PLC Simulator - PLC Programming & Testing within a Simulated Environment

A PLC simulator is a piece of software that allows the programmer to test their code without the actual hardware. Such software allows the engineer to save time on commissioning, minimize system critical errors and uncover potential system deadlocks. A PLC simulator is often used for training and learning purposes as it allows users to test various logic configurations without any impact on external hardware. Lastly, as a PLC simulator is software based, users aren’t required to purchase additional components that are often very costly.

How do you simulate a PLC?

A PLC is a robust industrial processor that reads inputs, executes a set of internal instructions and sets outputs accordingly. It is possible to use programs that will run code written for a PLC on a regular laptop or desktop computer. Furthermore, it is possible to access online tools that will simulate basic PLC programs on a web server and allow users to practice building PLC software without the need of any additional software installation.

There is a vast difference between various PLC simulators on the current market. Most Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) provide (generally at a price) a means to simulate their PLC programs. An example for Allen Bradley would be an RSLogix Emulate environment that would simulate the code that would run on an RSLogix 500 based PLC. The advantage of native PLC simulators are as follows:

• The code is run directly from the file that will be used on an actual PLC.
• The simulation results they provide are highly accurate to an actual PLC.

The drawbacks of these systems are that they’re often costly and are locked to a specific OEM.

Getting Started in PLC Simulation

If you’re looking to test code that will eventually be deployed within a manufacturing environment, we highly recommend that you invest in the simulator that is native to the platform your code was written in. As mentioned above, this will give you the most accurate result and allow you to extensively test the system within the same environment you wrote the code in.

If your goal is to test code that was written for learning purposes; you have two options: use the OEM software or utilize a free simulator.

If your goal is to learn Allen Bradley PLC programming, we recommend that you start by downloading the free tools for the RSLogix 500 platform:

• RSLogix 500
• RSLinx
• RSLogix Emulate

We’ve got en entire guide on where to download and how to install these tools: RSLogix Free Download

Note that although RSLogix is still heavily utilized in the industry, it is quickly being phased out by the higher-end alternative from Allen Bradley: RSLogix and Studio 5000. The PLC simulation tools for these software packages are expensive when purchased from authorized distributors.

Executing Programs in RSLogix Emulate

RSLogix Emulate is the PLC simulation environment for RSLogix 500 programs. This software allows the user to simulate the functionality of PLC families such as the MicroLogix and the SLC. By loading the program into the simulator and going online with the virtual environment, the user can interact, toggle and execute logic the same way as they would on an actual PLC.

As common sense may suggest, such simulation has limits. It is impossible to actuate the inputs or outputs of the software as they aren’t tied to any external hardware. Due to the lack of control, software programmers can either utilize forces to toggle the inputs/outputs or simulate the bits using internal boolean tags.

Step 1 - Launch RSLogix Enumate500.

Step 2 - Select a program written in RSLogix 500 to Emulate.

Step 3 - Press “RUN”.

Step 4 - Launch RSLogix 500.

Step 5 - Launch the program you’ve developed. Note: it must be the same as the one opened in RSLogix Emulate500.

Step 6 - Use “Comms” to Go Online with the PLC.

Step 7 - Browse to the Emulated PLC under the Emulate500 driver.

Step 8 - Go Online

At this point, you are ONLINE with the virtual PLC that has been simulated through Emulate500 software.

How do you use a PLC ladder simulator?

RSLogix 500 and Emulate500 are an excellent software solution for a PLC ladder simulator. Once the steps outlined above are implemented, the user can create any ladder logic within the program and execute them as one would on a physical PLC. It is common to combine such a virtual environment with an HMI simulation in order to simulate operator interaction with the control system and objects that would be typically present in an industrial environment: tanks, valves, motors, etc.

Conclusion

A PLC Simulator is an excellent avenue to practice PLC ladder logic programming. Although the software environment is not the perfect substitute for hands on experience on an actual PLC, the simulation delivers a very accurate representation of ladder logic execution.