ACCON AGLink

The fast and flexible communication library

Conventional PLCs are often the standard solution for solving automation tasks. PCs and servers are the first choice for control systems with an increased computing effort or large data collectives. The connection of the two systems is the task of ACCON AGLink. The communication library ACCON AGLink ensures a smooth data exchange between PC and PLC. Self-created PC programs can thus easily access a wide variety of controllers.

The existing software variety is a challenge for a networked workflow in automation and control technology. Automation applications such as control, monitoring, visualization and archiving are only possible through access to the process data of the controllers. For this, the applications must speak the same "language" as the controllers - in other words, they must master their protocols. ACCON AGLink was developed and optimized exactly for this communication. No matter if you want to access the different data areas (D, I, Q, M, T, C, P), read out the diagnostic buffer of a S7 controller or synchronize the PLC time with the PC time, ACCON AGLink provides you with the appropriate ready-to-use functions. For further simplification ACCON AGLink contains many conversion functions to convert PLC data types to PC data types.

Connecting your controller to ACCON AGLink

ACCON AGLink can be used with different controllers and communication paths, on different operating systems and with different programming languages. Should the connection you require to your controller not yet be supported, then contact us!

Access to a wide range of controllers and PLCs

ACCON AGLink is independent from the used controller hardware: No matter which controller hardware you want to access, with ACCON AGLink you don't have to care about the details. You are even able to access an old S5 or a new S7-1200 without any changes to your source code or application. With ACCON AGLink the access to the following PLCs is open to you:

• S7-200, S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-300, S7-400, S7-400H
• S7-compatible PLCs, e.g. Vipa, Saia, Berthel
• LOGO! 0BA7, LOGO! 0BA8
• SINUMERIK ONE, Create MyVirtual Machine, SINUMERIK 840D sl, 840D pl, 810D pl
• MicroMaster and SINAMICS
• S5
• Devices with 3964/3964R protocol
• Devices with RK512 protocol
• Devices with RFC1006 protocol
• Software Controllers S7-1505S and S7-1507S
• PLC Simulation SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM Advanced

Controller access independent of the communication path

In addition, ACCON AGLink is independent of the communication path used: The most different controller generations and PLC types support the most different communication paths - ACCON AGLink as well (inlcuding Secure Communication). The following communication options are available:

• S7-TCP/IP for S7 via 243-1, 343-1, 443-1, PN- and IE-CPUs (also S7-1200)
• MPI via ACCON MPI Adapter USB, ACCON MPI Adapter RS-232, ACCON MPI/TS Adapter, ACCON NetLink PRO compact, ACCON NetLink PRO, ACCON NetLink WLAN, ACCON NetLink USB compact, ACCON NetLink USB, ACCON NetLink S7, Siemens PROFIBUS CP, PROFIBUS cards from Softing and Hilscher
• PROFIBUS via ACCON NetLink PRO compact, ACCON NetLink PRO, ACCON NetLink WLAN, ACCON NetLink USB compact, ACCON NetLink USB, ACCON NetLink S7, Siemens PROFIBUS CP, PROFIBUS cards from Softing and Hilscher
• PPI via ACCON PPI Kabel, ACCON NetLink PRO compact, ACCON NetLink PRO, ACCON NetLink WLAN, ACCON NetLink USB compact, ACCON NetLink USB, ACCON NetLink S7, Siemens-PROFIBUS-CP, PROFIBUS cards from Softing and Hilscher
• S5-TCP/IP for S5 via CP 1430 TCP, Inat S5-TCP/IP 100, Vipa CP 143 TCP/IP, ACCON S5 LAN
• AS511 via ACCON COM Cable, ACCON COM Cable USB, ACCON COM Cable IE, ACCON S5 LAN
• RK512 via serial interface
• 3964 and 3964R via serial interface
• S5-ISO (H1) via CP1430
• SINUMERIK ONE via TCP/IP

