LogicLab Software PLC¶
LogicLab* is an integrated development environment (IDE) fully compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard. LogicLab offers edge-cutting solutions and features for PLC developers, in addition to a very user-friendly interface and the support for a wide range of processors and communication protocols. With LogicLab, it is possible to turn any kind of hardware into completely operational PLC any kind of hardware. It is also possible to use virtual target to turn computers into PLC. Axel* offers a complete suite of software solutions that covers all aspects of PLC development.
LogicLab IDE¶
The following section is applicable to:
LogicLab provides an IDE for Microsoft Windows. Using the LogicLab IDE, control applications can be developed, tested, and compiled for the LogicLab runtime, both Linux and Microsoft Windows. The following figure shows a typical IDE project environment.
For instructions on installing the LogicLab IDE on a Microsoft Windows PC, refer to Install LogicLab IDE.
LogicLab Runtime¶
The following section is applicable to:
LogicLab runtime has both Linux and Microsoft Windows versions, which can be applied to different real-time operating systems. You can download LogicLab IDE from the following links:
You need a license to activate LogicLab runtime. Contact Axel or Nxtrol* to purchase the license.
Install LogicLab IDE¶
The following section is applicable to:
Setup a PC with a 64-bit version of Microsoft Windows [7 (Service Pack 1 or higher)/8/10] installed.
Download the 64- bit version of LogicLab on to the Microsoft Windows PC:
Note: Create a free account to download the software.
Double-click the installer LogicLabAutomationSuite_x.x.x_xxxxxx.exe. Note that for PRC customers, the installer filename should contain CN.
Accept the license agreement, and then click Next.
Select the components you want to install. Click Next to proceed.
Review your selection, and then click Install.
After the installation is complete, click Finish to exit the setup.
Refer to the Getting Started Guide for more setup options.
LogicLab Example Applications¶
LogicLab is distributed through different channels (for instance, Axel and Nxtrol) in different geographies. Check the samples relevant to your geography.
Nxtrol Application #1: Logiclab EtherCAT Connection¶
EtherCAT is a widely used fieldbus protocol for PLC, CNC controller, and robotics controller to connect I/O, sensors, and servo motors through a standard Ethernet port. This sample provides a step-by-step guide to set up EtherCAT master and slave configuration from scratch.
For the setup instructions in Chinese, refer to EtherCAT bus operation.
Nxtrol Application #2: Logiclab ModbusTCP Connection¶
LogicLab supports ModbusTCP to communicate with traditional devices. This sample shows how to configure ModbusTCP.
For the configuration instructions in Chinese, refer to ModbusTCP basic communication.
Nxtrol Application #3: LogicLab Motion Control Development Kit Demonstration with RTMotion and LinuxCNC¶
Based on Intel® x86 processor, Nxtrol has released a IEC61131-3 based edge computing development kit called the Logiclab Motion Control Development Kit. This kit has different configurations based on Intel® Celeron® processor, Intel® Core™ i5 processor, or Intel® Core™ i7 processor. This development kit can support both real-time control and IT-OT converge.
Intel® ECI platform has laid a solid foundation for LogicLab Motion Control Development Kit such as Linux RT kernel, OPC UA, and TSN. By integrating with these components, LogicLab can support fieldbus such as Modbus, CANopen, EtherCAT as well as MQTT and OPC UA to talk to other edge computing nodes. The RTMotion* PLCopen library and the LinuxCNC library integration enables LogicLab to do real-time motion control as well.
For more details in Chinese, refer to Introduction to the Intel processor-based edge computing development kit.
Axel Application #1: Basic Demonstration¶
This is a simple demonstration to show the basic features of LogicLab related to the IEC standard. This demonstration contains sample codes in all five standard languages, declaration and usage of functions and function blocks, and arrays and mapped variables.
For more details, refer to Introduction to LogicLab – Basic demo.
Axel Application #2: Motion Demonstration¶
This is a more complex demonstration that shows how to make and configure a Motion control application, over EtherCAT network, with LogicLab.
For more details, refer to Introduction to LogicLab – Motion demo.