Welcome back to another exciting video from Techal, your go-to source for the latest updates on industrial technologies. In today’s article, we will explore the world of breakpoints in CODESYS, a powerful yet often underutilized tool for debugging PLC programs.
Contents
Understanding Breakpoints
But first, let’s start with the basics. In programming, a breakpoint is a designated point in a program where the code execution halts. In the CODESYS environment, breakpoints can be set on boxes, rungs, or lines of code in a project. These breakpoints allow you to inspect variables and the call stack, providing valuable insights into your application’s execution.
Setting Breakpoints in CODESYS
Setting a breakpoint in CODESYS is straightforward. Simply right-click on the left edge of the network, select “Toggle Breakpoint,” or use the keyboard shortcut F9. Once added, you can view all your breakpoints in the Breakpoint Window, accessed from the View menu. This window provides an overview of your breakpoints, allowing you to navigate directly to their locations in the project with a double-click.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into how breakpoints can be employed effectively in CODESYS. We’ll explore this through an example CODESYS project, where we’ll scale an analog input to Celsius and then convert it to Fahrenheit using a specific formula.
Debugging with Breakpoints
To get started, add a breakpoint to the first Network in your project. Running the application will trigger the breakpoint, halting the execution. You’ll notice a yellow arrow inside the breakpoint symbol, indicating the next line to be executed.
By stepping through the application using the Step Over command (F10), you can review the values of variables and identify any logic errors. Let’s say we encounter a problem with the variable rConversionFactor, which should be 1.8 but is currently set to 1. By making adjustments to the inputs of the DIV block, we correct the logic and ensure accurate calculations.
And that’s just scratching the surface! CODESYS offers advanced features such as conditional breakpoints, which activate only under specific conditions, and execution points that allow you to write messages to a log file. These options empower you to effectively troubleshoot and fine-tune your PLC logic.
FAQs
Q: Are there any additional resources to enhance my understanding of CODESYS breakpoints?
A: Yes, we are launching a course titled “CODESYS Debugging Techniques for Controls Engineers” exclusively for our Pro members. Stay tuned!
Conclusion
Breakpoints in CODESYS are an indispensable tool for any PLC programmer. Leveraging breakpoints enables you to validate and fine-tune your PLC logic, ensuring precise calculations and smooth operation. Start using breakpoints today and unlock the full potential of CODESYS debugging capabilities.
So, how do you use breakpoints in your CODESYS applications? Let us know in the comments below! And remember, for more cutting-edge industrial technology insights, visit Techal.
