The substructure for virtual PLCs
27.02.2026
Virtual PLCs promise flexibility and resource efficiency, but place clear demands on the system design. Find out what role Linux, Preempt RT, container engines and package managers play and what machine and plant manufacturers should pay attention to when selecting and operating them.
In contrast to soft PLCs, virtual controllers can be used multiple times on a single device - depending on its CPU performance. They are not installed for this purpose, but instantiated as software containers via images. Once available, they can be operated independently of each other like physical controllers - but without additional wiring, power supply units or space on top-hat rails.
You can find the complete article in full length on computer&automation 01/02-2026 p.22 (German)
Author: Roland Wagner