IIoT communication in Industry 4.0 environments
CODESYS natively includes all essential technologies and features for applications in the Industry 4.0 / IIoT environment. This makes CODESYS the ideal tool for implementing automation technology using IT and Internet technologies. With CODESYS, a control system becomes an "industrial thing with an Internet connection" (IIoT), enabling you to use the latest technologies with ease.
IIoT protocols
Using a CODESYS library, you can communicate with different systems in the local or global network. Data is exchanged by explicitly calling functions or function blocks as part of the IEC 61131-3 control application.
In the CODESYS Store, you will find the CODESYS IIoT Libraries communication library and associated application examples. Various communication protocols are implemented in it (indicated in brackets):
- MQTT Client (MQTT)
- Web Client (http, https)
- Web Socket Client (TCP)
- AWS IoT Core Client (MQTT)
- Azure IoT Hub Client (MQTT, https)
- Mail service (POP3, SMTP, TLS encrypted if required)
- SNTP Service (SNTP)
- SNMP Library (SNMP)
In addition, auxiliary libraries are included to simplify the implementation of communication, e.g.
With the help of CODESYS IIoT Libraries, you can easily implement connections to public cloud applications, MQTT brokers, web and mail servers within your controller application. You can request information from network devices such as printers or routers, connect to network time servers or use your controller as a network time server. And all in a single bundle! The package is regularly updated and expanded - you will receive a notification via the CODESYS Installer as soon as an update is available for download.
CODESYS DNP3
The DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol) communication standard is used in telecontrol technology to exchange data between control systems and remote maintenance terminals. CODESYS DNP3 enables this communication in CODESYS applications for compatible control systems with a serial or Ethernet interface.
Product features
- CODESYS library with IEC 61131-3 function blocks for communication via DNP3 protocol
- Realize control application and telecontrol access in one project and load the entire code onto the controller at the same time.
- Use the entire application on different device platforms.
- Enjoy more available device memory for other tasks whenever you are not using DNP3.
- Benefit from functional updates with new software versions.
- Example project for the rapid implementation of data transfers on CODESYS controllers
Achieve quick wins thanks to a simple example function. - Configuration and communication by calling function blocks
Use the available POUs to implement dynamic communication.
- Support of numerous data types defined in the protocol (AnalogInput, AnalogInputDeadband, AnalogOutput, BinaryCounter BinaryInput BinaryOutput DoubleBitInput)
Configure telecontrol variables specifically for the devices used. - Options for data exchange:
- Reading and writing the supported data types
- Unsolicited response with specification of the sampling rate
Use the telecontrol protocol options.
- Supported transmission media:
- Serial connection
- TCP/IP
Use the available interfaces.
Secure communication via the CODESYS Automation Server
The Industry 4.0 platform CODESYS Automation Server offers you useful functions for the central management, data recording and analysis of your control systems.
An important additional benefit:
Access your controllers from anywhere in the world via the Internet using encrypted and tested communication mechanisms. For example, to carry out remote maintenance of the controller - including debugging and updating the controller applications. Or to display the CODESYS WebVisu stored on the control system. This allows you to see and operate the user interfaces as if you were directly at the machine/system.
Further information can be found here!
Further communication protocols
Are you missing a special communication protocol? Then you have two options:
- Use the powerful CODESYS Development System as a modern programming tool to implement proprietary or standardized communication protocols yourself. In the free basic library network.library you will find the sub-library NetBaseServices.library, which provides you with the necessary basic services. In the CODESYS Store, you can also make products created in this way available to other users free of charge or for a fee (with full licensing).
- Contact CODESYS Sales at sales(at)codesys.com and ask about the customer-specific development of your desired communication protocol as a service. This is often even faster and cheaper than implementing it yourself. Further information can be found here!
How to get
- Purchase CODESYS IIoT Libraries in the CODESYS Store:
Licensing is per device used.
- As a user of CODESYS-compatible controllers from device manufacturers:
Make sure that the manufacturer of your device has implemented the CODESYS licensing mechanism.
- As a user of SoftPLC variants or virtual controllers via the CODESYS Store:
Licensing takes place via a software container or the CODESYS Key (requires a free USB port).