CODESYS and Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
Most brands make their own PLC software, but CODESYS is different: one IEC 61131-3 programming system that hundreds of manufacturers build into their controllers. Beckhoff's TwinCAT 3 is based on the same core and turns an industrial PC into a PLC.
CODESYS
CODESYS (by CODESYS GmbH, Germany) is a manufacturer-independent development environment. The controller maker licenses the CODESYS runtime for its hardware, and you program it with the CODESYS IDE (or a branded version of it).
- Used by WAGO (e!COCKPIT / CODESYS), Schneider Electric (EcoStruxure Machine Expert), Bosch Rexroth, ifm, Festo, Eaton, Turck, Beijer and many more.
- All five IEC 61131-3 languages plus CFC (continuous function chart), object-oriented extensions, visualisation (web HMI) and fieldbus configuration (EtherCAT, CANopen, PROFINET, Modbus).
- The IDE is a free download, and CODESYS Control Win runs a soft PLC on your Windows PC, so you can learn and test without buying hardware.
Beckhoff TwinCAT 3
TwinCAT 3 integrates into Microsoft Visual Studio. The PLC runs in real time on a Beckhoff industrial PC or embedded PC, alongside Windows. It supports IEC 61131-3 (with object orientation), C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink modules, motion control and EtherCAT I/O.
The engineering software is free; a 7-day trial runtime license (renewable) lets you run the PLC on your own PC for learning.
Why learn with them?
- Free and fully featured.
- Pure IEC 61131-3: skills transfer to every modern platform (Siemens SCL, Rockwell ST, Omron Sysmac and others).
- Great for structured text, function blocks and object-oriented programming.
For ladder practice with real-brand addressing and wiring, combine it with the free PLC Sim Lab Playground.
Try it yourself. Wire sensors, contactors and a PLC, write ladder logic and press RUN in the free PLC Sim Lab Playground. Nothing to install.
Open the Playground →Guided lessons →