CODESYS Benchmarking on i.MX Series Processors

This application note serves as a technical report detailing the deployment and operation of CODESYS on NXP's i.MX series processors, specifically the i.MX 8M Mini, i.MX 943, and i.MX 95 evaluation kits. It outlines the significance of embedded platforms in industrial automation, emphasizing the high performance and low power consumption of the i.MX processors. The document explains the integration of CODESYS, a widely adopted automation software platform compliant with IEC 61131-3, enabling soft PLC functionality and efficient communication with field devices via EtherCAT. Key technical aspects covered include system architecture, software environment setup, and performance benchmarking of real-time capabilities. The application note also introduces EtherCAT as an Ethernet-based field-bus system, detailing its structure and operation. Additionally, it discusses the evaluation platform's hardware and software configurations, providing insights into performance metrics and real-time latency measurements. This comprehensive guide aims to assist developers in implementing advanced industrial control systems using CODESYS on embedded platforms.