Intel developer kit Aix Board and Codesys Make the Soft PLC configuration and contact external programs

Unlocking the Power of Soft PLCs: A Comprehensive Guide to Configuring and Integrating the Intel Aix Board with Codesys

In today’s industrial automation landscape, the demand for flexibility, scalability, and intelligence has never been higher. One of the most effective ways to meet these demands is by leveraging Soft PLCs (programmable logic controllers), which offer a range of benefits, including reduced costs, increased efficiency, and improved maintainability. In this blog post, we will explore the Intel Aix Board, a cutting-edge Soft PLC, and its integration with Codesys, a leading industrial automation platform. We will delve into the process of configuring and integrating these technologies, providing a comprehensive guide for developers and engineers looking to unlock the full potential of their projects.

What is the Intel Aix Board?

The Intel Aix Board is a low-power, fanless, and compact Single-Board Computer (SBC) designed for industrial automation and IoT applications. It is based on the Intel Atom processor and features a range of I/O ports, including GPIO, SPI, I²C, and USB. The Aix Board is an ideal solution for integrating various sensors, actuators, and devices, making it an attractive option for applications such as industrial control, building automation, and IoT projects.

What is Codesys?

Codesys is a leading industrial automation platform that provides a range of tools and services for developing, testing, and running PLC-based applications. The platform is based on a modular architecture, which allows developers to create custom applications using a variety of programming languages, including C/C++, Python, and Ladder Logic. Codesys is widely used in a range of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and energy, and is known for its ease of use, flexibility, and scalability.

Configuring the Intel Aix Board with Codesys

Configuring the Intel Aix Board with Codesys involves creating a project in CODESYS Studio, which is the official development environment for Codesys. This can be achieved by following these steps:

1. Install CODESYS Studio: Download and install the CODESYS Studio software from the official Codesys website.
2. Create a new project: Launch CODESYS Studio and create a new project by selecting "File" > "New" > "Project". Choose the "Empty Project" template and specify the project name and location.
3. Add the Aix Board to the project: Browse to the "Components" tab and search for the "Aix Board" component. Add it to the project by clicking the "Add" button. This will create a new instance of the Aix Board in the project.
4. Configure the Aix Board: Configure the Aix Board by setting its properties, such as IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. This can be done by double-clicking on the Aix Board component and editing its properties in the "Properties" window.
5. Add code to the project: Add code to the project using the CODESYS programming language. This can be done by creating new functions, variables, and data types, and by using the Aix Board’s I/O ports to interact with external devices.

Integrating the Intel Aix Board with External Programs

The Intel Aix Board can be integrated with external programs using standard communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, UDP, and HTTP. This is achieved by creating a bridge between the Aix Board and the external program, allowing data to be transferred between the two.

Example: Integrating the Aix Board with a Web Interface

Creating a web interface for the Aix Board is a great way to monitor and control the device remotely. To achieve this, we can use a web framework such as Flask or Django to create a simple web application. The Aix Board can then be connected to the web interface using a standard protocol such as HTTP.

Here is an example of how this can be achieved using Flask:

from flask import Flask, request
app = Flask(__name__)

@app.route('/')
def home():
    return 'Hello, World!'

@app.route('/data', methods=['GET'])
def get_data():
    # Read data from the Aix Board
    data = read_aix_board_data()
    return jsonify(data)

@app.route('/set', methods=['POST'])
def set_data():
    # Write data to the Aix Board
    data = request.json
    write_aix_board_data(data)
    return 'OK'

Conclusion

In this blog post, we have demonstrated how to configure and integrate the Intel Aix Board with Codesys, a leading industrial automation platform. We have also shown how to integrate the Aix Board with external programs, providing a range of possibilities for monitoring and controlling industrial automation systems. By leveraging the power of Soft PLCs and web-based interfaces, developers and engineers can unlock new levels of flexibility, scalability, and intelligence in their projects.