Turck Automation Kit (TAS) is a multi-functional toolkit for installing, maintaining, and managing Turck devices in automated networks.
Speed Reading
Turck's TAS IIoT platform is a simple, easy-to-use, and unified overall solution for commissioning and managing Turck devices in industrial Ethernet networks, ranging from sensors to controllers. Similar to device-specific applications for IO-Link and RFID, Turck's ARGEE logic software and BEEP IP address management solution are also integrated into this new multi-purpose tool. TAS will be updated regularly and will add a wealth of IIoT functionality in the future, for applications such as status monitoring or edge control on PCs or local servers.
In the era of digital transformation, software is playing an increasingly important role in the field of automation technology, as it is the foundation for controlling and monitoring automated processes. Software platforms and networked systems enable faster and more efficient production by automating processes. The software used in automation technology needs to control and monitor complex processes, as the requirements it must meet are also very high. On the one hand, it must be reliable and safe, because failures can result in high costs. On the other hand, it must also be flexible and adaptable to constantly changing production requirements. However, considering all its functions, software must first and foremost be simple and intuitive.
In addition to network management and control technologies, users can also benefit from software solutions offered by automation vendors, as these provide easy access to the intelligent functions of previously simple devices such as sensors and actuators. Proprietary software allows users to operate a single, universal system from the manufacturer applicable to all automation solutions, without the need to mix and match different tools.
TAS IIoT and Service Platform
Turck Automation Suite (TAS) is a brand-new software platform that can be downloaded for free and used directly in any Windows PC's web browser without installation. This platform serves as a central tool, facilitating user access to and management of all functions of Turck devices, from sensors and fieldbus devices to edge controllers and PLCs. Therefore, devices can be easily and quickly set up and managed within industrial Ethernet networks. TAS also integrates the IODD configurator and provides access to all IO-Link functions of Turck devices. Thus, this software suite combines a range of functions previously available as separate programs with many new features, views, and applications, such as the IO-Link management interface for overviewing and managing the IO-Link master and all connected IO-Link devices.
Batch processing function for rapid commissioning in industrial Ethernet networks
The network scanning function can locate all online Turck Ethernet devices in the network and directly display relevant device information. The network management interface can also publish IP addresses and passwords and perform firmware updates for all devices in the network. Device-specific web pages for all Ethernet devices are directly accessible via TAS.
The network view function can also be executed as a batch processing function. This allows many devices to be updated and processed simultaneously, saving significant time when debugging and maintaining large networks—all without requiring a PLC or third-party software. The ability to export device networks in CSV format also simplifies documentation, collaboration, and management.
As a software suite, TAS integrates various functionalities that can be selectively activated within the platform as applications. These are device-level functions, simple plug-and-play features that launch without any additional installation. TAS currently offers a range of applications for IO-Link sensors, such as radar and vibration sensors, inductive couplers, and RFID applications for HF and UHF applications.
ARGEE and BEEP Management Interface
ARGEE logic software transforms Turck's Ethernet I/O modules into IP67 logic controllers (field logic controllers) that can operate directly in the field without a rack. Therefore, conditions and actions can be programmed with exceptional ease, without the need for any software installation. While ARGEE cannot replace every PLC, this engineering software opens up new possibilities in the field of control technology by reducing the burden on networks and higher-level controllers by performing simple logic tasks in the field. This functionality is currently unique in the market. TAS supports convenient batch loading and centralized management of ARGEE programs on a set of devices. It also simplifies the management of BEEP configurations. Turck's backplane Ethernet extension protocols reduce the number of IP addresses required in industrial networks and simplify the application of TBEN and FEN20 multi-protocol modular I/O. With BEEP functionality, it is possible to connect up to 33 TBEN modules to a PLC via a single IP address in Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP networks. By reducing the number of IP addresses, users can quickly create high-density I/O networks and connect them using low-cost controllers.
Radar monitors and IODD configurators, etc.
TAS also provides debugging and management support for Turck's IO-Link applications, such as the IODD configurator, radar monitor, and vibration monitor. Users can directly invoke and execute the corresponding applications through a special IO-Link management interface.
For example, the IODD Configurator can be used to configure parameters for IO-Link devices from all manufacturers. The application can display IO-Link process data as a graphical historical curve, which is very useful during setup. Users can also access plain text of all relevant parameters for the IO-Link devices they are using.
Turck radar monitors offer similar advantages: they graphically display Turck radar sensor measurements and simplify setup with real-time signal curves, especially when setting filters to suppress interference or in complex installation situations. Users can easily adjust filters, measurement windows, and other parameters to suit their specific application needs.
RFID Mini Program: UHF Demonstration Tool
For Turck's RFID devices, TAS offers three UHF demonstration tools: "Logistics Gate Application" simulates batch (synchronous) inspection of multiple carriers in a logistics gate application. This application checks whether all carriers have been definitively detected. Anyone who has ever manually evaluated batch inspection operations knows how much time and effort this can save. "Carrier Tracking" allows users to determine the ideal start-up and stop times needed to optimize the read/write process in mobile applications. "Carrier Count" measures read/write performance at different carrier locations on a static object. To this end, the UHF reader continuously increases its power and indicates the minimum power required for reliable carrier reading.
TAS Industrial IoT and Service Platform
Turck Automation Kits make it easy to manage Turck devices on Ethernet industrial networks.
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A more secure IIoT platform
TAS improves the security of operations on previous programs. All device actions must be enabled using a device password. However, the password can be saved during the browser session and applied to all devices when necessary, thus providing user convenience.
Coming Soon: TAS IIoT Platform
Currently, TAS version 1.7 is merely a preview of the functional scope of this mature IIoT solution. The software platform will continuously provide more features and digital services through updates. TAS will offer connector functionality with the Turck Cloud, allowing it to be used as a virtual edge controller on PCs or local servers and selected Turck devices. This will significantly simplify the intelligent assessment of production data, enabling condition monitoring and predictive maintenance without being limited by factory boundaries. To meet the requirements of the IIoT platform, TAS will also support data transfer to higher-level systems via MQTT and OPC UA, automated configuration of daily tasks for service missions, and numerous other functions. TAS will significantly improve the connectivity of production systems, thereby seamlessly integrating OT and IT data.
Author | Christoph Schmermund, RFID Interface Product Manager
