Few months ago, I published a video showing how to perform “Software in the loop” (SIL) in order to gather control software and mechanical engineers to make right at the first time.

By keeping the same architecture, we can also perform virtual commissioning with real PLC (Programmable Logic controller). The purpose of this HIL configuration is to connect a virtual but realistic environment to the PLC, in order to debug more easily than if it was connected to the physical machine.

Indeed, the development of control software is always a very difficult course. The industrial commissioning of an automated system can even sometimes be dangerous in case of a bug. By coupling the functional simulation capabilities of ControlBuild with the power of the 3DExperience, we can provide a powerful solution to our customer. More and more clients ask us this kind of solution.

In this demo, we transferred the PLC code from ControlBuild to a Siemens PLC: the PLC pilots the robots as if the real one is connected. As Delmia can execute the real sequences of robots, we get a realistic environment. By this way, the control software engineers can perform a virtual commissioning in very good conditions, and after, realize the real commissioning on the physical plant with a high level of confidence.

Let’s go to the video.