CODESYS Unveils Virtual Control SL for Hardware-Independent Automation

CODESYS has introduced the Virtual Control SL, an IEC 61131-3-compatible virtual PLC runtime designed to give manufacturers unprecedented hardware independence and flexibility in industrial automation. Delivered as a containerized runtime, the software can be installed on compatible computing architectures—such as industrial PCs, edge devices, or servers—as many times as required, with performance scaling to meet the precise needs of each application.

The Virtual Control SL replicates the familiar features of traditional CODESYS environments. Applications are programmed within the standard CODESYS Development System using IEC 61131-3 languages, enabling engineers to maintain their established workflows. Furthermore, existing CODESYS projects can be seamlessly ported to the virtual PLCs simply by updating the device description, thereby protecting past engineering investments and reducing migration efforts. Users can deploy the exact controller capability needed—ranging from compact control to advanced motion control—basing performance strictly on the assigned license rather than fixed physical hardware limits.

Built for Linux-based platforms such as Debian and RHEL (with PREEMPT_RT real-time patches where deterministic performance is required), the runtime leverages container technologies like Docker and Podman. Automation engineers can orchestrate these virtual PLCs using IT tools such as Kubernetes and OpenShift, or via an integrated add-on within the CODESYS Development System that simplifies deployment without requiring deep Linux expertise. Fieldbus I/Os are accessed through Industrial Ethernet, and high-performance Virtual LAN (VLAN) technology can be utilized to virtualize Ethernet ports for various protocols. By consolidating multiple virtual PLCs onto a central hardware platform, manufacturers can drastically reduce hardware procurement, wiring complexity, and physical cabinet space.

Additional Context
This section provides technological and market background not explicitly detailed in the original release.

The industrial automation sector is undergoing a massive shift toward Software-Defined Automation (SDA) and IT/OT convergence. Historically, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have been proprietary, closed-box hardware systems, locking manufacturers into specific vendor ecosystems and making hardware obsolescence a costly challenge. By decoupling the control software from the underlying hardware via containerization or hypervisors, platforms like CODESYS Virtual Control SL allow facilities to run multiple deterministic PLC instances alongside non-real-time workloads (such as HMI, SCADA, or AI vision systems) on a single, powerful multi-core Industrial PC. This workload consolidation not only shrinks the footprint of the control cabinet but also allows PLC lifecycles to be managed using standard IT practices, enabling remote updates, rapid scalability, and centralized fleet management without replacing physical hardware.

Edited by Lekshman Ramdas, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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