SIMIT runs on the latest notebooks or desktop computers with the Microsoft Windows operating system as well as on virtual systems (VMware ESXi Server V6.0). Flexible application is possible, and it can be integrated via open interfaces into the factory automation with SIMATIC S7 and SIMATIC WinCC or into the process automation with SIMATIC PCS 7.

Since the models can be calculated in real-time, SIMIT can be linked to the real automation technology ("Hardware in the loop"). The SIMIT unit is used for connection via PROFINET or PROFIBUS. A "Software in the loop" test is also possible through virtualization of the automation system using the S7‑PLCSIM or S7‑PLCSIM Advanced emulation software or the integrated SIMIT Virtual Controller.

Interfacing to the real automation system is usually made via PROFIBUS DP or PROFINET IO, with interfaces (SIMIT units) which simulate the devices on PROFIBUS DP/PROFINET IO. A PRODAVE coupling can also be used for the MPI/DP or IE interface of the automation system for process data traffic with SIMIT (requirement: PRODAVE driver V6.1; not included in the product package).

Additional simulation models can be coupled to SIMIT:

• Data exchange via standardized interfaces such as OPC DA, OPC UA (client) and shared memory
• Synchronization via the remote control interface

In the case of coupling via the remote control interface, SIMIT can be either the master or client (slave) for other simulations. Using virtual time management, simulations can also be implemented faster or slower than in real-time.

SIMIT Simulation Platform

SIMIT can be perfectly adapted to individual requirements with three software packages that are scaled in function and scope.

• SIMIT Standard 
  • Portal view with workflow management for creation of simulation project
  • Standard component library
  • 3D viewer based on VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language)
  • Interfaces for PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET IO and PRODAVE
  • Interface for SIMIT Virtual Controller and OPC DA
  • Trends and messages (TME)
  • Scripting environment
  • Editor for creating macro components (MCE)
  • Editor for creating dynamic graphics and animations (DGE)
  • Automatic Control Interface (ACI)
  • Automatic generation of signal lists from SIMATIC Manager data
  • Runtime for components developed with SIMIT Ultimate
• SIMIT Professional
  Range of features of SIMIT Standard, plus:
  • S7‑PLCSIM, S7‑PLCSIM Advanced, OPC UA and Remote Control interfaces
  • Modification of simulation model during runtime
  • Simulation in virtual time
  • Engineering efficiency for SIMATIC PCS 7 (SMD)
  • Automatic model generation based on templates
  • Bulk engineering
• SIMIT Ultimate
  Range of features of SIMIT Professional, plus:
  • Shared memory interface for high-performance coupling
  • XML interface for automatic generation of models and connections
  • Development environment for custom components (CTE)

SIMIT extension libraries

The following extension libraries make available specific technological components:

• SIMIT FLOWNET Library
  Library for simulation of flow networks with homogeneous media (water/gases) including pressures, temperatures and flow rates
• SIMIT CONTEC Library
  Library for 2D simulation of material handling equipment
• SIMIT CHEM BASIC Library
  For simplified creation of simulations in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. By connecting components of these libraries, a SIMIT model of a pipeline network (so-called flow network) is created and can be used to simulate the thermodynamic processes in pipeline networks. The flow networks then connect components with storage characteristics, e.g. containers. The CHEM-BASIC library enables use of a special solution method in SIMIT that calculates the flow rates, pressures and specific enthalpies during simulation of pipeline networks.

SIMIT Virtual Controller

SIMIT Virtual Controller

You can use SIMIT Virtual Controllers to implement testing and training systems of any size without physical hardware. This means you can test the original automation programs completely before commissioning and train operators in the practical work with the configured automation functions.

To do so, the SIMIT Standard, Professional or Ultimate software packages are extended with cumulative SIMIT Virtual Controller instances. SIMIT Virtual Controller instances emulate the SIMATIC S7‑300, S7‑400 and S7‑410 automation systems used in a SIMATIC S7 or SIMATIC PCS 7 automation project on the latest notebooks or desktop computers with the Microsoft Windows operating system or in a virtual environment (ESXi Server V6.0).

The following products are offered for emulation:

• SIMIT Virtual Controller software for 1 controller
• SIMIT Virtual Controller software for 5 controllers

Specification/Configuration

• Almost unlimited number of SIMIT Virtual Controllers, distributed on multiple computers
• Maximum of two SIMIT Virtual Controller instances per CPU core
• One SIMIT Standard, Professional or Ultimate is required for each simulation system (not included in the SIMIT Virtual Controller scope of delivery)

SIMIT UNIT

Coupling with SIMIT allows an efficient engineering workflow for hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The execution of load and safety tests before actual commissioning adds greater protection for personnel and machines/plants and a time/cost reduction through early error detection.

The following products are offered for simulating PROFINET and PROFIBUS:

• SIMIT UNIT PB-2
• SIMIT UNIT PN-128
• SIMIT UNIT PN-256