Comparison of CODESYS V2 / CODESYS V3
The functions and properties of the two CODESYS versions are compared below with brief explanations.
Overview of engineering properties
| Functions | CODESYS V2.3 | CODESYS V3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Object-oriented programming |
Actions without own variable space |
Complete OOP with methods, interfaces, classes, extensions of base classes, polymorphy. |
|
Component-oriented structure of the programming system |
Monolithic system |
Yes. Device manufacturers define component usage via version profiles. Users can install plug-in components later using packages. This type of component can be produced by 3S-Smart Software Solutions, by the device manufacturer, or by third-party suppliers. |
|
Multi-PLC (multiple controllers in one project) |
- |
Yes. With own library and task management, global variable lists at application level. |
|
Multi-application (multiple separate applications on one controller within a project) |
- |
Yes. With own library and task management, global variable lists. Subapplications can be created below the applications. |
|
Use of objects on multiple devices |
Only by libraries/import |
In multi-resource project planning by calling up objects from the global block tree. |
|
Expandability of the tool on the basis of defined interfaces (editors, configurators, wizards, etc.) |
No standard! |
Additional plug-ins which replace other components can be created on the basis of the CODESYS Automation Platform (SDK for device manufacturer). |
|
Open system interfaces |
- |
Yes, in the scope of delivery of the CODESYS Automation Platform. |
|
Switching between LAD/FBD/STL |
LAD/FBD with restrictions |
Yes. Offline and online. |
|
Storage/management of any files in the project |
- |
Yes. Project storage of any files, such as PDF, JPG, or DOC, in the project tree itself. |
|
Adaptability of the interface |
- |
Yes, docking views even on different monitors. |
|
Adaptability of the menus |
- |
Yes |
|
Adaptability of the hot keys |
- |
Yes |
|
Components (editors, compilers, etc.) can be versioned and used separately. |
Full version only, compiler version can be selected |
Yes. Optional management via additional tool "IPM Installation and Profile Manager" (only for CODESYS Automation Platform customers). |
|
Multiple selection in the project tree |
- |
Yes, operation affects all selected objects. |
|
CFC editor (Continuous Function Chart) |
Yes |
Yes, additional page-oriented CFC. |
|
Project encryption |
Yes, via password |
Yes, via password and additionally via USB security key (with additional functionality). |
|
Text editors (e.g. ST, declaration) with folding, line break, Autocomplete |
- |
Yes. Folding on the basis of indenting, including for comments comprising multiple lines. |
|
Libraries can be debugged |
- |
Yes. Source code of the library required, can be displayed later. |
|
Proprietary text-based exchange format for import/export |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Data exchange via PLCopen XML format |
- |
Yes, import and export. |
|
Call interface for automated commands |
Yes, own batch mode (internal/external) |
Yes, via standard language Python with extensive library for accessing CODESYS functions. |
|
User management |
Yes, with eight fixed user groups and rights |
Yes, freely configurable with specifiable user rights. |
|
Library management |
In the project/via storage directories for device-specific and tool-specific libraries |
Management in the tool with integrated library repository. Multiple repositories possible. Additional library management on the basis of the libraries stored in the repository. |
|
Library versioning |
Via data/time. No parallel use of different versions |
Via comprehensive version concept with version number and namespace. |
|
String access as array |
- |
Yes |
|
Pre-compiled libraries |
- |
Yes |
|
UNION data type |
- |
Yes |
|
Continuous Unicode support |
- |
Yes |
|
Limited compilation |
Not continuous |
Yes. Numerous pragmas available as compiler directives. |
|
Auto-declare with data type determination |
- |
Yes |
|
Breakpoints |
Fixed breakpoints |
Fixed and limited breakpoints. Watchpoints in preparation. |
|
Any expressions in initializations of variable declarations |
- |
Yes |
|
CONTINUE in loops |
- |
Yes |
|
Single-line comments |
- |
Yes, separator // |
|
Extended namespaces |
- |
Yes |
|
Sampling Trace |
Yes |
Yes. Significantly expanded functionality. |
|
Integrated UML support |
- |
In preparation: for class, state, and activity diagram. |
|
Static code analysis |
