WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 05/2018 (EN)

02 Representation of the PLCnext
Technology system architecture with ESM
(Execution and Synchronization Manager)
and GDS (Global Data Space)
controller via certificates and vice versa. The system thus detects
manipulations in the engineering information and the firmware
and then prohibits the execution of any corrupted software. In
addition, “Secure Boot” is a key tool in detecting manipulations of
the device firmware during the boot phase and prohibiting its
execution if affected. PLCnext Technology also consistently applies
the Linux user and group management application in order that
users and integrators can share or block specific areas for specific
user roles.
at the outset. However, once the users come to terms with the
principle and become familiar with the system, they can benefit
from its unlimited possibilities in the age of Industrie 4.0.
Photographs: Phoenix Contact
www.phoenixcontact.com
Download new functions from the AppStore
AUTOMATION
The commercial infrastructure surrounding PLCnext Technology is
proving to be exciting because, with the PLCnext AppStore, new
business models are being created for integrators, end users, and
even for third-party suppliers who want to market their components
based on PLCnext Technology. Via the PLCnext AppStore, functions
and even complete applications can be purchased, licensed, and
downloaded to the controller. Furthermore, system updates and
others will also be made available via this channel, which makes
downloading them just as easy for end users as when acquiring and
installing an app for their cellphones.
PLCnext Technology thus departs from the patterns of thinking of
programmers, users and manufacturers established over decades.
Whereas in the past, users may have been bound to a particular
company through a highly delimited system, an in-house runtime
environment and many proprietary features, PLCnext Technology
is a solution that users can extend and customize to suit their
individual needs. It is therefore unimportant whether the
manufacturer provides additional functions and integrates these
into its runtime environment. With PLCnext Technology, the users
can do this themselves – on one of the most widely used operating
systems in the world. This new level of freedom is surely unfamiliar
The Platform for limitless automation
PLCnext Control combines the reliability and security of the
classic PLC world with the openness and flexibility of smart
devices. The controller makes it possible to implement automation
projects without the limits of proprietary systems.
n PLC-typical real time performance and data consistency,
also for high-level languages and model-based code
n Limitless adaption capability through quick, simple
integration of open-source software, apps, and future
technologies
n Intelligent networking through direct cloud connection
and integration of current and future communication
standards
n Quick application development: Several developers work
independently in different programming languages
16 WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 2018