode)
Config Files
PLC project files (.tsproj)
I/O configuration (.tmc)
Runtime config (.rtconfig)
Routes stored in TwinCAT system
HMI pages (.vizu)
Cli Commands
TcXaeMgmt.exe for automation
TcAmsCmd for ADS operations
twincat3cmd for runtime control
deploy/restart via CLI
monitor tasks via command scripts
Internationalization
Supports Unicode strings
Multi-language HMI texts
Regional units & formats
Global OPC UA connections
Flexible localization via variables
Accessibility
Multi-language visualization
Keyboard navigable panels
High-contrast mode
Screen-reader compatibility
Scalable fonts and layouts
Ui Styling
Built-in HMI with basic styling
Multi-language support
External HMI like WinCC, InduSoft
Custom WPF or web HMIs
Symbol-based dynamic bindings
State Management
Persistent variables
Task-linked execution state
ADS variable states
Retain/non-retain variable control
Real-time data flow via I/O mapping
Data Management
Global/local variable tables
I/O mapped data channels
Persistent storage
ADS-based external access
OPC UA/MQTT data exchange