Safety controllers can also be implemented without a two-channel hardware structure and thus virtual controllers can be used in safety applications.

The abstraction of controllers to virtual controllers is playing an increasingly important role in the course of digitalization. However, one aspect is critical: the control of potentially dangerous machines and systems. Can virtual PLCs also be used for this?

Delta introduces the AX-300N and AX-324N compact mid-range PLC controllers. These AX-3 Series controllers offer a CODESYS development environment designed to enable intelligent industrial automation applications. Compatibility with Delta's AS-Series IO products and support for a wide range of industrial communication protocols, including PLCopen v1.0 function blocks, Ethernet/IP and OPC UA servers, ensure compatibility in a variety of automation applications.

In a two-part series of articles, we shed light on the path of the PLC towards virtual control. In this second part of the article series, the focus is on functionally safe controllers - i.e. safety controllers. Can they also be virtualized?

The company CODESYS develops software that is used by industry to control machines. However, there are also completely different fields of application.

The runtime in the container offers instant solutions to parts shortages, delivery problems, and increased prices. IT integration, scalability, flexibility, and microservices result in completely new possibilities that were unthinkable with native PLCs.