What is CODESYS?
CODESYS is a software platform used typically within industrial applications such as PLCs found in traffic lights or machinery.
Typically a PLC vendor will provide a hardware & software platform that is bound together with no option to use alternate software platforms. CODESYS breaks this traditional model as it is only a software PLC platform that can be used on any supported hardware platforms such as PC’s (IPC’S) or open PLC hardware.
Variants of PLCs used for other purposes are now common such as DLCs, CNC controllers etc. CODESYS enables devices to conform to industry standards such as IEC-61131-3 while making it easier to develop complex applications.
Why is it used?
The IEC61131-3 standard enables applications to be created in one of the five supported programming languages such as the ever-popular ladder diagramming. CODESYS will help a system integrator to rapidly develop a complex application that incorporates security, high reliability and scalability using any skill level. CODESYS includes UI support that eliminates a separate UI device in most applications.
How is it used?
A licensed CODESYS runtime is installed on a supported platform such as a PLC or Windows / Linux PC. Controllers can be supplied with a runtime pre-installed that can be used as a PLC or CNC application.
User interface logic
The UI is viewed via a direct screen or TCP connection in the LAN or
WAN domain. The system integration engineer designs the UI, which will report or request data from the user to influence the application workflow.
Recipe logic
The use of recipes in a PLC is optional as this contains application data & logic that is variable and usually adjusted by the operator. An example would be for the recipe manager to contain a recipe for mixing batches or selecting between these recipes for a particular outcome.
Application logic
The workflow of the entire system application is developed by the system integration engineer as per the system design using visual or text languages. Networking with external resources such as protocol busses, cloud or OPC will be included.
CODESYS layer
CODESYS makes it feasible to develop complex applications in supported devices such as the Nimbus, other PLC brands, or even a PC workstation. The application can be developed under IEC-61131-3, consisting of text languages such as ST or visual languages such as LD. Optionally (OOIP) object-oriented industrial programming enables CODESYS to be a powerful platform for complex modern-day tasks.
Linux OS
Often Linux underpins the hardware platform to enable the best security combined with ultimate reliability that lowers costs.
OPC methodology
OPC UA is a protocol used mainly in industrial environments to cluster controllers & devices into rugged networks. OPC makes it easier for devices to share data for example to provide redundancy or workload sharing.
Cloud support
CODESYS also offers an Automation Server service that can manage CODESYS devices in the field for system management, IoT data, or application upgrading in situ. This is known as fleet management.
PACIFICfactory support
We have more than two decades of CODESYS development experience as a system integrator, so no project is too small or large for the team here. Our supplier Rexroth PLC’s also supports CODESYS.
Additional resources
- Our Automation homepage here
- Bosch Rexroth CoreX (CODESYS) PLC’s homepage here
- Bosch Rexroth ctrlX (CODESYS) homepage here
- What is CODESYS and Why is it Important video?
- New CODESYS virtual PLC YouTube video here
- Our Mechatronics homepage here
- Our Digital Transformation homepage here
- Our Industry 4.0 design & manufacture capabilities blog here
- Our Application Segment page here
- Our About Us page here
