Beckhoff implements open automation systems based on PC Control technology. The product range covers Industrial PCs, I/O and Fieldbus Components, Drive Technology and automation software. Products that can be used as separate components or integrated into a complete and seamless control system are available for all industries. The Beckhoff “New Automation Technology” philosophy stands for universal and open control and automation solutions that are used worldwide in a wide variety of different applications, ranging from CNC-controlled machine tools to intelligent building automation. Innovative products and a full range of services Since the company was established in 1980, continuous development of innovative products and solutions using PC-based control technology has been the foundation of the continued success of Beckhoff. Many automation technology standards that are taken for granted today were conceptualised by Beckhoff at an early stage and successfully introduced to the market: – 1982: P1000 – single-board motion controller – 1986: PC Control – first PC-based machine controller – 1989: Lightbus – high-speed fieldbus utilising optical fiber – 1990: All-in-one PC motherboard – 1995: Bus Terminal – fieldbus technology in terminal block format – 1996: TwinCAT – real-time software package under Windows with PLC and Motion Control functions – 1998: Control Panel – remote IPC Control Panels – 2002: CX1000 – modular Embedded PCs for DIN rail mounting – 2003: EtherCAT – real-time Ethernet fieldbus system – 2005: TwinSAFE – safety solution for the Bus Terminal system – 2005: AX5000 – EtherCAT Servo Drive – 2006: XFC – eXtreme Fast Control Technology – 2007: Industrial Motherboards – Made in Westfalen The Beckhoff PC Control philosophy and the invention of the Lightbus system, the Bus Terminals and TwinCAT automation software represent milestones in automation technology and have become accepted as high-performance alternatives to traditional control technology. EtherCAT, the real-time Ethernet solution, makes forward-looking, high-performance technology available for a new generation of leading edge control concepts. Worldwide presence on all continents The central divisions of Beckhoff, such as development, production, administration, distribution, marketing, support and service are located at the Beckhoff Automation GmbH headquarters in Verl, Germany. Rapidly growing presence in the international market is taking place through subsidiaries in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, as well as Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the USA. Through worldwide co-operation with partners, Beckhoff is represented in more than 60 countries. Beckhoff | The Automation Company Beckhoff offers comprehensive system solutions in different performance classes for all areas of automation. Beckhoff control technology is scalable – from high-performance Industrial PCs to mini PLCs – and can be adapted precisely to the respective application. TwinCAT automation software integrates real-time control with PLC, NC and CNC functions in a single package. All Beckhoff controllers are programmed using TwinCAT in accordance with the globally-recognised IEC 61131-3 programming standard. Beckhoff | The IPC Company Beckhoff supplies the right Industrial PC for every application. High-quality components based on open standards and the rugged construction of the device housings mean that the Industrial PCs are ideally equipped for all control requirements. Embedded PCs make modular IPC technology available in miniature format for DIN rail mounting. In addition to their application in automation, Beckhoff Industrial PCs are also ideally suited to other kinds of tasks – wherever reliable and robust PC technology is required. Beckhoff | The I/O Company Beckhoff has the right technology for every signal and every fieldbus. Beckhoff supplies a complete range of Fieldbus Components for all common I/Os and over 15 major fieldbus systems. With the Bus Terminals in protection class IP 20, and the Fieldbus Box modules in IP 67, a complete range is available for all important signal types and fieldbus systems. In addition to classic fieldbus systems, high-performance EtherCAT technology opens up great, new potential for control technology. Beckhoff | The Motion Company In combination with the Motion Control solutions offered by the TwinCAT automation software, Beckhoff Drive Technology represents an advanced and complete drive system. PC-based control technology from Beckhoff is ideally suited for single and multiple axis positioning tasks with highly dynamic requirements. The AX5000 Servo Drive series with high-performance EtherCAT system communication offers maximum performance and dynamics.