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Writer's pictureShivanshu Mishra

What Is PLCnext?


PLCnext is a full-featured IEC 61331 machine that offers all the traditional features we've come to expect from a PLC. PLCnext is a programmable logic controller (PLC) built on the Industrial

Internet of Things (IIoT). PLCNext Control is an open platform controller with PLCnext technology that allows you to implement automation projects without the constraints of proprietary systems. PLCnext Control is ideal for software developers and system engineers involved in industrial process automation.

PLCnext Control is part of Phoenix Contact's range of embedded computers for industrial process automation. PLCnext Control devices include unique features such as Global Data Space (GDS) and Execution and Synchronization Manager (ESM) that allow components written in different languages ​​to be combined into a single project.


This unique program allows users to create applications in a wide variety of languages. We can create one application that works in multiple languages ​​at the same time, or we can create multiple applications in PLCnext Engineer, each of which can work in different languages ​​and communicate as we wish. From there, we can also develop an API to work between the Java runtime and PLCnext Engineer to send usage reports and other data to the cloud for storage and analysis.

This portability once again demonstrates how useful it is to have such a highly standardized software development and runtime environment in automation products such as PLCnext. Given its use in many of these demo projects, PLCnext has played an extensive role in them, which confirms the desirability of combining a standardized Linux environment with traditional automation features and tools. Because it runs the Yocto Project, a Debian Linux variant, this PLC is a true open source solution.

PLCnext combines open control technology, modular engineering software and an online community and is highly adaptable to changing requirements. The platform includes a digital software marketplace and supports cloud integration. PLCnext provides a platform for industrial-scale open source development. PLCnext delivers the efficiency and quality you need by offering programmers an unrestricted Linux platform that they can use to build their own software to meet the unique requirements of their organizations.

These applications can use the PLCnext runtime services as needed. C++ is used because PLCnext Control provides a C++ programming environment, and many open source projects for PLCnext Control projects are also written in C++. Predefined applications can be easily installed and configured on PLCnext controllers without any software development effort.

The PLCnext Control family of controllers can take on the role of a traditional PLC4, but they also have features familiar to software engineers with more general programming experience. They are available from your local Phoenix Contact branch or from many online automation retailers. Phoenix Contact PLCnext controllers give you the flexibility to use your preferred programming language, be it IEC 61131-3 or a high-level language. It also includes a vendor-supported online software store and a supported developer community.

To date, he has been instrumental in several OPA projects and workshops, and will likely continue to do so. Yaskawa plans to first use PLCnext for motion control and robotics products in Europe and the United States. The company will use PLCnext to further enhance and develop its i3-Mechatronics control system portfolio. PLCnext Technology... Future-proof PLCnext is the first of a new generation of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).

With the rapid development of industrial automation and the growth of cloud computing services such as IoT and IIoT, flexible, unique and open technologies such as PLCnext have become the necessity of the times. PLCnextA Technology's open platform extends the advantages of traditional PLCs and provides the foundation for advanced automation that meets all the demands of the IoT world. PLCnext A TechnologyA combines all the communication features and advantages of the traditional PLC world with the openness and flexibility of smart devices. This new platform combines logic, motion and robot control with solutions for Industry 4.0 applications.

PLCnext provides communication both in production and throughout the company. PLCnext can also connect to popular IoT platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google IoT and more. PLCnext from Phoenix Contact is an automation and IoT product line that combines an open real-time control platform, a Linux software development and runtime environment, automation software, and cloud integration. Phoenix first announced the Linux-based PLCnext platform at SPS 2016 in Germany, calling it an open control platform that "would allow engineers from different disciplines to work together on projects simultaneously, each in their favorite development environment."

October 22 - Phoenix Contacts PLCnext Technology offers developers a control platform that combines traditional IEC 61131 programming with open source languages ​​such as Linux. Operational technology (OT) engineers have been programming PLCs using IEC 61131-3 languages ​​for decades. They are intended for programming in high-level languages ​​in addition to the classic IEC 61131-3 languages. Yaskawa considers PLCnext "the most open industrial automation software platform available today" that combines IEC 61131-3 programming, modern programming languages, security hardware and software, and control system security.

Since these devices are intended for use in critical infrastructure where safety is a top priority, we decided to evaluate their safety and our first choice was the PLCNext AXC F 2152 from Phoenix Contact. Regarding the first vulnerability, they just mentioned that with the next version of the PLCnext firmware for the AXC F 2152 they will add clearer and more detailed documentation that physical access to the device must be protected, and regarding the second vulnerability, they requested more details to be the ability to activate the vulnerability.

Regarding the second problem, we suggest that users update the firmware to 2019.0 LTS or later version as soon as possible, and use the latest version of PLCNEXT ENGINEER software for PLC programming. They also claimed to have fixed all relevant issues we encountered with their firmware with our Firmware Security Analysis Platform.



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