CODESYS, a global provider of hardware-independent industrial automation software, highlights Virtual Control SL, an IEC 61131-3-compatible virtual PLC runtime designed to give manufacturers greater flexibility and hardware independence.
The containerized runtime can be installed on suitable computing architectures as often as required, with performance scaled to meet the needs of each application.
Familiar engineering environment
Virtual Control SL provides familiar CODESYS features in a virtual control environment. Applications are programmed in the CODESYS Development System using IEC 61131-3 languages, allowing engineers to continue working with established tools and workflows.
Existing CODESYS projects can also be reused on virtual PLCs by switching the device description, helping reduce migration effort and protect existing engineering investments.
Scalable performance and deployment
Each virtual controller’s performance is determined by its licence. Users can select the capability required for compact control, motion control or high-performance PLC applications, and expand control capacity without being limited to a fixed physical PLC configuration.
Virtual Control SL can run on industrial PCs, edge devices or servers using Linux, including platforms such as RHEL and Debian. A PREEMPT_RT real-time patch can be used where required. Support for container technologies such as Podman and Docker gives users flexibility in choosing their computing architecture and container environment.
Users can deploy or orchestrate virtual PLCs through Linux commands and scripts, or with tools such as Kubernetes and OpenShift. An integrated add-on for the CODESYS Development System provides an option tailored to automation engineers, enabling them to create and remove virtual PLCs without extensive Linux knowledge.
Connectivity and system management
Fieldbus I/Os can be accessed through Industrial Ethernet and configured in the CODESYS Development System, as with a conventional PLC. When required, Virtual LAN technology can virtualise the Ethernet port for different protocols, providing flexible communication options over the industrial network.
The distributed architecture allows tasks to be assigned to multiple independent control instances, with interconnection between them. Software-based expansion can also enable new machine functions without necessarily adding hardware. Control capacity can be increased by scaling the virtual environment rather than adding or replacing dedicated PLCs.
By consolidating multiple virtual PLCs on a central hardware platform, manufacturers may reduce hardware, wiring, operating and maintenance requirements, as well as the space needed for conventional control equipment. Centralised maintenance and application updates can also simplify system management.
By combining familiar CODESYS engineering with containerised deployment, licence-based performance scaling, Industrial Ethernet connectivity and flexible orchestration, Virtual Control SL provides manufacturers with a way to modernise control architectures while retaining established automation development workflows.
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