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ARGEE & MARGEE turn block I/O modules into controllers

Both programming environments, MARGEE and ARGEE, transform TURCK’s block I/O modules into intelligent, decentralized controllers. You can save on additional hardware costs.  The difference between ARGEE and MARGEE lies in their target audiences: ARGEE is programmed using flowcharts in a browser, while MARGEE is programmed using Structured Text in Visual Studio Code. Find out here which of the two technologies is the right fit for your application or project.

ARGEE/Field Logic Controller, Machine Control, I/O Modules

Quick read

Many automation tasks—such as tank level monitoring, pick-to-light stations, or modular conveyor systems—do not require a traditional PLC; an additional controller would result in unnecessary hardware costs in these applications. TURCK solves this with Field Logic Controllers (FLC): The ARGEE and MARGEE programming environments turn block I/O modules such as TBEN-S, TBEN-L, BL compact, and FEN20 into decentralized controllers at no additional cost. ARGEE is designed for OT users and traditional PLC programmers and works with graphical flowcharts in an HTML5 browser, including simulation and debugging; MARGEE is designed for IT-savvy developers using Structured Text in Visual Studio Code and Git version control. The logic runs directly at the field level, either standalone or in data exchange with higher-level controllers via PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus TCP. The result: PLC-less automation, lower hardware costs, and IIoT-enabled systems with web-based visualization for condition monitoring.

Two technologies

ARGEE vs. MARGEE: A comparison of two programming environments

Let's be bold and challenge the traditional PLC approach that has been in use for decades: TURCK's Field Logic Controllers (FLC) make exactly that possible—whether with ARGEE for non-programmers or MARGEE for IT-savvy programmers.

ARGEE

Logical programming in the graphical flow editor

ARGEE is a web-based programming environment that allows users to define conditions and actions using a graphical flowchart. Thanks to HTML5, the entire development environment runs in a browser on any PC or end device. Users can program, execute, simulate, debug, and monitor their code. The control program runs on TURCK’s IP67 block I/O modules, directly at the field level. 

Characteristics:

  • Use without a PLC in standalone applications
  • Arithmetic functions, timers, counters, bit toggling
  • Data Exchange with a PLC via assigned I/O variables
  • Also suitable for users with little or no programming experience

MARGEE

Programming in Structured Text via Visual Studio Code

MARGEE pursues the same goal as ARGEE: to use block I/O modules as programmable controllers with web-based visualization. However, MARGEE is even more aligned with IT practices. Programming is done using Structured Text rather than flowcharts. The Visual Studio Code programming environment also includes characteristics typical of programming, such as version control and modern debugging.

Characteristics:

  • PLC-less automation, e.g., tank level monitoring
  • Control via MES/ERP, e.g., pick-to-light stations
  • Condition Monitoring with web-based visualization
  • A clean project structure with git version control for large projects

Benefits

Benefits: why decentralized automation with ARGEE and MARGEE is worth it

Whether it's a flowchart or structured text: These benefits of decentralized automation with FLC technology apply equally to ARGEE and MARGEE.

Added value at no cost

TURCK provides the programming environment free of charge with the TBEN-L, TBEN-S, and FEN20 series block I/O modules. This means additional control intelligence at no extra cost.

Flexible use thanks to HTML5 (ARGEE)

ARGEE is based on current web standards. All features can be used in any HTML5-compatible browser—on a PC or tablet—without any additional software.

Decentralized and modular

Decentralizing control tasks not only reduces the load on the PLC but also enables the design of self-contained modules that can be tested independently. 

Simple PLC connection

In addition to decentralized logic processing, ARGEE and MARGEE exchange data with higher-level control systems via PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus TCP.

ARGEE & MARGEE at a glance

ARGEE

  • Focus: OT-oriented
  • Programming style: Visual programming blocks or low-code
  • Environment: ARGEE IDE in the browser (HTML5)
  • Target audience: PLC programmers, including beginners
  • Version Control: Not the Focus
  • Debugging: simulating, debugging, and monitoring in a Flowchart
  • Cost: Free on supported modules

 

Choose ARGEE if ...

Your team of traditional PLC programmers consists of

… you're looking for a graphical, user-friendly programming environment that requires no prior experience and allows you to work directly in your browser—without any additional software.

MARGEE

  • Focus: IT-oriented
  • Programming style: Structured Text, high-level coding
  • Environment: MARGEE extension in Visual Studio Code
  • Target audience: IT programmers and makers
  • Version control: git integration, suitable for complex projects
  • Debugging: advanced debugging features in VS Code
  • Cost: free on supported modules

 

Choose MARGEE if ...

Your team has an IT background or manages complex projects

… you prefer structured text, work with Visual Studio Code, and want to take advantage of version control and a clean project structure.

FLC Products: These modules support ARGEE & MARGEE

All devices that support ARGEE 4 also support MARGEE—without the need for a firmware update. However, ARGEE and MARGEE projects cannot be converted into one another; the two environments are intentionally maintained in parallel and do not replace one another.

ARGEE / MARGEE Download

Software and Tools for ARGEE & MARGEE: Program, test, and create projects efficiently.

TBEN-L & TBEN-S

Rugged IP67-rated, compact design: Multiprotocol Ethernet I/Os for use directly in the field.

FEN20

Space-saving in IP20, flexible in protocol: Multi-protocol Ethernet I/O for the control cabinet.

ARGEE & MARGEE – most important questions

Ask an expert

Aurel Buda

Director of Product Management for Factory Automation Systems

Jeroen Macharis

Business Development Manager, Factory Automation Systems

presentation - MH1

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