ctrlX PLC Engineering: Integrating C Modules

[bostroemc]

Our documentation implies that users can integrate C code into their PLC Engineering projects:

Do we actually support this?  I do not see the required object ("C Code Module") in the context menu,

nor is it clear to me that we are including the required runtime license.

If we don't currently support this feature, are there plans to support it in the future?

Thanks, -Carl

[georkueh · Accepted solution]

This feature is currently not supported for ctrlX CORE devices. We will provide a mechanism to integrate external PLC POUs in combination with our SDK until RM 24.03.

[Sgilk]

@georkueh ,

Is there an update on this? It seems the C Code integration plugin is still not implemented.

[CodeShepherd]

We will not support the CODESYS plugin as we see the disadvantages of not being able to debug the code.

We already implemented a way to use the real time SDK for ctrlX AUTOMATION to add C++ code to the PLC (declared as external) via standard ctlX AUTOMATION mechanisms. For further information about the RT SDK see "FAQ for SDK for ctrlX AUTOMATION".

[aFouraker]

@CodeShepherd, I cannot understand the benefits of this.

Why remove features that would make the transition from CoDeSys, Beckhoff, B&R (amongst others) easier? The lack of debugging is a question that can be evaluated when making that transition. It makes sense to add features like debuggable code in apps  but removing features that codesys supports makes very little sense. Adding options creates an open and accesible programming environment, not removing. 

[CodeShepherd]

The feature is not removed from our installation but as we decided to go the more convenient ctrlX AUTOMATION way we do not support the CODESYS one. So usage is on own risk.

[aFouraker]

@CodeShepherd, so that I understand, this is supported by codesys and we have not removed the functionality but usage will be at your own risk?

Does this include both the C modules and C library integration?

[CodeShepherd]

So I suggest that the C-module needs to be compiled and directly be added to the runtime. This is not possible as the runtime is packed into a snap and could not find any object added somewhere else. Even some runtime configuration files would need to get manipulated what is not possible in our environment for normal users. In short it is not possible in ctrlX AUTOMATION.

If there are further questions or clarifications needed feel free to contact me directly with your contact data so we could have a direct discussion.