In last week’s blog we discussed 9 companies that have and/or are using CODESYS Group as a base for their development, automation, PLC programming, or engineering environment. Which included ABB, Beckhoff Automation, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Omron Automation, Phoenix Automation, WAGO Corporation, Weidmüller Germany.
With less than 2 months left in 2023, and we’re dropping over 400 more reasons for you to upskill to CODESYS by 2024. After a post of CODESYS went viral on LinkedIn last week, we spent the entire week trying to dig more and more data and record on companies that are using CODESYS.
Recently, we were fortunate to exhibit at IICA Queensland’s expo. It was a great success and created many opportunities but what was most interesting was that we discovered companies like IFM, Weidmuller, Phoenix Contract, FCR Motion, Indratel/Pacific Group, iOpen/Exor, Schneider, Turck who were displaying products that use CODESYS.
We looked into this further and found over 400 companies with underlying CODESYS environment. In this blog we go over some comments and discussions that surfaced during last week’s social comment column, addressing some of the comments and perhaps even concern.
Comments & Qs on CODESYS
In last week’s blog we discussed 9 companies that have and/or are using CODESYS Group as a base for their development, automation, PLC programming, or engineering environment. Which included ABB, Beckhoff Automation, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Omron Automation, Phoenix Automation, WAGO Corporation, Weidmüller Germany.
CODESYS 3.5, as mentioned in Jamie’s comment, is a widely used development environment for programming and configuring industrial automation controllers. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for developing and managing control applications for various automation tasks. Here are some specifications and technical benefits of CODESYS 3.5:
Specifications:
- Platform Compatibility: CODESYS 3.5 is compatible with a wide range of hardware platforms from different manufacturers, which means flexibility in selecting and using automation controllers.
- Programming Languages: It supports multiple programming languages including ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram, sequential function chart, and instruction list, providing flexibility to programmers in choosing the most suitable language for their application.
- Multi-Core Support: CODESYS 3.5 is designed to take advantage of multi-core processors, enabling efficient use of hardware resources for faster and more responsive control applications.
- Real-Time Capability: It offers real-time control capabilities, allowing for precise and time-critical automation tasks to be executed with high accuracy and low latency.
- Integration with Fieldbus and Industrial Communication Protocols: CODESYS supports a wide range of fieldbus and industrial communication protocols, making it compatible with various devices and systems in industrial automation networks.
Technical Benefits:
- Modularity and Reusability: CODESYS promotes a modular programming approach, allowing for the creation of reusable code libraries, function blocks, and modules. This reduces development time and effort for similar projects.
- Comprehensive Debugging Tools: It provides a set of powerful debugging tools like online monitoring, variable watches, breakpoints, and diagnostic messages, facilitating the identification and resolution of issues in the control logic.
- Visualisation and HMI Integration: CODESYS enables the creation of graphical user interfaces (HMIs) for human-machine interaction, providing operators with a user-friendly interface to monitor and control the automation system.
- Advanced Simulation and Testing: It offers simulation capabilities that allow developers to test control logic and verify system behavior without the need for physical hardware, saving time and resources during development and commissioning.
- Support for Safety Functions: CODESYS 3.5 can integrate safety functions and standards, enabling the development of applications that comply with safety regulations and requirements.
- Version Control and Project Management: It includes features for version control, project organisation, and documentation, which help in managing complex automation projects with multiple team members.
- Scalability: CODESYS is scalable, meaning it can be used for small, simple applications as well as large, complex systems, providing flexibility to adapt to different project requirements.
- Extensive Ecosystem: It has a large community of developers, forums, and resources, providing a wealth of knowledge and support for users.
CODESYS 3.5 offers a robust and versatile development environment for industrial automation applications, providing the tools and features needed to efficiently design, program, and deploy control systems. So yes, Jamie is right. CODESYS 3.5 IS fantastic.
On to the next one…
Robert got it right. Weidmuller’s utilisation of the u-OS operating system, which supports native CODESYS control, plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance and capabilities of their automation solutions. Here’s a walkthrough of how Weidmuller benefits from using CODESYS and how it contributes to their technical and economic success…
- Native CODESYS Control
Weidmuller’s u-OS operating system leverages the power of native CODESYS control which directly integrates and interfaces with the CODESYS development environment, allowing for seamless programming, configuration, and management of control applications.