Controller communication from different operating systems

ACCON AGLink is also independent of the operating system used. You want to write your application independent of the operating system? Then you have chosen the right communication library with ACCON AGLink. The change from a normal desktop application to a WinCE panel application often only requires a new compilation for the target system. ACCON AGLink is available for the following operating systems:

• Windows XP, Server 2008R2, 7, 8.1, Server 2012R2, 10, Server 2016
• Windows CE (as of version 4)
• Linux
• Linux Embedded
• Raspberry Pi
  

Programming languages for controller access according to your needs

Finally, ACCON AGLink is also independent of the programming language used: whether you have your preferred programming language or choose your programming language according to the project requirements, ACCON AGLink supports a wide range of development environments. You have the free choice from the following list:

• Microsoft Visual C/C++, Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft C#, Microsoft VB.net
• Borland Delphi, C++ Builder
• Codegear Delphi, C++ Builder
• Embarcadero Delphi, Delphi Prism, C++ Builder
• LabVIEW
• Java (not all functions covered)
• All languages that can use a Win32 or a WinCE DLL
• Gcc under Linux

Faster development with included sample programs

The scope of delivery of ACCON AGLink includes sample programs for most programming languages. But this was not enough for us. Therefore we have developed the API-Guide (API = Application Programming Interface) for you. With this software you can not only execute and test every single function of ACCON AGLink directly and interactively, but you can also view the source code for it in C#, VB.net, C++, Delphi and Java. Your input is converted directly into the program code. You can then immediately copy and paste this into your development environment. You cannot develop the communication part any faster. ACCON AGLink can also directly access the symbols used in the PLC project. You want to select the operands in your application from the symbols of the used PLC project? You don't want to remember "M 10.0" and prefer to use "Door contact rear"? Very good, because this eliminates a potential source of error.

Access to machine tool controllers with ACCON AGLink

With ACCON AGLink you can also communicate with your CNC machine tool controller. For example, you can perform the following activities using the SINUMERIK AddOn:

• Determine utilization and availability of the CNC machines
• Monitor and record machine data such as operating mode, torques, power consumption, axis positions
• Display running NC program, number of parts produced and access level
• Access tool data such as magazine, tool offset data, tool monitoring data
• Read R-parameters, override, number of pending alarms
• Read information for preventive maintenance
• Monitoring (dashboard) of the machine, e.g. machine status, program status, cycle time, number of pieces, operating hours, OEE

Event-controlled communication with the PLC

As a special feature, ACCON AGLink offers the possibility to react event-driven to PLC telegrams to avoid having to start constant queries. BRECEIVE, URECEIVE, the complete alarm and acknowledgement handling as well as the operating state transition messages are available with ACCON AGLink.
Or do you only want to have certain values sent cyclically by the PLC without having to ask for them each time? We have already implemented these functions for you as well. Even complex control systems with different network technologies are no longer a problem with ACCON AGLink, since you can simply use the routing connections (e.g. from Ethernet to PROFIBUS) of the S7 controllers. And this, of course, without having to change a line of your program. Do you want to access more than one controller at the same time? The quantity structure of ACCON AGLink leaves nothing to be desired: Up to 256 communication devices with up to 16 PLCs each should suffice for any case. Of course, the devices can be different - even parallel access to different controller generations is easily feasible.

Access symbolic data and optimized block access

With ACCON AGLink you can access the symbol data in the following programs:

• S7-300 and S7-400 programs

ACCON AGLink supports the S7-1200/S7-1500 also with optimized block access and masters the import of symbols directly from the TIA Portal of the versions 12, 13, 14, 15, 15.1, 16, 17, 18 and 19 (since version 6.0.2.0).

