CODESYS integration

The Power of Industrial Software: CODESYS Integration and the Future of Automation

CODESYS (Controller Development System) is a hardware-independent PLC programming and automation software platform used by over 500 hardware manufacturers worldwide. Based on the IEC 61131-3 standard, this platform creates a "universal standard" in the industrial world by allowing controllers from different brands to be programmed in the same language.

1. What is CODESYS Integration?

CODESYS integration means that a control device (PLC, Edge Gateway, or Industrial PC) hosts the CODESYS Runtime software. This allows the device to offer standard PLC functions, visualization tools, and communication protocols all in one package.

Core Components:

IDE (Development Environment): The free software where programmers write code, perform simulations, and configure hardware.
Runtime: The execution engine that runs on the hardware and executes the written code.
Fieldbus Support: Software-integrated support for protocols like EtherCAT, Profinet, and Modbus.

2. Why Choose CODESYS?

Unifying different brands under the CODESYS umbrella provides significant advantages in engineering processes:

Hardware Independence: You can easily migrate the code you write from one brand to another CODESYS-based PLC.
Advanced Visualization (WebVisu): Create web-based monitoring screens directly on the controller without needing additional SCADA software.
Extensive Library Support: Ready-made libraries for complex functions like motion control (SoftMotion), CNC, and robotics.
IT and OT Convergence: Native support for modern communication technologies like IIoT, MQTT, and OPC UA at the controller level.

3. Integration Process: Step-by-Step Configuration

The following steps are followed when applying a CODESYS project to the field:

Target Setting: The appropriate "Device Description" file for the hardware being used is loaded into CODESYS.
Communication Setup: EtherCAT or Modbus Master/Slave settings are configured so the device can talk to field sensors and drives.
Programming: Logic is created using Ladder Diagram (LD), Structured Text (ST), or other supported languages.
Compilation and Download: The written code is compiled and transferred to the target device over the network.

4. Synergy Between Hubbox and CODESYS

Hubbox Connect devices work in full harmony with the CODESYS ecosystem, adding flexibility to your automation projects:

Remote Programming: Thanks to Hubbox’s secure VPN tunnel, you can connect to a CODESYS-based PLC anywhere in the world from your office to upload code and perform online monitoring.
Hybrid Solutions: Hubbox can collect data from non-CODESYS devices (e.g., legacy Siemens or Mitsubishi PLCs) and feed it into your CODESYS system via Modbus TCP or OPC UA.
Edge Data Processing: Data processed within CODESYS can be converted to MQTT format via Hubbox and carried directly to cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.

5. Summary: Embracing Future Standards

CODESYS integration frees enterprises from being locked into a single brand. With its open architecture and powerful communication capabilities, CODESYS is the most reliable partner at the controller level for the digital transformation journey.