- Compatibility and Interoperability
By adopting CODESYS, Weidmuller ensures compatibility with a wide range of hardware platforms and industrial communication protocols. This makes it easier for their customers to integrate Weidmuller’s automation solutions into existing systems and networks.
- Latest CODESYS Runtime Licensing Structure
Weidmuller’s adoption of the latest CODESYS runtime licensing structure demonstrates their commitment to staying up-to-date with industry standards and providing their customers with access to the most current and efficient tools for control system development.
- Openness and Interoperability
Weidmuller’s use of CODESYS reflects their commitment to an open and interoperable approach in their automation solutions. This means that their products can work seamlessly with a wide variety of devices, systems, and technologies from different manufacturers.
By embracing CODESYS, Weidmuller positions itself to be technologically prepared for the future. This is critical in a rapidly evolving industry, as it ensures that their solutions can adapt to emerging technologies, trends, and customer needs.
- Technical Advantages
Weidmuller benefits from the technical advantages provided by CODESYS, including a comprehensive set of programming languages, real-time control capabilities, and support for multi-core processors. This allows Weidmuller to develop advanced and sophisticated automation solutions to meet a wide range of industrial requirements.
- Economic Impact
The use of CODESYS contributes to Weidmuller’s economic success in several ways. It enables efficient development and commissioning of control applications, reducing time-to-market and development costs. Additionally, the compatibility with a wide range of hardware platforms means that Weidmuller can offer flexible solutions that can be tailored to meet specific customer needs.
- Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Weidmuller’s adoption of CODESYS provides their customers with a familiar and widely-used platform for control system development. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers can leverage their existing knowledge and expertise in CODESYS when working with Weidmuller’s products.
In summary, Weidmuller’s strategic use of CODESYS, integrated within their u-OS operating system, empowers them to deliver open, interoperable, and future-ready automation solutions. This approach not only provides technical advantages but also contributes to their economic success by enabling efficient development, compatibility, and customer satisfaction.
CODESYS facilitates the diagnosis of various systems by end users through its vendor-independent and IEC 61131-3 compliant programming environment. This enables the following features that contribute to effective system diagnosis:
- Unified Programming Environment
CODESYS provides a standardised programming environment regardless of the hardware manufacturer. This means that end users can develop, maintain, and troubleshoot control logic using the same software interface, regardless of the specific PLC hardware in use.
- Vendor-Independent Debugging Tools
CODESYS offers a set of powerful debugging tools, including online monitoring, variable watches, and diagnostic messages. These tools are designed to work with any hardware platform that supports CODESYS, allowing end users to diagnose and troubleshoot control systems regardless of the manufacturer.
- Online Monitoring and Runtime Visualisation
End users can use CODESYS to monitor the status and behavior of the control system in real-time while it is running. This includes monitoring variables, program execution, and I/O status. The runtime visualisation capabilities allow for a visual representation of the system’s state, aiding in diagnosis.
- Remote Access and Troubleshooting
CODESYS supports remote access to the PLC system, enabling end users to diagnose and troubleshoot issues from a central location. This can be particularly valuable for systems located in remote or difficult-to-access locations.
- Alarming and Event Handling
CODESYS allows for the setup of alarms and events within the control logic. This means that end users can implement specific notifications and alerts that indicate abnormal conditions or faults, making it easier to identify and address issues promptly.
- Integration with HMI and SCADA Systems
CODESYS can be integrated with Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. This provides end users with a graphical interface for monitoring and controlling the system, as well as accessing diagnostic information in a user-friendly manner.
- Comprehensive Documentation and Logging
CODESYS allows for the documentation of control logic, including comments, descriptions, and annotations. This serves as a valuable resource for end users when diagnosing and understanding the behavior of the system.
- Hardware Diagnosis and Communication Status
CODESYS provides tools to check the status of hardware components, including I/O modules, communication interfaces, and other peripherals. This ensures that end users can quickly identify any hardware-related issues affecting system availability.
CODESYS’s vendor-independent approach, combined with its powerful debugging and monitoring tools, enables end users to diagnose and troubleshoot control systems effectively. This independence from specific hardware manufacturers ensures that end users can maintain and support systems even when they do not have all hardware components from a single manufacturer in stock.
We’re looking to continue answering and providing the best service, solution, and knowledge to all those that are implementing or looking to learn more about CODESYS.
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