Different single licenses to suit your requirements

The software ACCON AGLink is available as single license or as developer license. The ACCON AGLink single license always includes all available ACCON AGLink modules. It is available in three different variants: Classic, TIA and Pro. The single license must be purchased for each PC on which ACCON AGLink is used. You do not need to worry about the communication hardware or controller to be used, you always have the complete package with the ACCON AGLink single license according to the selected license scope:

• Single license Classic: contains all modules available for the operating system, except the TIA modules, the SINUMERIK AddOn and S5-ISO (H1)
• Single license TIA: contains all modules available for the operating system, except the two modules SINUMERIK AddOn and S5-ISO (H1)
• Single license Pro: includes all modules available for the operating system
  

Developer licenses for more runtime licenses and maintenance contracts

Alternatively, you can also purchase the developer license. It can consist of any combination of the available ACCON AGLink modules. Each developer needs his own license of ACCON AGLink. Subject to the license terms, the developer license includes an unlimited number of runtime licenses.
Additionally a maintenance contract is available for the developer license. It consists of the Software Update Service (SUS) and the Premium Support. Within the scope of the SUS you will receive all updates of ACCON AGLink promptly via e-mail during the term of your maintenance contract. This way you are always up-to-date even in case of firmware changes or new CPU types.

Notes on ACCON AGLink developer licenses

The module ACCON AGLink SINUMERIK AddOn additionally requires an ACCON AGLink communication module that supports the desired SINUMERIK controller.
The module ACCON AGLink S7-TCP/IP TIA additionally requires the module ACCON AGLink SymbolikPro TIA.
The module ACCON AGLink S7-RedConn requires at least one additional ACCON AGLink communication module.
For the modules ACCON AGLink S7-TCP/IP TIA and ACCON AGLink S7-SymbolikPro TIA a maintenance contract is mandatory.

Technical highlights

• Supports controller types S7-200, S7-1200, S7-1500, S7-300, S7-400, S7-400H, LOGO! 0BA7, LOGO! 0BA8 and S5
• Supports machine tool controllers SINUMERIK ONE, Create MyVirtual Machine, SINUMERIK 840D sl, 840D pl, 810D pl
• Supports routed, configured and redundant connections and Secure Communication
• Communication via MPI, PROFIBUS, PPI, TCP/IP and RK512/3964(R)
• Change of communication path possible without program change
• Uniform software for all controller types and for all supported operating systems
• Extensive functionality for writing and reading process data
• Extensive comfort functions
• Access to S7 symbol data (with module SymbolikPro)
• Available for Windows, Windows CE, Linux, Linux Embedded, Solaris, OS9000 and VxWorks
• Supports all common programming languages via DLL or shared object
• Maintenance contract available (Note: for TIA modules a maintenance contract is mandatory)
• Supports S7-1200 and S7-1500 with symbolic access via TCP/IP incl. TIA project import (with module SymbolikPro TIA)
• Supports controller types: Software Controller S7-1505S and S7-1507S
• Supports PLC simulation SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM Advanced
• TIA Portal is supported, in online as well as offline access
• Also FW 2.9.x and 3.0.x for S7-1500 as well as FW 4.5 and 4.6 for S7-1200 is supported
• Access to PLCs (S7-1200/1500) with access protection: Even with 'No Access' reading and writing of variables is possible through password entry.
• Project upload of CPUs with parameterized protection level is possible with password input. The current protection level can be queried (S7-1200/1500).
• Alarms of S7-1500 are supported
• PLC time can be read and set (S7-1200/1500)
• Operating status (run/stop) can be read and set (S7-1200/1500)
• .Net Core supports Windows and Linux
• S5-ISO (H1) for Windows and Linux
• New since version 6.0: Secure Communication, SINUMERIK ONE, Create MyVirtual Machine as well as a new module: SINUMERIK AddOn
• For SINUMERIK: No change to the CNC program necessary, no Siemens license required

Features of the SINUMERIK AddOn module

• Access to over 4000 NC variables
• Access to user data (GUD)
• Comfortable browsing of variables and GUDs
• Optimized variable access to avoid protocol errors due to invalid query order