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. Check how to configure it into your solutions.

This document only has specific information about the target device's connection settings and address syntax. For more information, consult the Devices Module in the User Guide.

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Summary

Communication Driver Information

Driver name

ValueSimulator

Assembly Name

T.ProtocolDriver.ValueSimulator

Assembly Version

1.0.0.1

Available for Linux

Runtime only

Protocol interface

Proprietary over TCP/IP

Requirements

Ethernet port


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 it, go to Devices/Points and click on the Address column to edit. The syntax for the Address is:

<Type>:<Min>;<Max>

<Type> indicates the simulation type (BOOL, INTEGER, FLOAT, STRING, RAMP, SINE), while <Min> and <Max> set the minimum and maximum values for the data simulation, respectively.

The STRING data type uniquely features a custom StringLength, allowing the configuration of the string output to meet specific requirements.


Points configurations examples

TagName

Node

Address

DataType

AccessType

Modifiers

MySine

SimulatorNode

SINE:-50;50

Native

Read


MyRamp

SimulatorNode

RAMP:0;100;10

Native

Read


MyRamp2

SimulatorNode

RAMP:0;179;13

Native

Read


MyString

SimulatorNode

STRING:

Native

Read

StringLength=5

MyBool

SimulatorNode

BOOL:

Native

Read


MyInt

SimulatorNode

INTEGER:0;10

Native

Read


MyFloat

SimulatorNode

FLOAT:-500;-100

Native

Read



Testing the Value Simulator at runtime using a Trend Chart configured to display auto-generated random values from the device.


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

Version 

Notes

Updated

1.0.0.1

Initial release published according to new documentation standards.

February, 2023

1.0.0.3

Update Ramp with Step parameter.

June, 2024


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