Incorporating the well-established CODESYS industrial standard makes initial startup even faster. Besides six different IEC 61131 programming languages (IL, LL, FBD, ST and FC) and CFC, ambitious users can also write their projects in C/C++, PHP or shell scripts. Programs and libraries created in any type of programming language are compatible with CODESYS applications.

Embedded Linux is available for users who are ready to take complete control and prefer directly using a lean and secure operating system. This real-time Linux® software provides a wide range of advantages, including the flexibility of using open-source code that adapts the source code to a user's specific needs at any time. In addition to being highly stable, this robust operating system also offers ongoing optimization through the active open-source community, keeping you both current and ready to adapt to what’s next – especially when it comes to security.

The features are impressive: Despite its compact size, WAGO's programmable logical controller (PLC) carries all the vital interfaces and even includes two RJ-45 and RS-232/RS-485 ports – depending on the version you select. For ultimate in versatility, the ETHERNET interfaces can be configured independently, meaning two separate networks can be configured with the PLC. The two ETHERNET ports can function as an ETHERNET switch to create a line topology. The SD card slot provides additional functionality, such as allowing large image files to be stored on an SD card for Web visualization.

The rugged plastic controller housing accommodates an up to 1 GHz Cortex A8 processor, flanked by maximum 512 MB RAM for exceptionally fast operating speeds. The largest possible program and data memory of 1.5 GB also provides the PFC200 with sufficient reserves for complex control tasks.

The CAN, CANopen, PROFIBUS DP and Modbus TCP/UDP/RTU protocols allow flexible connection to fieldbus systems and external input/output devices. Fieldbus systems can be configured directly in WAGO’s easy-to-use e!COCKPIT development environment. The ETHERNET interfaces also support all common protocols such as DHCP, DNS, NTP, FTP and HTTP. A secure connection is provided via SSH, HTTPS and FTPS.

The controller connects to the mobile network via encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN) access and supports both OpenVPN and IPsec protocols. A VPN tunnel connects the controller to the network via GPRS and transmits all encrypted data via SSL and TLS, perfectly protecting data from unauthorized access. The VPN can also be configured using the Web-Based Management on the controller.

Docker container technology speeds up software development, testing and deployment, since its handling is based on the behavior of apps. WAGO’s line of PFC200 Controllers now makes it possible to exploit these advantages on an embedded platform. In order to be able to react cost-efficiently to ever shorter product cycles in production, production must be networked and become more flexible and agile. Software is required to support factories in meeting new production requirements. However, the preparations for development, testing, delivery and distribution are anything but easy, especially on embedded platforms: Installing and configuring the programs is often laborious, which takes time and slows the digital transformation in companies.

The PFC200 XTR variants can also be used as telecontrollers. In addition to the IEC 60870-5-101, 103, -104, IEC 61850 and IEC 61400-25 telecontrol protocols, they also support the DNP3 communication standard. Even the interfaces are compelling: The controller is available in two versions with different numbers of communication interfaces – either two ETHERNET connections and an RS-232/RS-485 interface or two ETHERNET connections, RS-232/RS-485, CAN, CANopen and PROFIBUS DP slave interfaces.