Time synchronization

Time synchronization

In addition to the asynchronous simulation of each interface, the Automation Connect tool offers functionality to synchronize different simulation systems. As mentioned in the When to use wall-clock-time synchronization? section, time synchronization might be useless for Hardware-in-the-Loop but can be interesting for Software-in-the-Loop. It is achieved by alternatively making every (supported) system simulate a defined discrete time step followed by exchanging all updated variables between all connected interfaces. Of course for this, the simulation systems need to offer such functionalities, which are currently fully supported by SIMIT; Simcenter Amesim and in a customized way by OPC UA. This time synchronization functionality is partially supported by PLCSIM Advanced with a synchronization based on the main PLC cycle (OB1) that depends on the capabilities offered by the PLCSIM Advanced API used by Automation Connect. As a result, in PLC programs for which the main PLC cycle can be interrupted by higher-priority events.