23 Aug 2026

Software-Defined Automation: Virtual PLCs and IEC 61499 Move Closer to Production

Tags

  • Software-Defined Automation
  • Virtual PLC
  • IEC 61499
  • IEC 61131-3
  • Control System Design

Software-defined automation (SDA) separates control logic from the physical hardware it runs on. Siemens offers soft-PLCs on industrial PCs, Rockwell has virtualised Logix, CODESYS supports both IEC 61131-3 and IEC 61499, and Beckhoff TwinCAT can run on virtual machines. The practical appeal is easier hardware refresh, consolidation and testing.

IEC 61499 is the standard most often associated with this shift. Where IEC 61131-3 programs are largely tied to one controller, IEC 61499 models an application as a network of event-driven function blocks that can be deployed to a single PLC, a cluster of edge nodes or the cloud without rewriting the logic. It also defines management commands that allow online reconfiguration. Tools such as Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Automation Expert and the open-source Eclipse 4diac are built around it.

Field analyses are, however, a reminder to separate production reality from hype. Hard real-time performance, determinism, cyber security and long-term support all need to be proven for each application, and most plants will run conventional and virtualised controllers side by side for years.

Where it makes sense, we now design control software in a modular, hardware-independent way, so a future move to virtualised or distributed controllers does not mean starting over.

Services Used

Services Featured In This Post

Control Systems Design

Control Systems Design

Where required, IMSI can take a project from the concept stage through to full production. Whether you know what you need or just know the problem, IMSI can work with you to achieve a solution.In terms of control system design, focusing on the bigger picture is essential. As an external partner, we gain a universal understanding in the nature and design of your control system, developing automation solutions that will enhance the performance of your entire operation.
Reviewing your system objectives both in the short and long term, we can help identify system design solutions to achieve improved reliability, efficiency and productivity. We verify whether your current control system diagrams are still relevant, before using our detailed analysis to design the new system.
Our fully integrated solutions include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), variable-speed drives (VSDs), servos, motor control centres (MCCs), SCADA/HMI systems, machine vision and safety systems.
Read More →

Interested in Working With Us?

Let's discuss how IMSI can deliver a tailored solution for your project.

Get In Touch