Question:

Would the Awlsim soft-PLC be able to replicate the operational characteristics of the S7-400 series PLCs for simulation purposes?

Answer:

When it comes to simulating the operational characteristics of S7-400 series PLCs, Awlsim soft-PLC emerges as a robust contender. Awlsim is a free, open-source Step 7 compatible Programmable Logic Controller that supports AWL/STL and FUP/FBD automation languages. It’s designed to be flexible and is used not only for industrial processes but can also be adapted for other purposes beyond industrial applications.

Awlsim takes its compatibility with S7 hardware seriously, aiming to replicate the functionalities as closely as possible to the real PLC hardware. It can emulate CPUs with two and four accumulator registers, which includes the S7-3xx and S7-4xx series. This means that for simulation purposes, Awlsim should be able to replicate the operational characteristics of the S7-400 series PLCs effectively.

Execution Speed and Language Support

The execution speed of Awlsim is commendable, ranging from several ten thousand AWL/STL instructions per second on slower machines to a couple of million instructions per second on faster computers. This speed is crucial for simulating the real-time operations of a PLC. Additionally, Awlsim supports both German and English S7 AWL/STL mnemonics, making it accessible to a broader range of users.

Self-Testing and Documentation

To ensure reliability, Awlsim includes an extensive self-test suite. This suite helps verify that the simulation is running as expected and is as close to the real hardware as possible. Any missing features and differences between Awlsim and Step 7 are documented, ensuring transparency and the ability for users to understand any limitations.

Open Source and Community Support

Being open-source software licensed under the GNU General Public License v2+, Awlsim is not only free of charge but also encourages community involvement. Users are invited to improve the software and contribute changes back to the community, fostering a collaborative environment for development.

In conclusion, Awlsim soft-PLC stands as a capable tool for simulating the S7-400 series PLCs. Its commitment to compatibility, coupled with its speed and community support, makes it a valuable asset for professionals and enthusiasts looking to replicate the operational characteristics of these PLCs for simulation and testing purposes.