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Generates simulated values for solution testing

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Overview

The Value Simulator enables the simulation of a device connected to your solution that exchanges multiple data types with your application on the software platform. It allows configuration, management, and even more control for simulations and tests. It is a valuable tool for test tasks when developing your solutions

Configuration

In the software platform, the Devices module manages communication with field devices through the Channels, Nodes, and Points by allowing stable and secure data exchange between multiple devices across different networks. Protocols define communication rules between the platform and devices. Channels define global parameters for the usage of a communication protocol. Nodes represent the physical field devices (like a PLC) with a unique field address (PrimaryStation). Points represent tags within a device. Additionally, AccessType defines how the device interacts with the platform (Read and/or Write).

All initial configurations for devices in the solutions on the software platform encompass the following workflow:

Channels

On the Designer workspace, navigate to Devices/Channels in Solution Explorer. Define a Channel using a target communication Protocol. This will create the base instance for linking a Node and does not require any additional configuration.

Nodes

On the Designer workspace, navigate to Devices/Nodes in Solution Explorer. Define the Node linked to the created Channel. It does not require additional configuration.

Points

On the Designer workspace, navigate to Devices/Points in Solution Explorer. Define the Point you would like to monitor. The Point controls the behavior of simulated data. You must map the Tag object to Point. After that, it requires the Address configuration.

Address

To configure a point, navigate to Devices > Points, then click on the Address column to edit it. Use the following syntax for the Address:

<Type>:<Min>;<Max>  
<Type>:<Min>;<Max>;<Step>  (Only for RAMP type)

• <Type> specifies the simulation type: BOOL, INTEGER, FLOAT, STRING, RAMP, or SINE.

• <Min> and <Max> define the minimum and maximum values for the simulation.

• <Step> (only used with the RAMP type) determines the increment between values.

For the STRING type, you can specify a custom StringLength to control the length of the generated string according to your requirements.

Points configurations examples

Result example

All type values are plotted in the trend chart below for clearer visualization.

Diagnostic Tools

Diagnostics tools refer to the Property Watch, Trace Window, and Module Information. These tools identify communication blocks and address errors, allow property access to pinpoint error causes, and display system messages for device management and troubleshooting, offering a comprehensive approach to device management and troubleshooting for Solutions on the software platform.

Module Information

This tool provides insights into module operations and communication channels, offering information about virtual reading groups, error codes, and communication events. It helps users identify communication blocks and effectively address errors in industrial automation systems.

Property Watch

This tool enables users to access, read, and write tags and internal properties of the system. It assists in identifying the root cause of errors through negative error codes, allowing for real-time adjustments and optimizations to the system configuration.

Trace Window

This tool displays system messages in a data grid interface, providing information about the status of reads, writes, and communication frames. It is particularly useful for various PLCs and communication protocols, as it presents invalid addresses in the configuration, assisting in device management and troubleshooting.

Driver Revision History

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