CoDeSys Programming Software

Developing motion control and I/O programming using a standard set of software tools streamlines software development and creates application programs that are more effective and easier to support in the field. The CoDeSys Development Software utilizes standard IEC 61131-3 programming and PLCopen motion function blocks to provide proven, open standard tools for developing application programs for motion and I/O control -- running on a single controller.

IEC 61131-3 Programming

The key advantage of IEC 61131-3 is that it provides an integrated set of software tools and graphical interfaces to meet a wide range of software development needs:

• Relay Ladder Logic (LD)
• Structured Text (ST)
• Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
• Function Block Diagram (FBD)
• Instruction List (IL)

Developing application programs using IEC 61131-3 offers the following advantages:

• Reduces training costs by learning one set of programming languages used by multiple control vendors.

• Provides flexibility for selecting the best programming approach and methods for specific application tasks and requirements.

• Offers the ability for the programmer to develop and deploy reusable function blocks which can reduce future software development costs and protect your company’s intellectual property.

PLCopen Motion Control Library

PLCopen is an independent, worldwide association promoting IEC 61131-3 that has defined standard motion programming function blocks which cover all the IEC 61131-3 programming languages. ORMEC’s motion programming implementation (ServoWire Motion Blocks) conforms to the PLCopen motion block definitions and provides powerful, flexible functionality beyond that defined in the standard. Using the ServoWire Motion Blocks, a variety of applications can be written in any of the IEC 61131-3 programming languages.

The ServoWire Motion Blocks provide the following enhanced functionality:

• Move Relative At Velocity
• Move Relative In Time
• Move Absolute At Velocity
• Move Absolute In Time
• Gear Relative At Ratio
• Gear Relative In Master Distance
• Cam Relative

Plus administrative function blocks including enhanced diagnostic capabilities Move Relative and Gear Relative motions can also be “superimposed” on a Gear In motion-- ideal for adjusting the phasing of a slave axis relative to the master position axis, as in flying shear, rotary knife and registered labeling applications. ServoWire Motion Blocks can be inserted into relay ladder logic or function block diagrams to coordinate motion with I/O updates. Optional parameters allow motions to be triggered at the position command update rate using high-speed drive inputs, and automatically repeated independent of, and faster than the I/O updates. This motion command flexibility allows an SMLC system to meet the high performance requirements of demanding automation applications.

IEC 61131-3 Development Tools

Powerful IEC 61131-3 development tools are provided for writing, debugging and maintaining application programs. This development environment will assist you in writing your application program by providing automatic variable declaration, automatic code formatting, syntax coloring and global search/replace functionality. There are tools for importing and exporting code modules, and a Library Manager for adding additional system libraries to your project.

The Input Assistant identifies possible entries for input variables, function calls and IEC keywords. A simulation mode is available for testing your program logic without needing the controller and other hardware. To debug your application, a watch window is provided for monitoring and writing variable values, along with tools for setting real-time program breakpoints -- single stepping or single cycling through the program. To monitor your machine during operation, a digital storage scope provides cyclic or single-shot storage and can display up to eight program variables.

The CoDeSys development environment provides tools for creating visualizations which can be used to build operator entry and diagnostic displays useful for testing and debugging the application. When your application program is complete, all the source and supporting files can be downloaded to the SMLC. Application program source files can be password protected to limit access to authorized personnel only, and the controller acts as a storage  medium  for the application software, making field maintenance a snap.

Click here for Adobe Acrobat version of CoDeSys Programming Software Datasheet. (397k).