Control Invertek VFDs with CODESYS

Introduction

In this blog post, we will discuss how to control Invertek VFDs with CODESYS using the Invertek Ethernet IP Interface. We will take you through the steps required to install Invertek EDS files, add and configure Invertek devices.

Hardware required

To control Invertek VFDs with CODESYS, you will need the following:

• An Invertek Optidrive E3 VFD
• An Invertek Ethernet IP Interface (EtherNet/IP Modbus translator drive)
• A couple Ethernet cables
  • One cable for connecting the Ethernet IP Interface to the VFD
  • One cable for connecting the Ethernet IP Interface to the network where the CODESYS PLC is connected
• A computer with CODESYS installed

Software Required

• CODESYS Development System V3
• Linux Ubuntu Server or Ubuntu Desktop VM with CODESYS Control for Linux runtime

<aside> 💡 The Ethernet IP Interface must be connected to the VFD/network and configured via the Web Server. See section 6.7 in the Ethernet IP Interface User Guide for more details.

</aside>

Installing Invertek EDS Files

Invertek EDS (Electronic Data Sheet) files are required to configure Invertek devices. Follow the steps below to install Invertek EDS files:

• Download Ethernet IP Interface (OPT-2-ETHEG-IN) package from the Optidrive E3 Communication Interfaces Page or download latest version here.
• Open CODESYS and select "Tools" in the toolbar.
• Select "Device Repository".

• Select "Install" and navigate to the folder location with the downloaded EDS file.
• Select the EDS file and select "OK".

Adding Invertek Devices

After installing the Invertek EDS files, we need to add Invertek devices. Follow the steps below:

• Add an Ethernet Interface.
  • Right-click on "Device (CODESYS Control for Linux)" in the "Device" tree and select "Add Device...".

• • The "Add Device" dialog box opens. Select "Ethernet" under "Fieldbuses", then "Ethernet Adapter" and click on the "Add Device" button. Click "Close".
  • Download missing libraries if there is an error.
    

 

• Add an EtherNet/IP Scanner.
  • Right-click on "Ethernet (Ethernet)" in the "Device" tree and select "Add Device".

• • The "Add Device" dialog box opens. Select "EtherNet/IP Scanner" under "Fieldbuses", "EtherNet/IP", then "EtherNet/IP Scanner" and click on the "Add Device" button. Click "Close".
    
  • Download missing libraries if there is an error.

• Add Ethernet/IP Remote Adapters (OPC-2-ETHIG-IN).
  • Right-click on "EtherNet/IP Scanner" in the Project tree and select "Add Device".

• • The "Add Device" dialog box opens. Select "OPC-2-ETHIG-IN" under "Fieldbuses", "EtherNet/IP", "EtherNet/IP Remote Adapter", click on the "Add Device" button and click “Close”.
  • Download missing libraries if there is an error.

Configuring Ethernet Device

After adding Invertek devices, we need to configure Ethernet devices. Follow the steps below:

• Double click “Ethernet (Ethernet)”.
• Click “General”.
• While connected to CODESYS Runtime (Linux CODESYS PLC), click “Browse” and select the IP Address of Linux CODESYS PLC.

• To access additional parameters, an optional Extended Status Information is also possible and defined within the EDS file which supports 16 Words of Status information. See directions below:
  • Click the “Connections” Tab then click “Add Connection…”.
  • Select “Predefined connection (EDS file)”, select “AdvE3”, and click “OK”.

Conclusion

Controlling Invertek VFDs with CODESYS is a simple process once you have installed the Invertek EDS files and added and configured Invertek devices. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can control Invertek VFDs with CODESYS with ease.

Next blog post will walk through the steps to connect the CODESYS OPC UA server to Ignition.

Resources

• Invertek Optidrive E3 Communication Interfaces Webpage
• Invertek Ethernet IP Interface - Marshall Wold Automation
• Ethernet IP Interface User Guide
• Invertek Field Bus Guide