The SMLC and CoDeSys Development software combine to provide flexible and effective networking solutions for interfacing machine I/O, HMIs and factory data networks.
Support for open technologies such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP and OPC provide a wide range of application solutions. Plus the CoDeSys development software includes a CoDeSys Gateway which controls communications with the SMLC at no additional charge. The CoDeSys Gateway includes OPC and DDE servers, and is installed on a PC connected to the SMLC.

Ethernet and TCP/IP

The SMLC includes one standard Ethernet port and an expansion slot to provide connectivity to I/O, HMIs, PLCs, factory and enterprise networks. CoDeSys includes all the software necessary for communications via Ethernet and TCP/IP, enabling easy access to the SMLC from any system connected to the network. This capability allows users to easily implement remote debug and diagnostics capabilities without the need to purchase additional software.

OPC (OLE for Process Control)

OPC is open, interoperable connectivity for automation and the enterprise systems used in industrial applications. Interoperability is assured by creation and maintenance of open standards and specifications by an independent organization that includes both users and manufacturers of industrial automation equipment.

The CoDeSys OPC Server is included with CoDeSys at no additional charge and includes tools for assigning the SMLC name and IP address, selecting the groups of variables to be accessible through the server, refresh properties, etc. A wide variety of data acquisition and HMI software packages are available that include OPC clients, as well as ActiveX controls for adding OPC support to VisualBasic and C++ applications.

Steps For Setting Up the OPC Server

1. Install the CoDeSys OPC Server on the PC connected to the SMLC

2. Configure the OPC Server using the CoDeSys OPC Configurator, assigning the SMLC name and IP address

3. Enable groups of variables in CoDeSys that will share their data with the OPC Server

4. Export the OPC symbol table using the utility provided in CoDeSys

5. Run the OPC Server and log into it using the Client application

6. Select the variables you want to use and write your application program. All the communications takes place in the background with no further programming required.

The CoDeSys gateway communication server insures communication between the CoDeSys development software running on a development PC and the run-time system on the SMLC. This gateway enables the user to gain access to the data from the CoDeSys application with different external tools via standardized interfaces such as OPC server and DDE links. Because the gateway is accessed via TCP/IP, remote access to the SMLC via the internet is also possible.

Ethernet/IP

EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is an open communication standard managed by the ODVA and supported by hundreds of vendor products worldwide. EtherNet/IP is the leading industrial Ethernet network standard for real-time I/O messaging and message exchange.

Modbus/TCP

Modbus/TCP is the most widely accepted open Ethernet communications protocol used in industry today, allowing users to easily pass I/O as well as register data between control devices.

The SMLC can be configured as a Modbus/TCP Server, allowing Modbus clients to easily read and write integer, floating, string and bit data. As with OPC, there are a wide variety of data acquisition and HMI software packages available that support Modbus/TCP, as well as ActiveX controls for adding Modbus/TCP support to VisualBasic and C++ applications.

Click here for CoDeSys Networking Solutions Datasheet. (52k).