Codesys Development System
Introduction
What Exactly is CODESYS?
CODESYS is a comprehensive software suite used by automation specialists as a development environment for programming controller applications. It is an IEC 611131-3 programming tool that was developed by the Germany-based company, 3S (Smart Software Solutions) in order to provide users with integrated solutions that make the engineering of automated solutions more convenient.
Why Use CODESYS?
As systems get more complex and a single language (Ladder Diagram) does not adequately support these complexities, more optimized languages are required/demanded i.e. the IEC 61131 standard. Every one of the five PLC programming languages covered by the IEC 61131-3 standard — Ladder Diagram, Function Block Diagram, Sequential Function Chart, Structured Text, Instruction List and an additional highly powerful additional language called Continuous Function Chart — is supported by CODESYS.
CODESYS has become the dominant development environment for 61131 PLCs. There are over a million different devices — spread across 1,000 different device types — from over 400 manufacturers that are compatible with CODESYS. CODESYS effectively allows for systems designers to easily integrate the most complex automation components into their design using the IEC 61131-3 standard programming language, and customize their setup based on their application’s specific needs. In addition, utilizing Object Oriented Coding practices, the design becomes almost “self documenting” for ease of trouble shooting and handing off to future support personnel.
Functionality
The P2CDS-622 system, in addition to the full IEC61131-3 language support, has built-in the popular Modbus and EtherNet/IP Fieldbus systems, an HMI for visualizations (WebVisu) and the IIoT Library.
Languages supported in this package:
Language |
Description |
Ideal Applications |
|---|---|---|
LD |
Ladder Logic |
Discrete Logic, Simple Combinatorial Logic |
SFC |
Sequential Function Chart |
State Machines |
ST |
Structured Text |
Math, Bitwise Logic, Complex Logic |
FBD |
Function Block Diagram |
Reusable Complex Math and Logic |
CFC |
Continuous Function Chart |
Block Diagrams, Hierarchical Object Oriented Designs |
Note: IL (Instruction List) language is discontinued.
CFC Example
The following illustrates the Hierarchical/Block Diagramming capability of the CODESYS system that not only supports an Object Oriented design approach, but makes the overall system design significantly easier to discern the data flows, functionality, etc.
This is especially critical for Plant Maintenance personnel.
Caution
The only Fieldbuses and Add-ons that the P2CDS-622 will support are the Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, EtherNet/IP Scanner and Adapter, the IIoT Library and WebVisu. Trying to install other licenses from the CODESYS Website, e.g OPC-UA will not work.
Other Resources
Learn more about CODESYS: CODESYS Main