Product Overview

The C9900-L100 (C9900L100) is a dedicated industrial hardware license carrier designed for the TwinCAT 3.1 software environment. In modern decentralized control architectures and complex machine installations, managing software licenses can be a challenge, especially when hardware is replaced in the field. The C9900-L100 acts as a portable hardware "dongle," allowing TwinCAT 3 licenses to be tied to the physical USB stick rather than a specific Industrial PC (IPC) or Embedded PC. This provides maximum flexibility for maintenance teams and machine builders, as the license remains active even if the controller hardware is swapped, ensuring zero downtime and simplified software asset management across global manufacturing sites.

Technical Configuration

The C9900-L100 features a robust, industrial-grade USB interface optimized for 24/7 operation in harsh environments. Unlike standard consumer-grade USB flash drives, this license carrier is engineered for high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and sustained vibration resistance, conforming to the mechanical requirements of industrial control cabinets. Once inserted into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 port of a Beckhoff IPC or CX series controller, the TwinCAT 3 runtime recognizes the unique hardware ID of the stick. Licenses are then activated against this ID, making the software portable and independent of the host PC's unique identifier.

Technical Specifications

Technical FAQs

Can I store standard project files or documentation on the C9900-L100?

The C9900-L100 is primarily a security and license carrier. While the system recognizes it as a hardware ID source, it is not intended for general-purpose file storage. Using the stick solely for license management ensures that the critical security certificates and license files are not accidentally overwritten or corrupted by other data.

What happens if the USB stick is removed while the machine is running?

TwinCAT 3.1 periodically checks for the presence of the license carrier. If the C9900-L100 is removed during operation, the TwinCAT runtime will eventually enter a "License Missing" state. This may trigger a system warning or stop the execution of logic depending on the safety and configuration settings of your specific project. It is recommended to secure the stick in an internal USB port or use a cable tie to prevent accidental disconnection.

Can one C9900-L100 hold multiple TwinCAT 3 licenses?

Yes. A single C9900-L100 can act as the carrier for multiple TwinCAT 3 license instances (e.g., PLC, NC, HMI, and various specialized functions). All licenses activated for that specific Hardware ID will be functional as long as the stick is connected to the active runtime.

Engineering & Installation Guide

• Internal Port Selection: For maximum security and to prevent physical damage or unauthorized removal, it is best practice to install the C9900-L100 in an internal USB port (if available) within the Industrial PC housing. If using an external port on the front panel, ensure the environment is free from excessive mechanical impact.

• License Activation Process: When activating licenses in the TwinCAT 3 "License Manager" tab, select "Hardware-Dongle" (C9900-L100) as the System ID source instead of the local "Target Hardware." This ensures the generated License Request File (.tsrq) is linked to the USB stick's unique serial number.

• Firmware and Driver Stability: Ensure the host operating system has the correct TwinCAT 3.1 drivers installed to recognize industrial USB HID devices. In some Windows Embedded environments, USB power management settings should be configured to "Always On" to prevent the OS from putting the USB stick into sleep mode, which would cause a license timeout error.