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CODESYS® Other communication systems

Your advantages

Application-specific bus systems

Proprietary protocols

Standard Ethernet

Serial interfaces

Other options

How to get

Other communication systems

CODESYS provides you with a wide range of bus systems and communication protocols for implementing a wide variety of applications efficiently, flexibly, and future-proof. Whether in building automation, process control technology, machine or plant engineering – benefit from well-designed solutions and seamlessly integrated libraries for numerous special applications.

Your advantages at a glance

Fully integrated configurators and stacks

Work entirely in the IEC 61131-3 CODESYS programming system.

Homogeneous engineering workflow

No external tools required – everything in one interface.

Simple gateway function

Connect different protocols directly in the PLC application.

Scalable and licensable

Activate exactly the protocols your project needs.

High future-proofness

Continuous maintenance via Store updates and community examples.

Protocols

Application-specific bus systems

KNX

  • Brief description: Successor to EIB/BatiBus/EHS in building automation; expanded with additional media and configuration mechanisms
  • Highlights
    • Integrated I/O configurator and driver
    • KNXnet/IP stack as runtime component
    • Data exchange with ETS via intelligent merge mechanism
    • Gateway option for BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA, and others
  • Available license:
    CODESYS KNX SL

Webinar: Important building communication protocols (in german language)

BACnet

  • Brief description: Open standard BACnet/IP for building automation and control networks
  • Highlights:
    • Configurator, protocol library and runtime component
    • Object-oriented model (server, objects, clients)
    • Direct property access from the IEC application
    • Preconfigured object sets according to AMEV AS-A/AS-B: for example, configuration of BACnet clients via BACnet services
  • Available license:
    CODESYS BACnet SL

Webinar: Important building communication protocols (in german language)

DNP3

  • Brief description: Industry standard for robust communication between control and substations in process control systems.
  • Highlights
    • IEC function blocks for control/outstation
    • Support for numerous data types defined in the protocol
    • Unsolicited response & flexible sampling rate
    • Serial lines or TCP/IP can be used
  • Available license:
    CODESYS DNP3 SL

Proprietary communication protocols

Network variables

  • Brief description: Lightweight publish/subscribe mechanism for fast data distribution between CODESYS-compatible controllers
  • Highlights
    • Cyclical or event-driven transmission
    • Supports multicast and broadcast via UDP
    • No additional hardware required

Data Sources

  • Brief description: Abstraction layer for resource-saving, simultaneous integration of variables from multiple CODESYS-compatible controllers
  • Highlights:
    • Readout of controller data and various controllers in a separate visualization or controller, e.g., a CODESYS HMI or CODESYS Control Win
    • Minimal load on the source systems
    • Easy integration of variables without adjustments to the source system
    • Data release through user authentication on the runtime system

Standard Ethernet

TCP/IP with the Net Base Services Library

  • Brief description: Universal IEC library for RAW socket communication based on the runtime TCP/IP stack
  • Highlights:
    • Client and server sockets (TCP/UDP) with TLS support

To the online help

Serial interfaces

COM port

  • Brief description: Serial_Communication library for convenient management of RS-232/422/485 ports
  • Highlights
    • Easy management of COM ports (RS232 / RS 422 / RS485)
    • Open, parameterize, read/write via FB
    • Online Help

SPI / I²C / 1-Wire®

  • Brief description: Runtime components for high-performance board-level communication on standard device platforms
  • Highlights
    • Direct driver hook in the runtime system
    • Expansion of memory / peripherals without additional PLC hardware
    • Sample projects available in the Store
    • Installable via Installer or CODESYS Store

Own serial protocols

  • Brief description: Full low-level access allows for the implementation of any ASCII/binary protocols.
  • Highlights:
    • Your own protocol can be implemented if low-level driver is available
    • Protocol programming in the CODESYS Development System

Other communication options

Various special solutions that can be retrofitted via the communication library, for example:

Utility
Application
DCF77 receiver
Time synchronization via long wave
Shared Memory
High-performance data exchange with third-party software on the controller
INI File Utility
Parameterization via configuration files
CSV Utility
Fast logging and import/export of process data
CODESYS Store How to get

How to get

Use CODESYS-compatible controllers from device manufacturers who have implemented the runtime system. CODESYS Inside helps you find suitable providers.

Your advantages:

  • You can immediately configure such devices with CODESYS without any installation effort.
  • There are no additional costs because the software licenses for CODESYS Control are already included in the device price (unless otherwise specified).
  • You have a central contact for your support questions regarding hardware and software.

Purchase Application-Based Licenses for all SoftPLC variants or virtual controllers via the CODESYS Store. You can use all proprietary communication protocols immediately without any additional licensing. Licensing for application-specific libraries is available via the CODESYS Store.

Your advantages: 

  • You use exactly the industrial hardware for your control task that best suits your application.
  • With the right license for your task, the use of CODESYS Industrial Ethernet products is already included.