March 13, 2014 - Emulate3D releases ECT softPLC testing system. Emulate3D Controls Testing (ECT) is used to commission automation system controls off line, off the project critical path. This approach, based on replacing the real automation with a reliable 3D virtual model of it connected to the PLC, allows controls designers to verify the correct logical operation of the system without the usual constraints imposed upon them by working under complicated on-site conditions, with limited time available before handover. ECT emulates a MicroLogix 1100 B soft PLC which can read in control code, link to the model and run faster than real time, allowing testing to be completed faster and more cost-effectively than was previously achievable.
ECT softPLC is able to run faster than real time and in perfect sync with the AMHS equipment model. In common with real PLCs, soft PLCs only run in real time, so any controls with timers in them could not be run at any other speed. With Emulate3D, this constraint is now lifted, allowing robust controls testing to be carried out faster than real time, and providing the user with a more powerful debugging environment where they can stop the model and the soft PLC simultaneously to inspect IO.