The Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is a compact and powerful microcontroller programmable with C++ or MicroPython. Although small in size, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 offers impressive processing power and stability, making it ideal for advanced control applications. Today with nXPico we introduce a third way. But what exactly is nXPico? In few words is a PLC, a Programmable Logic Controller.

It is a standard Rapsberry Pi Pico 2 with a custom firmware that enables the possibililty to write programs using CODESYS, the most popular IEC61131-3 developement system for industrial automation systems. By combining the Pi Pico 2 capabilities with the reliability and flexibility of the CODESYS IEC 61131-3 standard, we created a platform that transforms a simple microcontroller into a fully functional programmable automation system.

The result is a ready to use, versatile, and accessible solution designed for those who want to bring PLC logic and industrial grade programming to embedded projects, advanced prototypes, or cost and space constrained systems. This makes possible to use everything is already available within the powerful CODESYS development system. You can write the PLC program using alle the IEC1131-1 languages available:

• Ladder Diagram (LD)

• Structured Text (ST)

• Function Block Diagram (FBD)

• Sequential Function Chart (SFC)

• Instruction List (IL)

Code can be compiled and downloaded via USB to nXPico that will execute the PLC program.

The CODESYS runtime we built uses approximately 90kB RAM, leaving at least 430kB RAM for the PLC application.

CODESYS for nXPico is much more than an industry standard, it is a concrete alternative to traditional toolchains for microcontrollers. CODESYS is not only the de facto standard for PLC programming in the world of industrial automation it is also a valid alternative to classic embedded toolchains (such as C++/GCC, proprietary IDEs or low-level environments). With CODESYS on nXPico, you get:

• a single integrated environment for writing, simulation, testing and debugging,

• declarative and visual languages (LD, ST, FBD...) more readable and maintainable than C/C++,

• modular and reusable code management through function blocks

• multi tasking PLC programs

• a deterministic task scheduling system ready to use

• integrated support for firmware update and download even remotely.

Compared to a traditional toolchain, with CODESYS on nXPico you can:

• deploy quick code via network or USB, without complicated flashing tools,

• structured firmware updates, with version management,

• perform easier routine maintenance, thanks to the clarity of the ST language and the modularity IEC 61131-3- Integrated debugging with breakpoints, variable monitoring and runtime simulation,

• use of the vast CODESYS libraries repository.

nXpico is a ready to use industrial control.

Take your project to the next level, with the CODESYS Runtime integrated the nXPico is immediately ready to be programmed and used as a true professional PLC.

No installation or setup. Just connect it, open CODESYS and start creating.

All the nXPico I/O (even the Pico 2 LED and internal temperature sensor) are already configured and mapped to a specific address ready to be used within the PLC program.

In this first release the I/O mapping is fixedIn a future version will be possible, through a graphical configurator, to set the funcionalities of the multifunction pins.

This will allow to use for example also I2C, SPI, PWM, 1wire etc. Each nXPico with integrated runtime is a complete and reliable environment, fully compliant with the IEC 61131-3 standard ready for automation, advanced prototyping, or custom embedded applications.

With the power of CODESYS and the flexibility of Raspberry Pi Pico 2 hardware, you get a compact, cost effective platform that’s fully open to professional experimentation and innovation.

Why choose this integration:

• Plug & play, ready to run right out of the box,

• Compatible with all IEC 61131-3 programming languages,

• Native PLC cycle and communication management,

• Stable, scalable, and field-ready solution,

• Perfect for makers, system integrators and automation developers.