PC-Sim: Siemens S5 100U PLC simulator

Test

This PLC simulator software is included in the AW-SYS package. It simulates the Siemens PLC model S5 100U.

PLC window

      
This window contains an image of the PLC. Obviously, the displayed image changes according to the model being used. The window has been developed to display a unit as similarly shaped as possible to an actual PLC. Passing to an actual PLC, if desired, will then be an easier task. All the windows incorporate digital input and outputstatus LEDs. Just like in an actual PLC, an input LED ON status indicates that the linked contactis closed; an output LED ON status indicates that the corresponding output has been enabled.

16 push buttons/switches are available in the PLC window. They are used for the controlof digital inputs when only the PLC is employed (without the simulated equipment) or whenPLC inputs are not all connected to the equipment.

These push buttons/switches may either function as push buttons or as switches; the different arrangement indicates the proper function:
      

		switch
		push button

where the double arrow and single arrow indicate a toggle (bistable) function or a one-shot (monostable) function, respectively.


Ladder Programming      
The Ladder Diagram is certainly the most widely used programming language for PLC. Itis a graphic programming method. An electrical wiring diagram including a sequence of several circuits is constructed between two vertical lines representing the power supply. The PLC carries out each command in sequence when a user program is run.

The PC-Sim ladder editor allows easy editing of the program by combining fast operations performed with the mouse and powerful advanced editor options: e.g.cut, copy,paste.

The diagram is organised using the tools available in the Tool Box and the Popup menus which become available by clicking the mouse right button. A check for syntax accuracy of the operands, which may well be introduced as symbols, is carried out on completion of each type-in operation. When the implemented program is run, the editor itself allows debug information to be displayed. Different colours are used to distinguish and display elements such as closed contacts, energised coils and electrical flow. Colours will be real-time updated according to processing results and variations of field signals.


AWL Programming

AWL, also known as STL or Statement List programming language, is one of the most widely used methods for programming a PLC. Writing a program in AWL implies typing-in a set of instructions, each one representing an elementary task that the CPU of the PLC will perform in sequence. Each instruction in typed in one line format; each line includesone instruction only.

In general, an instruction consists of an operation and an operand. The operationspecifies the task that the CPU must perform and the operand specifies the object wherethe task must be performed.

The PC-Sim AWL for PS3 allows easy, fast type-in of instructions and an immediate call of system modules. The syntax is checked immediately, and the programmer is immediately alerted should any error occur. When the implemented program is run, the editor itself allows the debug information to be displayed. Iinformation regarding the main PLC registers and operand status will appear as each line is run. This information will be real-time updated, according to processing results and variations of field signals.

Block list

The project block list is displayed in table format, the program editor used for each block and the current status. The window allows for the use of block handling procedures through the Create, Rename, Remove, Edit and Debug commands.

The remaining windows included in the program are common to all PLCs. Fora more detailed description see PC-Sim: the PLC simulator.

http://www.autoware.com/english/s5100.htm

Test

PC-Sim: PLC simulator
PC-Sim is the AW-SYS module that simulates programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
An excellent tool when teaching how to program a PLC. When run on a personalcomputer, it enables the user:

	to display the PLC, which is graphically displayed in a window on the screen;
	to write user program in graphic or text format using the most popular and specific    languages such as Ladder and AWL (Instruction List)
	to define symbols that may be included in a program instead of absolute    operands, hence    making your work easier
	to verify the written program using software simulated switches, buttons and status    LEDs
	to patch the program using powerful on-line debug tools included in program editors
	to display a continuous update of program variables status and/or current    value.

In addition, as a result of the integration between modules, PC-Sim may also be used tocontrol PL-Sim simulated applications or, by means of PL-RIS module, the currently available laboratory equipment.
PC-Sim is capable of simulating the following PLCs:

	Festo mod. FPC 404
	Klöckner Moeller mod. PS3
	Siemens mod. S5 100U

The following is a short description of the elements which are shared by the threesimulators. Specific details are included in the sub-sections where each simulator isdescribed.


Variable Status

The Variable Status window displays the status and/or the value of all the PLCvariables when the CPU is in STOP or RUN mode. Any input, output, memory,counter, timervariable status may be known by simply entering its code or symbol into thetable. Thetable content will be real-time updated according to program processing results and fieldsignal variations.
Any variable status and/or value may also be set manually by the user.


Symbol table

The Symbol Table window allows the programmer to identify proper matchingbetween absolute operands and symbols. As soon as this matching is defined, theprogrammer will beable to use the latter rather than the former, thereby making the code morelegible.
The relevant pairs are entered into a table, and all entry are PC-Sim controlled for correctsyntax and univocal meaning. A description of the operand may also be entered for eachpair. Add and remove functions for single or multiple lines are also available.


Project information

This window enables information regarding the current project to be retrieved orentered. Specific fields contain the project file name and the PC-Sim version which wasused to implement it. The user may fill in the other fields by entering the name of thespecific exercise, his name, etc.
These details will all be printed out with the project documentation, representing a validreference for data archive and identification.

Test

Demo restrictionsThe demo versions are the same compared to licensed versions of the software with theexception that the Save and Print commands are disabled. Their running time is 30minutes.When this time has elapsed the program is automatically terminated and a restart isrequired to proceed.
      

AW-SYS              File name: awsys_demo_en.exe       Dimension: 12.2 MB       Version: 2.2

Test

Software test without controllerOverview

• Description
• Area of application
• Design and functions
• Licensing
  

Description

Simulation systems provide effective support with the development of programs and the following actual application. In the automation environment, a simulated test environment including PLC and process reduces startup times and thus costs, for example. Early discovery of programming errors and optimization of program sections enable the optimized and errorfree use of the programs in the actual system. If a program is modified, it can be tested prior to loading it onto the plant control system.

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Area of application
SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM simulates a controller for functional testing of user blocks and programs for S7-300 and S7-400 on the programming device/PC. Online access and test functions of the programming tools can be carried out in exactly the same manner as with a real controller. This allows the entire program test to be carried out on-site in the development office.The facilty to simulate the communication via MPI, PROFIBUS DP and TCP/IP is new and ensures a high degree of flexibility in the simulation.
NEW: PLCSIM is capable of working with multi-instances from Version 5.4 SP3. It is now possible to start several PLCSIM and test several controllers simultaneously. After the program download the instance adopts the station’s name.
So, user programs can be tested together (communication between controllers).



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Design and functions
S7-PLCSIM executes the user program just like a real controller (special functions such as F technology only conditionally). During program execution, different process values can be monitored and changed via a simple user interface (e.g. switching inputs/outputs on or off).
Link-up with an external process simulation
The S7-ProSim interface is used for linking up to external process simulation systems. Dynamic access to process values is possible via this interface. The PROSIM Interface is using the COM Object and is programmable for example with the Microsoft Visual Studio C++ V6.0 and the Microsoft Visual C++ .NET.
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Licensing
S7-PLCSIM  is part of the STEP 7 Professional Software package yet also available separately. Customers that already use STEP 7 can change to STEP 7 Professional  by purchasing a POWERPACK. A valid STEP 7 license is needed for this upgrade. Software Update Service is offered for the STEP 7 Professional package as well.

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