Safety PLC Simulation

This topic contains the following sections:

PLCnext Engineer includes a Safety PLC simulation which you can use to simulate the execution of the application logic. This is useful,

if no hardware is available, or
if a simulated function test is recommended prior to starting up the "real" network.

Note
The simulation of the application may not replace the proper function test using I/O devices/sensors/actuators under any circumstances. The simulated test may only be performed in addition to the standard function test, as a preliminary test, for example.

When working with the Safety PLC simulation ...

If the network is connected, the Safety PLC and all other devices will not be addressed. Inputs will not be read and its outputs will not be written.
You perform the same steps in PLCnext Engineer as you would if you were working with the physical network, although you must ensure that the 'Simulation' entry is selected in the Safety Cockpit editor of the Safety PLC node in the PLANT. While simulating the application, you can force variables or display online values in the editors as usual.

Setting the Safety PLC simulation as target system

In the PLANT, double-click the Safety PLC node to open its properties in the editors area.
Open the Safety Cockpit editor.
Example
On the Safety Cockpit toolbar, select 'Safety PLC simulation' from the drop-down list (no. (2) in the figure above).
All commands and debug operations now relate to the simulation.
This includes the commands in the context menu of the ONLINE STATE window (which is located in the Cross Functions Area at the screen bottom).

Possible operations with the simulation

Performing a simulated function test.
Displaying online values in monitoring mode or debug mode which are read cyclically from the Safety PLC and shown in the editors.
Using debug commands, such as forcing/overwriting of variables and executing single cycle operation in debug mode.
Using the WATCHES window for collecting variables from different worksheets, displaying their online values and execute debug commands.

Note
For firmware libraries, simulation may not be possible (implementation-specific).