Arduino PLC IDE aims at PLC programmers

Arduino has released Arduino PLC IDE a new version of its IDE (integrated development environment) software for use with PLCs (programmable logic controllers).

The software supports the use of Ladder Diagrams, Functional Block Diagrams, Structured Text, Sequential Function Charts and Instruction Lists – the five languages officially defined by the IEC 61131-3 standard.

It would be used with the Arduino Portenta Machine Control, a low-power, industrial control unit to drive standalone industrial equipment and machinery for use in IoT applications. The Arduino Opta will also be an option “available soon”, says Arduino.

Note that to program with IDE you will need to unlock the system with a lifetime license key, costing €16, via the Arduino Store.

You can use one of the pre-installed libraries and function blocks or create custom libraries, and there are monitoring and debugging tools. A Live Debug Mode gives an instant view of the PLC’s operations and there is also code analysis with the PLC IDE Oscilloscope view (right).

Arduino writes:

“You can mix PLC programming with Arduino sketches within the integrated sketch editor, and seamlessly share variables between the two environments. Bring deterministic cyclic tasks and multitasking to your software application: leverage automation to define timings and repetition of all your mission-critical tasks. Manage CANOpen, Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP communication with the integrated no-code fieldbus configurators.”

You can download the Arduino PLC IDE from the software section of the Arudino website.

The dedicated page for the IDE can be found here. It includes tutorials on how to set up CAN bus or ModBus communications with the Arduino PLC IDE.