With this new version, straton continues to support equipment manufacturers, system integrators, and industrial companies in developing open, high-performance automation applications that are compatible with industry standards.
Enhanced Support for IEC 61131-3 Languages
Release 16.0 introduces several major enhancements related to the IEC 61131-3 Edition 3 standard, offering developers greater flexibility and making it easier to structure complex projects.
- Support for references
straton now supports references, also known as pointers, in accordance with the IEC 61131-3 Edition 3 standard.
These references can be used in all IEC 61131-3 programming languages. The debugging system also allows for dynamic monitoring of dereferences, which facilitates the analysis and debugging of applications.
- Namespace Management
It is now possible to assign a namespace to a library or a project.
This feature helps prevent name conflicts when a project uses multiple libraries or external objects. Namespaces are used in accordance with the IEC 61131-3 Edition 3 standard.
They apply in particular to data types, user function blocks, and subprograms.
- Object-Oriented Programming
straton 16.0 also introduces the ability to create methods for function blocks.
This enhancement enables an object-oriented programming approach, in accordance with the specifications of the IEC 61131-3 Edition 3 standard. Methods can be called individually and share data from the parent function block instance.
This feature enables better code organization, particularly in complex or highly modular applications.
- Enumerated Data Types with Explicit Values
The new version now supports ENUM types with explicit values, as defined in IEC 61131-3 Edition 3.
This makes it possible to declare enumerated types with associated values.
This enhancement improves compatibility with the IEC 61131-3 standard and facilitates the integration of projects or libraries that already use this type of declaration.
A new PDF documentation generator
straton 16.0 includes a new tool for automatically generating project documentation in PDF format.
Accessible from the menu: Tools / Generate PDF Document
this generator allows you to produce comprehensive project documentation, including a table of contents and hyperlinks to facilitate navigation.
This new tool complements the existing print functions and offers a more convenient way to view, share, or archive a project’s technical documentation.
The generated files can also be easily searched using the built-in text search feature in PDF readers, such as the CTRL + F function.
straton for Revolution PI
Release 16.0 introduces a new runtime dedicated to Revolution PI devices.
A specific configurator is integrated directly into the Workbench to configure the RevPI input/output points used in IEC 61131-3 logic.
This integration simplifies the development, configuration, and deployment of automation applications on the Revolution PI platform.
Import/export functions also facilitate the management and reuse of configurations.
A new Profinet Device Emulator
straton 16.0 also introduces a new standalone tool: the Profinet Device Emulator.
This tool allows you to emulate a Profinet device from a GSDML file. It provides a graphical interface for configuring the device’s modules and running the device in a test environment.
This new tool is particularly useful when a Profinet controller application needs to be developed but the physical device is not yet available.
It thus enables the development, testing, and validation phases to begin earlier, particularly during the application design phase.
IEC 61850 Client Driver: Support for the IEC 61850 Edition 2.1 Standard
straton’s IEC 61850 client driver is now compliant with the IEC 61850 Edition 2.1 standard and certified for this version.
This update ensures full interoperability with devices implementing Edition 2.1, while maintaining backward compatibility with previous versions, including Edition 2.0 and Edition 1.
Key improvements include:
- support for the updated data models and services in Edition 2.1;
- improved compatibility with modern IED configurations and SCL files;
- alignment with the latest compliance requirements and test procedures.
This update also simplifies the certification process for customers who develop their own IEC 61850 solutions based on straton.
It enhances interoperability in heterogeneous IEC 61850 environments and ensures long-term compliance with the latest updates to the standard.
OPC UA Client: Support for Complex Data Types
straton’s OPC UA client driver now supports complex data types, including structures, arrays, and combinations of these elements.
Data can be accessed in read-only, write-only, or read/write modes.
This enhancement enables straton to read and process complex variables consisting of multiple data points, arrays, or nested structures.
It improves connectivity with modern OPC UA devices and enhances interoperability with industrial architectures that handle larger volumes of data.
It also optimizes performance by retrieving structured data sets rather than making multiple accesses to isolated variables.
A release designed for modern industrial projects
With straton 16.0, STRATON AUTOMATION enhances the capabilities of its automation environment in three key areas:
- greater compliance with IEC standards;
- more accessible and actionable project documentation;
- enhanced interoperability with modern industrial equipment and protocols.
This new version meets the needs of industrial companies and equipment manufacturers seeking to develop open, sustainable solutions that are compatible with market standards.
