The Alpha-X programmable logic controller is a modern PLC controlled by AXCode Runtime and programmed in C++.
The Alpha-X PLC is designed for automation and control of technological processes in various industries:
Galvanic isolation in a PLC increases system reliability, accuracy, and safety, protecting it from interference, overloads, and potential emergency situations. In Alpha-X CPU the RS-485 interfaces, inputs, and outputs have 1500 V galvanic isolation.
The development environment uses the modern Code OSS, an open-source version of the popular VS Code editor. Installation is simple and requires no special knowledge: the installer already includes all necessary drivers, a compiler, build tools, and utilities. Versions for Windows 10–11 and Windows 7–8.1 are currently available.
The Code OSS editor is a powerful coding tool with many essential functions: convenient search and jump to object declarations, autocomplete, hotkeys to minimize mouse use, git integration, snippets, and extensive customization options. All of this has made Code OSS one of the most popular editors among developers worldwide.
IDE features:
The PLC Runtime is the hardware and software platform on which the programmable logic controller operates. It executes user functions, manages data input/output, processes signals, and communicates with other devices.
The Alpha-X PLC Runtime is based on a real-time OS (RTOS). A project template is provided for writing code — a preconfigured project that includes libraries with all available PLC functions. The project template also features pre-created tasks, each running at an individually configured period and protected by its own watchdog timer. Users can create up to 16 of these tasks without requiring any special knowledge of the RTOS.
When the PLC starts, it automatically generates system tasks based on your code to handle all hardware resources. Standard operations like digital I/O, communications, and retentive memory management run completely in the background, which allows engineers to focus entirely on writing solutions for their specific industrial applications.
The project template also includes several standard libraries, such as the ETL (Embedded Template Library). This library features a wide range of containers, algorithms, and utilities specifically optimized for resource-constrained embedded systems.
PLC Runtime features:
Examples for working with the main hardware and software facilities are included directly in the project template, in the examples folder. To use an example, simply copy the code into your function. The examples show how to work with built-in I/O, terminal, time functions, expansion modules, Modbus RTU protocol, and other software components.
Unlike most traditional PLC IDEs, our platform offers full integration with Git. While version control may be optional for small projects, it is essential for long-term projects involving multiple developers to prevent code duplication, trace modifications, and manage revisions.
You can host your remote repositories on an internal corporate server, GitHub, or any similar platform. The default project template is already available on GitHub .
To get started, follow our GitHub Integration Guide.
Connect with the Hello, Alpha-X Telegram channel and explore Alpha-X updates and global PLC insights:
| General | |
|---|---|
| Nominal supply voltage | 24 VDC (range 22…26 VDC) |
| Power consumption | max 3 W |
| Service life | 10 years |
| Operating conditions | |
| Operating temperature | -20…+50 °C |
| Relative humidity | 10…80% (without condensation) |
| RS-485 interface | |
| Supported protocols | Modbus RTU (Master/Slave), user-defined protocol |
| Maximum baud rate | 256,000 bit/s |
| Galvanic isolation | 1500 V |
| USB interface | |
| USB interface | USB 2.0 |
| Type | USB Device |
| Galvanic isolation | none |
| DI parameters | |
| Types of connected sensors | PNP/NPN |
| Maximum current consumption of one input | 7.5 mA |
| Logic 0 level (OFF) | 0…4 V |
| Logic 1 level (ON) | 11…28 V |
| DO parameters | |
| Output type | transistor, PNP |
| Voltage drop | 0.7 V |
| Maximum allowable voltage | 28 VDC |
| Maximum current of one output | 0.25 A (resistive load) |
| Maximum current of output group | 0.5 A (resistive load) |
| Real-time clock parameters | |
| RTC battery type | CR2032 |
| Battery service life | 10 years |
| Real time clock accuracy | 2 min per month at +25 °C |
