In recent years, have PLC electrical engineers noticed an increasing trend of competition in the industry? The rapid evolution of automation technology continuously raises skill requirements. A glance at job recruitment websites reveals numerous listings emphasizing familiarity with CODESYS programming, with some companies even setting it as a basic entry requirement.
So, why are so many electrical engineers opting for CODESYS? What makes this open-source programming environment so appealing? Today, we will explore the advantages of CODESYS programming and the knowledge needed to master it.
The Advantages of CODESYS: More Than Just “Programming” CODESYS is not just a programming tool; it is an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports multiple programming languages, such as Ladder Diagram (LD), Instruction List (IL), and Structured Text (ST). This flexibility allows engineers to choose the programming method based on project needs without being restricted to a specific language. Additionally, it complies with the IEC 61131-3 international standard, meaning that the programs you write can run on any platform supporting CODESYS. This cross-platform capability makes CODESYS a “jack-of-all-trades” in the PLC programming world.
If there were a beauty contest in the PLC programming realm, CODESYS would undoubtedly be the favorite, as it can seamlessly integrate with various brands. Its user-friendly interface and gentle learning curve enable many novice engineers to get started quickly.
The Power of Open Source: Winning Hearts Through Transparency
Unlike some proprietary development environments, the open-source nature of CODESYS is a significant highlight. Engineers don’t need to worry about being “locked” into a specific brand. This open platform not only offers high transparency and flexibility but also allows for custom feature development to meet specific project requirements.
For instance, when a client needs to implement a complex algorithm in a project, you can use CODESYS's open interfaces for custom development or even further development.
Future Trends: A Perfect Match for Industry 4.0 and IoT
With the rise of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), traditional PLC programming methods are increasingly insufficient to meet the complex demands of industrial applications. CODESYS supports integration with Industry 4.0 standards and IoT protocols, making it adaptable to the future trends in industrial automation.
For example, it can easily integrate with various field buses and communication protocols, which is crucial for data acquisition and control in IoT projects.
When selecting hardware platforms, engineers often need to consider compatibility with software. Unionscience Technology's PLCs fully support CODESYS, allowing you to implement various advanced functions effortlessly. Whether it’s complex motion control or seamless integration with IoT devices, Unionscience Technology's PLC provides an ideal hardware platform to leverage the advantages of CODESYS.
Community Support: A Strong Backup Team For engineers, sometimes “asking for help” is quicker than “self-learning.” CODESYS has a large and active community where you can find answers to programming problems in forums or developer groups. The community's strength is not only reflected in problem-solving but also in the wealth of free code libraries, open-source plugins, and project sharing. This “resource-sharing” ecosystem allows engineers to face challenges with more confidence.
The widespread adoption of CODESYS is no coincidence; its openness, flexibility, and robust community support have led more and more engineers to choose it as their “tool of choice” for PLC programming. Whether you are a programming novice or an experienced engineer, mastering CODESYS will enhance your career competitiveness. Unionscience Technology's PLC serves as a complementary platform that makes programming easier and more efficient.
