[Technical Tips] The Guide to Integrating TwinCAT with the EtherCAT Digital I/O Series on Windows 10 IoT

The integration of TwinCAT with the EtherCAT Digital I/O Series on a Windows 10 IoT platform provides a robust solution for industrial automation and data acquisition. This guide explores how to configure and deploy TwinCAT software to interact seamlessly with the EtherCAT Digital I/O Series, leveraging the PPC-090T-APL as the host device. By utilizing Windows 10 IoT's flexibility and TwinCAT's powerful automation capabilities, users can achieve efficient data processing and control in various industrial scenarios. This article will walk you through the setup process, and optimization tips for a smooth implementation.

Hardware Preparation

Before starting the integration of TwinCAT with the EtherCAT Digital Input Series, ensuring you have the necessary hardware and software is key to success. The hardware configuration used in this article includes:

• PPC-090T-APL: This serves as the control platform running Windows 10 IoT and TwinCAT software, providing a touch screen interface and embedded computing power.
• QEC-RXXD88 Digital Input and Output Module: This module is used for data acquisition and signal processing and features multi-channel digital input functionality.
• Associated Connectivity Equipment: Includes a power supply, digital input signal sources (e.g., switches or sensors), and the necessary cables for module connections.

Software Preparation

For software, you will need the following:

• Windows 10 IoT: Serves as the operating system, providing a stable and flexible runtime environment.
• TwinCAT 3 download | eXtended Automation Engineering (XAE)

Step 1: PPC-090T-APL Execution of TwinCAT Software for Win10 IoT OS

Connect the QEC module to the Ethernet port of PPC-090T-APL and power up the devices and check that the device indicators are functioning correctly.

1. Download the TwinCAT 3 download | eXtended Automation Engineering (XAE)
2. After complete the download, please go to C:\TwinCAT\3.1\System, and then execute TcRtelnstall.exe
   
3. Installation of TwinCAT RT - Ethernet Adapters, please choose GBE LAN and install the BECKHOFF Network
   
4. Double click the Install
   
5. After driver installed, it shows GBE LAN installed and ready
   
6. Select TwinCAT Config Mode in the toolbar
   
7. Choose the TwinCAT XAE (TcXaeShell) to execute
   

Step 2: Operation with the QEC-RXXD88 Digital Module under TwinCAT

1. Click the file to open the new project
   
2. Select the TwinCAT XAE Projects and click the OK
   
3. Scan the EtherCAT network MainDevice and SubDevice - select devices and right-click to select Scan
   
4. Be prompted and select OK to continue
   
5. Please select the EtherCAT Device and click OK
   
6. You will see the product name, vendor ID, and product code then select apply to all and click Yes
   
7. Click Yes to activate the Free Run
   
8. EtherCAT SubDevice is detected by TwinCAT
   
9. Choose the Digital module process data mapping
   
10. Setup for your digital module