Recapping my CODESYS-edition blog and post with the highest engagement last year, I wanted to make sure I was providing even more value, and so today we will talk about how ABB, Beckhoff, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Phoenix Contact, WAGO, Weidmüller are using CODESYS in particular. At the end of this blog, we will also reference back to how to best upskill in the next couple months so you don’t get left behind as an engineer.
Table of content:
1. 8 Reasons Why You Need To Upskill To CODESYS By 2024 Recap
2. The Big Cats: ABB, Beckhoff, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Phoenix Contact, WAGO, Weidmüller
3. How And Why The ‘Big Cats’ Are Using CODESYS
4. Conclusion
8 Reasons Why You Need To Upskill To CODESYS By 2024 Recap
If you haven’t read my blog on the 9 Reasons Why You Need To Upskill To CODESYS By 2024, here’s a recap for you.
Originating in the late 1990s, CODESYS gained prominence when it adhered to the IEC 61131-3 standard, becoming a widely adopted platform for PLC development. CODESYS is a crucial development environment for industrial automation controllers, particularly those following the IEC 61131-3 standard. Upskilling in CODESYS is a valuable investment for careers in industries relying on automation and control systems. Nine compelling reasons, including industrial automation demand, standardisation, diverse application areas, flexibility, integration capabilities, Industry 4.0 and IIoT, maintenance and support, global reach, and continuous development.
ABB, Beckhoff, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Phoenix Contact, WAGO, and Weidmüller are only 8 reasons why you should upskill to CODESYS, the larger truth is that there’s Over 400 MORE Reasons For You To Upskill To CODESYS! (Check out the LinkedIn comment HERE too!)
The Big Cats can be considered the frontrunners of the industry. If there’s something they’re doing right, we should all be looking out to adopt this, because it’s about to be the next big thing. To be fair, there are some big cats whose business models depend on locking in customers through proprietary software and thus having to use their hardware. We will not be examining these few.
So, let’s jump in and find out how these 8 big cats are specifically using CODESYS, and what outcomes and benefits they’re getting from using CODESYS.
The Big Cats: ABB, Beckhoff, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Phoenix Contact, WAGO, Weidmüller
Before we analyse this in depth, here’s a quick recap on what each of these big cats are doing.
ABB – ABB is a global leader in power and automation technologies.
ABB is known for its comprehensive range of products and solutions, including industrial robots, power grids, electrification products, and automation technologies.
Beckhoff – Beckhoff specialises in PC-based control technology.
Beckhoff is renowned for its TwinCAT automation software, which incorporates parts of CODESYS for its PC-based control systems. They offer a comprehensive range of products for industrial automation solutions, machine control, and IoT applications.
Bosch – Bosch is a multinational engineering and technology company.
Bosch has a division, Bosch Rexroth, which provides drive and control technologies. They use CODESYS as the programming environment for their automation solutions.
Eaton – Eaton is a multinational power management company.
Eaton offers a wide range of electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical power solutions. Their “Eaton Automation Studio” is based on CODESYS and is used for engineering automation solutions.
Lenze – Lenze is a global manufacturer of drive and automation technology.
Lenze uses CODESYS as the foundation for its development environment. The company is known for its products in the areas of motion control, automation, and drive technology.
Phoenix Contact- Phoenix Contact is a German manufacturer of industrial automation, interconnection, and interface solutions.
Phoenix Contact uses the CODESYS programming environment for its PLC next product range, providing solutions for industrial automation and control.
WAGO – WAGO is a German company producing components for electrical connections and automation.
WAGO utilises CODESYS for its development environment. The company is known for its products in electrical connection technology and automation solutions.
Weidmüller – Weidmüller is a German manufacturer of electrical connectivity and automation products.
Weidmüller offers an engineering environment based on CODESYS. The company specialises in electrical connectivity solutions and automation products.
This recap provides a snapshot of the diverse areas in which these companies operate within the industrial automation landscape, showcasing their specific expertise and contributions to the field.
How And Why The ‘Big Cats’ Are Using CODESYS
1. ABB
– Usage of CODESYS: ABB incorporates CODESYS into its Automation Builder.
– Technical Application: Automation Builder, powered by CODESYS, exploits the platform’s advanced object-oriented programming capabilities. Engineers benefit from CODESYS’s support for structured text (ST), function block diagrams (FBD), and ladder logic, allowing for efficient programming of complex automation tasks. ABB leverages the real-time capabilities of CODESYS for precise synchronisation in motion control applications, ensuring optimal performance in industrial automation scenarios.
2. Beckhoff
– Usage of CODESYS: Beckhoff integrates CODESYS into its TwinCAT automation software.
– Technical Application: CODESYS in TwinCAT leverages multicore processors, enabling parallel execution of control functions for enhanced real-time performance. It utilises EtherCAT as a high-performance communication protocol, ensuring low-latency communication in distributed control systems. Advanced features of CODESYS, such as its object-oriented programming model and support for C/C++ integration, empower engineers to implement intricate control algorithms in industrial automation and IoT applications.
3. Bosch Rexroth AG
– Usage of CODESYS: Bosch Rexroth utilises CODESYS as the programming environment for its automation solutions.
