With the integration of CODESYS 3.5 SP21 into PLC Designer 4.1, users benefit from improved stability, extended diagnostic options and an optimized development environment. The new version enables more efficient project processing and increases future-proofing thanks to the latest software standards.
The new PROFIBUS communication module for the i950 enables the simple migration of existing machines with 8200vector, 9300, 8400 and 9400 - without having to adapt the Siemens PLC program. This means that existing investments are protected and retrofit projects can be implemented efficiently and future-proof. Customers benefit from a seamless transition to a modern, legally compliant servo drive system.
Thanks to the clear separation between machine functions and the servo drive, the Hardware Abstraction Layer allows you to switch seamlessly from an i950 to an i750 drive—without any changes to your PLC program. This flexibility simplifies hardware upgrades and replacements, ensuring your machine remains adaptable and future-proof with minimal engineering effort.
Modular Machine
Multiple Parameter Sets
With the new parameter set switching feature, you can instantly activate different motor and inverter configurations during operation—just like downloading new skills on demand. This maximizes your machine’s flexibility and minimizes downtime, so you’re always ready to adapt to new requirements in real time.
EASY UI - Control for Structures
In the PLC environment, a structure (Struct) is a user-defined data type that combines several variables under a common name and is used to clearly organize complex data. With the new EASY UI Designer, these structures can be imported and easily linked to a StructureUserControl. The structure variable is bound to the control and the individual input and output elements are linked to the corresponding structure members. This creates a flexible construct that can be used to display various drive parameters, for example.
A bit block is a group of bits (e.g. 8 or 16), each of which represents a status or a message. Example: Bit 0 = "Motor running", bit 1 = "Overtemperature", bit 2 = "Emergency stop active". Bit block alarms are used for efficient alarm management. Instead of having a separate variable for each alarm, several alarms are combined in a single data block. This saves memory and simplifies communication between the PLC and HMI. This practical function is now available with EASY UI Designer 1.8.
There are various functions between the visualization project, the runtime and the target device that must fit together so that everything can run smoothly. The new compatibility check in EASY UI Designer visualizes incompatibilities and helps to rectify them with its transparent display. This provides a user-friendly presentation of variable limits being exceeded, an incompatible target device and, in future, the need to update the controller firmware, saving valuable time in the engineering process.
The new Motor Drive System combines maximum energy efficiency (IE5/IE6) with easy handling and reduces motor losses by up to 60%. Thanks to 300% overload torque and sensorless control, it delivers maximum performance in dynamic applications - with up to 50% lower hardware costs. The compact design saves space and reduces energy costs and the carbon footprint by 10%.
