The runtime system for IEC 61131-3 controllers

In order to program and engineer a device with CODESYS according to IEC 61131-3, the appropriate software is required: the CODESYS Control SoftPLC runtime system. It converts any embedded or PC-based device into an IEC 61131-3-compliant industrial controller. Furthermore, this runtime system includes important add-on functionality so that your controller can communicate with other components in the automation environment.

CODESYS end users

Millions of CODESYS-compatible single devices and over 1,000 different device types from more than 500 manufacturers offer you a large range of hardware for your automation projects. These devices can be programmed with CODESYS right away. CODESYS Inside offers a selection of manufacturers that offer CODESYS-compatible devices.

In addition, the CODESYS Store offers ready-to-use SoftPLC systems with CODESYS Control for various standard platforms. Users can install these systems on their devices by themselves.

With the help of the CODESYS Control Extension Package, these SoftPLC systems can be conveniently adapted to customer-specific requirements. Typical use cases include:

Use of existing C code and APIs from the IEC application
Support of local or connected I/Os, retentive data, start/stop switches
Triggering of external events as well as registration on application events
Provision of own configuration services using PLCShell commands

The package comes free of charge with the CODEYS Installer.

Device manufacturers

Thanks to the modularity and scalability of CODESYS Control, you can adapt the runtime system to almost any platform or requirement with the help of the CODESYS Runtime Toolkit. Our experienced project engineers will support you in doing this.

Alternatively, install a suitable SoftPLC from the CODESYS Store on your hardware and use the free CODESYS Control Extension Package (see above) to adapt the SoftPLC to your requirements.

Details: Technical functions and properties

Functions of CODESYS Control

Communication with the CODESYS Development System
Download, manage, and execute the application code compiled by CODESYS
Debugging of the application within the CODESYS development system
Handling of I/O systems and fieldbuses
Provision of security functions for data and know-how protection
Execution of optional add-on products, such as CODESYS TargetVisu/WebVisu or CODESYS SoftMotion CNC+Robotics for sophisticated motion applications

Add-on products

PLCHandler: Proprietary software library for communication of any software client (for example, SCADA, HMI) with the CODESYS Control runtime system. Convenient communication and command services allow for direct access to the controller.
OPC Server: Standardized software interface to other automation devices in the network
OPC UA Server: Add-on components for the runtime system for powerful device platforms for platform-independent standard access to variable data
Visualization and Motion: These add-on products are implemented in part as runtime system components. For more information, please refer to the respective areas, Visualization and Motion CNC Robotics.
Redundancy: CODESYS Toolkit for implementing redundant control architectures CODESYS Toolkit for implementing redundant control architectures for the fail-safety of machines and plants. Intended for manufacturers of identical industrial controllers that operate simultaneously and monitor each other.
Multicore: Add-on component for standard devices with Symmetric Multicore Processing (SMP) support

Properties of CODESYS Control

Scalable functionality: Adaptable to the performance and memory design of the target device, for different 32-bit and 64-bit CPU platforms (CISC/RISC), distribution with a system configurator
Runtime system as a product: Proven quality, established in millions of industrial applications, implementation possible in a short time
Documented adaptation interfaces: Adaptable and extendable to specific device properties and requirements
Distribution as object or source code depending on the system environment: Easy adaptation to different operating systems and development environments (toolchains)
Ready-to-use for Microsoft Windows / Linux® / VxWorks®: Tests on reference platforms possible immediately, SoftPLC available for standard systems (IPCs, Raspberry PI, BeagleBone® Black, etc.) More information and downloads in the CODESYS Store

Implementation of CODESYS Control

Requires the CODESYS Runtime Toolkit
Structured implementation process to ensure predictable development effort
Support from experienced project engineers of the CODESYS Group

Howtoget

As an end user, for example in machine and plant construction

CODESYS Control is implemented on all available CODESYS controllers.

Option for standard platforms: Purchase application-based licenses for all SoftPLC variants available in the CODESYS Store. For more information on the application-based licenses, visit the CODESYS Store.

If desired, use the free CODESYS Control Extension Package in order to extend or adapt the SoftPLC to best suit your hardware.