Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · PLC and control programming

PLCnext Control

Also known as: PLCnext controller, AXC F controller

German: PLCnext Control

In industrial automation, PLCnext Control is Phoenix Contact's family of controllers based on PLCnext Technology, which run IEC 61131-3 programs alongside code in high-level languages and open-source software on a Linux-based operating system.

  • PLC programming
  • Vendor product

In one sentence

PLCnext Control is Phoenix Contact's controller family running IEC 61131-3 and high-level language code on a Linux-based system.

Example

A water utility uses a PLCnext Control device to run its pump control in structured text and a C++ component for a custom data preprocessing task.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Programs for PLCnext Control devices are created with the vendor's engineering software for IEC 61131-3 code and with standard development tools for C++, C#, Python and other languages. The runtime coordinates the timing of the different program parts.
  • Security: An open, Linux-based controller offers flexibility and also a larger software stack to maintain. Firmware updates, user management and network hardening belong in the security concept, see Patch management and IEC 62443.
  • Maintenance: Firmware version, installed apps and their versions define the controller's software state. Recording them is part of configuration management.
  • Documentation: Document which program parts run in which language and task, how apps are installed and updated, and which firmware version was validated.

PLCnext Control vs. PLCnext Technology

PLCnext Control refers to the controller hardware. PLCnext Technology refers to the open platform concept behind it: runtime, engineering tools, app store and community.

Keep in mind: product names and features change. Check controller types, supported languages and firmware features against the vendor's current documentation.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on vendor product information

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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