What is CODESYS?
CODESYS is a software platform used typically in industrial applications such as PLCs found in traffic lights or machinery. Variants of PLCs used for other purposes are now common such as DLCs, CNC controllers etc. CODESYS enable devices to conform to industry standards such as IEC-61131-3 while making it easier to develop complex applications.
How is it used?
A licensed CODESYS runtime is installed on a supported platform such as the Nimbus, other PLC or Windows / Linux PC. The Nimbus controller is supplied with a runtime pre-installed that can be used in PLC or CNC applications.
Why is it used?
The combination as seen in the diagram below will enable the system integrator to rapidly develop a complex application that incorporates security, high reliability and scalability using any skill levels. CODESYS includes UI support that eliminates a separate UI device in most applications.
Functional layering
This diagram illustrates how our Codesys solution works. More information can be viewed on the pages below:
User interface logic
The UI is viewed via a direct screen or TCP connection in the LAN or
 WAN domain. The design of the UI is done by the system integration engineer, and this will report or request data from the user to influence the application workflow.
Recipe logic
The use of recipes in a PLC is optional as this contains application data & logic that is variable and usually adjusted by the operator. An example would be for the recipe manager to contain a recipe for mixing batches or selecting between these recipes for a particular outcome.
Application logic
The workflow of the entire system application is developed by the system integration engineer as per the system design using visual or text languages. Networking with external resources will be included such as protocol busses, cloud or OPC.
Codesys layer
Codesys makes it feasible to develop complex applications in supported devices such as the Nimbus, other PLC brands or even a PC workstation. The application can be developed under IEC-61131-3 that consists of text languages such as ST or visual languages such as LD. Optionally (IOOP) Industrial object-oriented programming enables Codesys to be a powerful platform for complex modern-day tasks.
Nimbus platform
The Nimbus controller is supplied with an application development platform such as Codesys that makes application development far easier. This includes a growing list of CATIM library components that support topics as diverse as DC microgrids with solar or even the SPE bus to sensors.
All the usual interfaces & protocols found in most PLCs are supported however the Nimbus includes new SPE connectivity interface ports to other devices such as sensors with a single twisted cable pair that incorporates the power to the device also….a truly revolution step.
Linux OS
Yocto Linux underpins the CATIM Nimbus platform to enable best security combined with ultimate reliability that lowers costs.
OPC logic
OPC UA is a protocol used mainly in industrial environments to cluster controllers & devices in rugged networks. OPC makes it easier for devices to share data for example to provide redundancy or workload sharing.
Cloud logic
Codesys also offers an Automation Server service that can be used to manage Codesys devices in the field for system management, IoT data or application upgrading in situ.  This is known as fleet management.
CATIM also offers connectivity for the Nimbus to popular cloud services such as Microsoft IoT, Google or AWS.
CATIM project showcase
The graphic below shows a MPPT solar application in ST, CFC, FBD & LD languages
The graphic below shows the solar application above in a pc, tablet or mobile browser.
The graphic below shows a curing oven with material handler robots
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CATIM support
CATIM has more than two decades of Codesys development experience as a system integrator so no project is too small or large for the team here.
Our Nimbus solution utilising Codesys will ship in 2022 that is a powerful process controller supporting topologies such as PLC, DLC, CNC, Robotics, IoT or several more.
