SPRADH0 August   2024 AM625 , AM6442 , AM69 , TDA4VM

 

  1.   1
  2.   Abstract
  3.   Trademarks
  4. 1Introduction
    1. 1.1 What is EtherCAT?
    2. 1.2 What is a PLC?
    3. 1.3 What is CODESYS?
  5. 2Evaluation Platform and Methods
    1. 2.1 Hardware
    2. 2.2 Software
    3. 2.3 Test Topology
  6. 3Performance Metrics
    1. 3.1 Cyclictest Performance Metrics
    2. 3.2 EtherCAT Performance Metrics
  7. 4Optimizations
    1. 4.1 Implemented Optimizations
    2. 4.2 Future Considerations
      1. 4.2.1 Set Maximum CPU Frequency
      2. 4.2.2 Isolate Cores
      3. 4.2.3 Set CPU Affinity
      4. 4.2.4 Isolate Cores and Set CPU Affinity
      5. 4.2.5 Ksoftirqs to FIFO
      6. 4.2.6 Increase the Real-Time Scheduling Time
      7. 4.2.7 Disable irqbalance
      8. 4.2.8 Use Separate Network Interface Card (NIC)
      9. 4.2.9 Disable Unnecessary Drivers
  8. 5Summary
  9. 6References
  10. 7Appendix A: How to Setup TI Embedded Processors as EtherCAT Controller Using the CODESYS Stack
    1. 7.1 Hardware Requirements
    2. 7.2 Software Requirements
    3. 7.3 Hardware Setup
    4. 7.4 Software Setup
      1. 7.4.1 Windows PC Setup
      2. 7.4.2 EtherCAT Controller Setup
      3. 7.4.3 CODESYS Development System Project
      4. 7.4.4 Execution
    5. 7.5 How to View Performance Measurements
      1. 7.5.1 Appendix A Resources
  11. 8Appendix B: How to Enable Unlimited Runtime on CODESYS Stack
    1. 8.1 CODESYS Licensing Background
    2. 8.2 Obtaining a CODESYS License
    3. 8.3 Activating CODESYS License
      1. 8.3.1 Background
      2. 8.3.2 Recommended Steps
    4. 8.4 Verifying CODESYS License Applied
      1. 8.4.1 Known Issues With Verifying CODESYS License Applied

8.3.1 Background

  • There are two methods of activating the license. See this link for more details on these two methods: Licensing of Products (helpme-codesys.com)

    • Online activation - requires the CODESYS Development System to have internet access, the EtherCAT controller (target system) does not require internet access

    • Offline activation - requires using CodeMeter Control Center, which is installed with the CODESYS Development System installation

  • Online activation through the License Manager diaglog on the CODESYS Development System can not be possible if the CODESYS Development System connected to the EtherCAT network with a direct Ethernet connection or through a switch without DHCP router services.

  • The license must also be activated on a device (EtherCAT controller) or USB dongle. CODESYS calls what the license is activated on as a "container". A device is called "soft container" and the USB dongle is called "Dongle" or "Key".

  • The key differences between activation on a Soft Container and activation on a Dongle are listed below. The same list can be found at this site CODESYS Key

Table 8-1 Advantages and Disadvantages for Different Activation Methods
ACTIVATION METHOD ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Software license container (SoftContainer)
  • No additional hardware required
  • No additional costs
  • No physical delivery necessary
  • Unlimited number of storable licenses
  • License usable immediately
  • No loss of license, in case of theft of a dongle
  • License holder independent of the target devices
  • Easy transfer of the license to another device
  • License remains valid even in the case of defect of the device
  • Number of storable licenses almost unlimited (approximately 4000)
  • Use of the CODESYS Key also for security tasks (including project encryption)
CODESYS Key (dongle)
  • No transfer of the license to another device
  • Loss of the license in case of a defect of the device
  • Need for additional hardware and matching slot (USB)
  • Additional costs for key, shipping, and customs fees (if applicable)
  • Waiting time before using the license until delivery of the CODESYS key
  • Loss of the license in case of theft of the dongle