PLCSIM Advanced

Setting up simulation support in TIA Portal

Before starting a PLC simulation, one should first make sure the TIA Portal program allows simulations. To do that, right click on Project's name in the Project tree``and select ``Properties. In the Protection tab, a tick has to be placed next to Support simulation during block compilation.

Fig. 56 Adding support for simulation in TIA Portal

Warning

PLCSIM does not offer simulated PLCs with communication features. If communication features, such as OPC-UA are required, simulations must be carried out using PLCSIM Advanced.

Launching PLCSIM Advanced and creating a PLC instance

Now PLCSIM can be launched. For that, double click on the PLCSIM Advanced icon on the desktop or search for PLCSIM Advanced in the search bar and click Enter.

Note

PLCSIM Advanced does not launch a window (in older PLCSIM Advanced versions). When it runs, it shows up on the tray icon. A right click on the tray icon will show the control panel.

Fig. 57 Setting up a PLC instance

Note

The PLC name and IP address have to be identical to those in the TIA Portal program. Use a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. Please note that the subnet mask depends on the network settings.

After Start is clicked, a virtual PLC instance should run.

Fig. 58 A running virtual PLC instance

Deep Dive: PLCSIM vs PLCSIM Advanced

With TIA Portal, it is possible to simulate a Siemens PLC and test a program on the simulated PLC. With the software PLCSIM, it is possible to create such a simulation (12xx and 15xx PLCs), however, the simulated PLC has no communication capabilities. The software PLCSIM Advanced (a separate software than PLCSIM) can simulate Siemens 15xx PLCs with communication capabilities.

Summary

Simulating a PLC using PLCSIM Advanced allows for communication. The simulated PLC can communicate with other devices (through OPC-UA for example), allowing for a more realistic validation of control code.