Simulation
A simulation requires the emulation of a process that is influenced by a controller. This is realized by sending control values to output devices that control actuators. The state of the process is detected by sensors, which respond by sending signals to input devices.
Typical examples for these devices are:
- servo drives and valves with direct fieldbus interface
- rotary encoders and sensors with direct fieldbus interface
- rotary encoders and sensors via analog input terminals
- servo drives and valves via analog output terminals
The most efficient way to connect a process simulation with a control implementation such as an application based on TC3 Plastic Functions is to replace the real I/O devices with compatible container objects.
In such a concept, the simulation must perform the following tasks:
- emulate the functionality of the output device
- simulate the behavior of the actuator
- simulate the effect on the process
- simulate the behavior of the sensor
- emulate the functionality of the input device