SIMIT Simulation Framework, Graphical User Interface (GUI)

SIMIT Simulation Framework

Component-based, signal flow oriented modeling of the plant via the graphical user interface of SIMIT Simulation Framework is based on extendable base libraries. For this, pre-defined components are selected from the library, placed on the graphic interface, connected with one another, and parameters are set. Special simulation skills are not required.

The efficient simulation is based on the abstraction at three different levels: Signals, devices (e.g. actuators and sensors) and technological response. Here, the technological response is represented mathematically and logically or by additive libraries.

Physical plant	Simulation with SIMIT Simulation Framework
Field equipment	Signals	Import (e.g. symbol table)
	Devices	Base library for DRIVES SENSORS
Technological plant/unit	Technological response	Additive libraries FLOWNET
Production technology		CONTEC

Abstraction levels of the simulation

The signal couplings can be created easily by importing the symbol table or a list of signal names. Files of the import/export wizard, control module (CM) files (SIMATIC PCS 7), or suitable Microsoft Excel files (SIMATIC S7) can be used together with simulation templates from the base library to simulate the devices.

Additive libraries support the simulation of the technological response and round off the SIMIT offer:

• FLOWNET can be used for rapid and simple simulation of the dynamic processes of pressures, flows and temperature distributions of water in pipeline networks.
• CONTEC can be used for simulation of material handling equipment.

The user can also create custom components and templates that enable effective customer-specific modeling.

Workflow to create a simulation

SIMIT Simulation Framework supports two types of virtual commissioning:

Software in the loop: Pretesting without a physical plant

When SIMIT Simulation Framework is coupled to the SIMIT Virtual Controller or the S7?PLCSIM emulation software, the automation function can be tested in advance in the engineering office without the physical hardware – from the sensor through the automation system and back down to the actuator.

The user program is loaded in SIMATIC Manager into the automation system emulated by the SIMIT Virtual Controller or S7?PLCSIM without modifications and started. It obtains the simulated I/O signals from the SIMIT Simulation Framework via the coupling of the emulated automation system.

Hardware in the loop: Factory Acceptance Test (FAT)

The physical automation systems are loaded with the user program for the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT). SIMIT Simulation Framework simulates the I/O signals, instrumentation, and field devices. The simulation values are sent as message frames to the automation systems via the hardware interfaces (simulation unit). When SIMIT Simulation Framework also simulates the technological response of the plant, the FAT becomes a plant test. Commissioning can be performed on the virtual process in an early phase of the project.

SIMIT Virtual Controller

SIMIT Virtual Controllers are powerful emulation systems for the SIMATIC S7?300, S7?400 and S7?410 automation systems which are integrated in the SIMIT Simulation Framework. Coupling to the simulation model takes place by means of I/O signals.

Special features

• SIMIT Virtual Controller are synchronized with each other
• The automation system is loaded by means of the engineering system as in the actual automation system
• Runtime is independent of the engineering system
• Automation programs can run in virtual time (faster or slower than in real-time)
• Current states of the SIMIT Virtual Controller and the SIMIT simulation model can be saved in the shared snapshot

A separate emulation manager is supported:

• Definition of available computer hardware for virtual controllers, simulation and operator stations
• Specification of virtual controllers and assignment to computer hardware
• Configuration of communication connections between virtual controllers and operator stations (SIMATIC PCS 7, SIMATIC WinCC)
• Import of SIMATIC PCS 7 system configuration and symbol table
• Generation and distribution of configuration files

System and communication functions

For detailed information on supported SIMATIC S7/SIMATIC PCS 7 system and communication functions as well as communication services, see SIMIT manual:
http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/en/93842565

Note:

The SIMIT Virtual Controller does not support, among others:

• SIMATIC PCS 7 Route Control
• BRAUMAT Classic
• Data record communication
• Named Connections via RFC1006
• Communication blocks TSEND, TRECV