Checking of four classic problem sources |
Yes, many additional test cases (>>50, including a check of the IEC 61131-3 functions) as part of the optional CODESYS Professional Developer Edition. CODESYS Static Analysis product available in the CODESYS Store. Test cases can be extended by CODESYS Automation Platform customers. |
|
Integrated source code management |
Yes, connection via CODESYS ENI Server |
Yes. Integrated connection to Apache Subversion®: CODESYS SVN as part of the optional CODESYS Professional Developer Edition. Product available in the CODESYS Store. |
|
Integrated execution of automatic application test |
- |
Yes. CODESYS Test Manager product will soon be available in the CODESYS Store. |
|
Automatic creation of control applications on the basis of predefined modules |
- |
Yes, via CODESYS Application Composer, completely integrated in the CODESYS Development System. This makes it possible to create applications without any programming experience. In addition, automated creation of visualization interfaces for application operation and device diagnosis. An optional toolkit is required in order to create modules. |
Overview of runtime system properties
| Functions | CODESYS V2.3 | CODESYS V3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Real-time Linux |
Yes, OSADL Linux |
Yes, OSADL Linux |
|
OPC server |
Yes |
Yes. Standardized server according to OPC specification V2, can also be used for CODESYS V2 devices. |
|
Variable data is accessed using symbols via CODESYS PLCHandler |
Yes |
Yes. Standardized interface, also for accessing variables of CODESYS V2 devices. |
|
Event logger |
- |
Yes |
|
User management |
No, only possible to set a password as login protection |
Yes. Freely configurable and extendable user management. |
|
OPC UA |
Indirectly supported by standalone OPC UA server from CODESYS V3 |
Will be available as runtime system component and standalone OPC UA server. |
Overview of integrated visualization properties
| Functions | CODESYS V2.3 | CODESYS V3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Graphical editor |
Yes. Elements can be extended via DLL |
Yes. Graphical elements implemented in IEC 61131-3 code. This means that they can be extended directly in CODESYS. |
|
Visualization elements |
Basic elements, few complex elements |
Growing number of visualization elements for different complex applications. Appearance can be customized globally via predefined visualization styles. |
|
Toolbar for graphical elements |
Yes, in one level |
Yes, toolbar available (docking view). |
|
Definition of visualization styles |
- |
Yes, in text file/with additional style editor (in the scope of delivery). |
|
Parameterization of the visualization elements |
In the specific element dialog |
With generic configuration dialog. |
|
Frames in visualization masks |
- |
Yes |
|
Modal windows |
- |
Yes |
|
Dependencies of elements |
- |
Yes |
|
Instantiation of visualization objects |
Yes, via placeholders |
Yes, via parameter interface. |
|
Visualization blocks in libraries |
Yes |
Yes, appearance can be modified via styles. |
|
Available process variants |
WebVisu, Target Visu |
WebVisu, Target Visu |
|
Process variant in web browser |
Yes, via Java applet. Process on AMK A5 devices |
Yes, via HTML5. Process on all AMK Ax devices and devices with HTML5-enabled browsers such as tablet computers or smartphones. |
|
Visualization of multiple controllers |
Via data collection on a central controller, e.g. on the basis of network variables |
Yes, via the CODESYS DataServer: Collects data from different devices in a central controller, carries out data recording and alarms. The collected data can be displayed in a standardized visualization. |
Overview of PLCopen + CNC properties
| Functions | CODESYS V2.3 | CODESYS V3 |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrated CNC editor |
Yes. Project planning for 2.5D movements |
Yes, full graphical and textual 3D editor. |
|
Cam disk editor with graphical and numerical input |
Yes, velocity and acceleration displayed |
Yes, velocity, acceleration and jerk displayed. |
|
PLCopen motion blocks |
Implemented and certified |
Implemented and certified |
|
Own interpolator |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Geometry transformations available |
Yes |
Yes, extended functions. |
|
Visualization templates for motion blocks |
Yes |
Yes, with customization of the appearance via visualization styles. |
|
Online editing of cam disks |
- |
Yes, via special visualization element. |
|
Online editing of CNC webs |
- |
Yes, via special visualization element. |
