Software-in-the-Loop

In addition to the Simcenter Amesim to SIMIT Unit interface for HiL, the Automation Connect tool can exchange data with NX Mechatronics Concept Designer via a shared memory coupling Shared memory coupling . The second main family of use-cases addressed by Automation Connect is the so-called "Software-in-the-Loop, SiL". In SiL, virtual (emulated) controllers are used to simulate the real PLCs. For this purpose, Automation Connect offers a connection to the SIMIT Simulation Framework (Ultimate) to benefit from virtual controllers corresponding to Siemens S7-300, S7-400 and S7-410 series.

It also offers an interface to PLCSIM Advanced (add-on to Siemens TIA portal) that allows connecting Simcenter Amesim with emulated recent S7-1500 series.

When to use Software-in-the-Loop?

Here are the main reasons why SiL can be very interesting:

• Virtual validation of control strategies, without putting lives or machinery at risk but using the real PLC code.

• Cost reductions thanks to the possibility to troubleshoot errors before having to do it late in the design process, i.e. once the real automation systems are in place.

• The creation of virtual operator training systems to help operators get familiar with the controlled systems before these systems even exist.

• Using "virtual time" capabilities, i.e. slowing-down or accelerating the time, which can be very interesting to troubleshoot failures or to simulate real processes that take hours within minutes or seconds.