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Beckhoff Programming

WAGO Controllers

Programming Wago controllers

To understand exactly how PLC data is programmed and configured, you should start by comparing the WAGO and Beckhoff brands
At the end of the article, WAGO self-study materials are laid out (everything is described in more detail there)

Prom

WAGO equipment has a fairly long history, since the 80s, occupies approximately 5-10% among the brands introduced in the post-Soviet space of the Russian Federation, in the automation market.

At the moment (March 2025), access to direct purchases in Russia is closed and technical support is not provided.
WAGO PLC can be found in smart home technologies, but most of the solutions were installed at thermal power facilities, boiler rooms, to control various machines and mechanisms.

Due to the flexible modular architecture, these controllers have the ability to integrate with various systems and devices through gateways.

For example, if you disassemble the Beckhoff module case, you can find the WAGO stamp on the inside - it turns out that the cases for both brands are manufactured at the same production facility.

Features of the architecture and platform of WAGO and Beckhoff:

Their platforms are similar, based on a modular architecture, which makes it easy to adapt and expand the system depending on the requirements of the project. Both systems support most communication protocols and industry standards.
Important: these systems do not support redundancy and do not have the function of uploading program code. The source code of the project in an uncompiled form can be downloaded only at the request of the contractor, independently.

WAGO
Appearance of the WAGO PLC

Appearance of Beckhoff controllers

From the experience of using both systems, I can say that some of the I/O modules are interchangeable.
WAGO software (available version FOR 2020 in) WAGO I/O PRO software – not freely distributed and sold.

However, for system integrators (with the existence of the WAGO office in Moscow), this software was transferred for free.

The polling cycle of the I/O modules is 5 milliseconds.

The software for programming WAGO CoDeSys is called WAGO I/O PRO software and consists of the following components:
- WAGO_IO-Check (a program for configuring and working with IO modules and the bus)
WAGO

- WAGO_Codesys (a program for creating algorithms in IEC 61131-3 languages). This software is compatible with OWEN controllers

WAGO

- WAGO_EthernetSettings (a program that allows you to configure network settings)

WAGO

- WAGO_TSP (set of updates and system servipacks)

Important note: To program part of the controller models, WAGO uses software based on Codesys 3.5 e!COCPITE. This software is strictly licensed and has only been sold. I do not have the opportunity to cover this software in this section.

Frequent question: where to get the target files of WAGO controllers?
Answer: A package with target files is included in WAGO I/O PRO.

Private question: what interfaces does WAGO use and implement Answer: these PLCs support the majority of 90% of existing interfaces, the composition of which can be specified in the company's catalogues

Historically, Beckhoff equipment has been purchased and installed in Russia in the interests of "custom" solutions for smart homes, as well as for printing houses and weaving enterprises.

Beckhoff software: The TwinCAT2 program supports not only standard programming languages, but also provides additional opportunities for developing complex applications, including machine vision and motion control. The polling cycle of the I/O modules is 1 millisecond.
TwinCAT System Manager (program for configuring and working with IO modules and bus)
TwinCAT System Control (a service that allows you to run a virtual controller)
TwinCAT PLC Control (a program for creating algorithms in IEC 61131-3 languages)
TwinCAT Event Configurator (system event configuration program)
TwinCAT Remote Manager
TwinCAT Scope View

Similar to WAGO, BECKHOFF has TwinCAT3 software based on Codesys 3.5. On TwinCAT3, HI-TECH segment controllers are programmed, used to work in multi-axis machines or complex solutions.

Visualization and monitoring tools:
WAGO offers solutions for data visualization and system status monitoring, which may include the creation of graphical interfaces (HMI) that display the status of the technological process and allow it to be managed. The software tools I have encountered are based on the use of proprietary graphics capabilities embedded in Codesys.

Drivers and libraries:
To ensure interaction with various devices and systems, WAGO provides drivers and libraries that simplify the integration of controllers with other network components, such as DALI, EnOcean. Most of the libraries are distributed free of charge and are included in the provided software. Beckhoff libraries, especially for integrating various networks and protocols, are sold and licensed.

WAGO DIAG

A little bit about system diagnostics.
How, for example, to detect an open or short circuit on the analog channel of the WAGO module
There are reserved system variables in the controller, by the value of which it is possible to understand the diagnostic status of the modules and specifically the I/O channels.