– Technical Application: CODESYS serves as the foundation for implementing model-based control strategies at Bosch Rexroth. The platform’s compatibility with Model-Driven Development (MDD) methodologies allows engineers to design and simulate control algorithms before deployment. This approach, combined with advanced features like task synchronisation and deterministic execution, contributes to achieving high precision and efficiency in hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric drive systems.
4. Eaton
– Usage of CODESYS: Eaton integrates CODESYS into its “Eaton Automation Studio.”
– Technical Application: Eaton Automation Studio leverages CODESYS’s integration with Model-Based Design (MBD) tools, allowing engineers to create detailed system models and automatically generate control code. CODESYS’s support for multiprogramming and modular design enhances the scalability and maintainability of Eaton’s automation solutions. Furthermore, Eaton utilises the platform’s SoftPLC capabilities, turning industrial PCs into real-time controllers, for applications demanding high computational power.
5. Lenze SE
– Usage of CODESYS: Lenze adopts CODESYS as the foundation for its development environment.
– Technical Application: CODESYS in Lenze’s development environment supports advanced motion control functionalities, including electronic camming and interpolation. Engineers can harness the platform’s support for mathematical functions and algorithms to optimise trajectory planning and achieve precise motion profiles. The utilisation of object-oriented programming in CODESYS enhances the modularity and reusability of control code for complex drive and automation technology.
7. Phoenix Contact
– Usage of CODESYS: Phoenix Contact incorporates CODESYS into its PLC programming environment.
– Technical Application: Phoenix Contact utilises CODESYS’s support for multithreading and parallel processing to optimise the performance of PLC programs. Advanced debugging features, such as trace and watchpoint functionality, aid engineers in diagnosing complex issues. The integration of Phoenix Contact’s proprietary libraries within CODESYS allows for seamless access to specialised functions and modules, ensuring efficient PLC programming in industrial automation scenarios.
8. WAGO
– Usage of CODESYS: WAGO utilises CODESYS in its development environment.
– Technical Application: Initially, WAGO’s own development environment was based on CODESYS. They have now taken this one step further and use Native CODESYS on their controllers. This allows them to exploit the platform’s support for modular and decentralised automation. The integration of fieldbus systems, such as PROFIBUS and Modbus, is facilitated by CODESYS, ensuring reliable communication between WAGO’s controllers and field devices. Engineers leverage CODESYS’s advanced visualisation tools for designing HMI applications, enhancing the user interface and monitoring capabilities of WAGO’s automation solutions.
9. Weidmüller
– Usage of CODESYS: Weidmüller provides an engineering environment based on CODESYS.
– Technical Application: Weidmüller harnesses CODESYS’s support for networked automation by implementing Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions. The integration of MQTT protocols and OPC UA communication standards enhances the connectivity of Weidmüller’s products. CODESYS’s support for runtime customisation enables engineers to adapt control algorithms in real-time, ensuring optimal performance in dynamic industrial environments. The platform’s compliance with SIL 2 and SIL 3 safety standards contributes to the reliability and safety of Weidmüller’s automation solutions.
These technical insights highlight the use of CODESYS in each company’s development environment, showcasing how engineers can leverage advanced features for optimal performance in industrial automation applications. Did this help you see the benefits of upskilling with CODESYS?
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration into the utilisation of CODESYS by industry leaders such as ABB, Beckhoff, Bosch, Eaton, Lenze, Phoenix Contact, WAGO, and Weidmüller reveals a profound technological shift in the landscape of industrial automation. As the key players, or “Big Cats,” strategically adopt CODESYS, they showcase the benefits of using CODESYS.
The journey through the technical intricacies of ABB’s Automation Builder, Beckhoff’s TwinCAT, Bosch Rexroth’s model-based control strategies, and Eaton’s Automation Studio, all powered by CODESYS, underscores the platform’s role in enabling advanced functionalities. From Lenze’s precision in motion control to Weidmüller’s implementation of Industrial IoT solutions, CODESYS emerges as the linchpin for achieving efficiency, reliability, and safety in diverse industrial applications.
As engineers navigate the intricacies of parallel execution in Beckhoff’s TwinCAT, real-time customisation in Weidmüller’s IIoT solutions, and the use of CODESYS’s SoftPLC capabilities in Eaton’s applications, it becomes evident that CODESYS is not merely a tool; it’s a catalyst for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in industrial automation. The adoption of CODESYS by these industry leaders positions it as a fundamental skill for engineers seeking to thrive in a future where innovation, scalability, and connectivity define the industrial landscape.
In the rapidly evolving Industry 4.0 era, the CODESYS proficiency showcased by the Big Cats is not just a trend—it’s a strategic imperative for engineers aspiring to lead in automation and control technology. As the curtain falls on this exploration, the spotlight shifts to the engineers of tomorrow, signaling the importance of upskilling in CODESYS to stay at the forefront of the technological revolution shaping the industrial world. The question is not whether to upskill but rather how quickly one can embrace the power of CODESYS to engineer the future.
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.
Ti2 is currently very focused on working with its global partners to secure stock and avoid long delay times in delivering products to their customers. Together with our trusted partners, we are here to provide solutions for your needs. Ti2 continues to work closely with CMZ, Berghof, ODOT, Janz Tec, and more while encouraging the use of CODESYS as a vendor independent platform. Learn more about Ti2 and partners for 2024 HERE.
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