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What Windows applications supporting Function Block Diagram (FBD) graphical languages for coding Embedded Systems are commercially available?

According to IEC 61131-3 there are 5 programming languages: Ladder diagram (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Instruction List (IL) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC). I am interested in Function Block Diagram (FBD) language for Windows; to compile the code and download it to Texas Instruments Delfino control Cards.

In terms of requirements, those are standard features in most of those programs: ADC blocks, GPIOs, PWMs, floating- or fixed-point arithmetic and logic blocks, discrete functions, serial connection to external hardware (e.g. drivers for TI control card), etc. Anything extra will be a plus, but not necessary as the price might increase.

Basically, I am looking for something for fast DSP Texas Instruments F28*** Delfino control CARDS. Application is strictly non-commercial. First, what comes to mind is MATLAB Simulink. I use that. I noticed the code is often not optimised and I get too many 'Not enough memory on the target to process' related warnings. Also, logging, External mode and parameter tuning are not as developed as other tools I have used. The second software I found is VisSim, now Altair Embed. I have downloaded a trial version, and it looks okay. Are there any other tools I can look into and compare?

I know some companies and universities use in-house development. I have used some in the past, but they are either not commercially available or used for PLC's. Also, I am not familiar with coding so I'm only interested in graphically based tools. Prices are secondary currently.

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  • According to IEC 61131-3 there are 5 programming languages: Ladder diagram (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), Structured Text (ST), Instruction List (IL) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC). I am interested in Function Block Diagram (FBD) language for Windows; to compile the code and download to Texas Instruments Delfino control Cards. Now just looking for names, features and prices.
    – mikebuba
    Jun 1, 2020 at 14:44
  • Thanks for clarification! I've adjusted your question accordingly, including those details. The part giving slight headache here is "just looking for names, features and prices": List questions are no good fit for Q&A sites and hence are considered off-topic. So let's better remove that part – you've named some specifics, and you're looking for software meeting those, right? You can always edit your post to e.g. narrow things down. Thanks!
    – Izzy ♦
    Jun 1, 2020 at 14:57

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I don't know the TI Delfino, but I've worked with embedded systems and most probably what you need is that someone creates a runtime for your hardware that can accept your PLC program. Isagraf is very well known industrial automation software for which runtime are available for a lot of platforms. If Arduino and/or RPi are an option, there are software that can convert those to PLCs, or to put it correctly, there are runtimes that accept IEC61131 programs.

OpenPLC

Codesys

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