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 only specific information about the target device's connection settings and its address syntax. Refer to For more information, consult the Devices Module in the User Guide for more information on the Device Module.
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Overview
The Simulator Driver gives you many options for data types and ranges, and it gives you control over which simulation values you can generate.
Pick from a list of data types — including Strings! — and set the Min & Max values you would like the data types to range through.
Do you want to simulate a real-world analog device and its response to a 4-20mA varying current? You can!
Or do you prefer to use a range that was 0-25 mA so you can simulate a wire break with 0 mA? Because you can too!
Supported Functions
The TSimulator simulation driver is a communication protocol that allows users to generate random values in a variety of data types for testing and validation purposes. It is designed to be used with the FactoryStudio Device Module and provides a set of flexible options that allow users to create accurate and customized simulations for their systems. TSimulator supports multiple data types, including BOOL, INTEGER, FLOAT, STRING, RAMP, and SINE. For each data type, the user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach, as well as other options such as string length for the STRING type or ramp step for the RAMP type.
Supported Data Types: TSimulator supports several data types that can be used to create custom simulations. Below are the supported data types and their configuration options: BOOL: The BOOL type allows generating random values of 0 or 1 to simulate on/off or true/false states. The user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach.
INTEGER: The INTEGER type allows generating random values from a specific range of integers. The user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach.
FLOAT: The FLOAT type allows generating random values from a specific range of floating-point numbers. The user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach.
STRING: The STRING type allows generating random values of strings with a specific length. The user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach and also set the string length.
RAMP: The RAMP type allows generating values of a ramp that gradually increase or decrease. The user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach and also set the incremented value at each simulation step.
SINE: The SINE type allows generating values based on the sine function, which can be used to simulate cyclical behaviors. The user can configure the minimum and maximum value that the simulation value can reach.
Overall, TSimulator offers many flexible options that allow users to customize simulations to meet their specific testing and validation needs.
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
Summary
Communication Driver Information
Driver name
TSimulator
Assembly Name
T.ProtocolDriver.TSimulator
Assembly Version
1.0.0.3
Available for Linux
False
Devices supported
N/A (Not Applicable)
Manufacturer
N/A (Not Applicable)
Protocol
Proprietary over TCP/IP
PC Requirements
Ethernet port
Channels Configuration
Protocol Options
Not used in this driver.
Nodes Configuration
Primary Station
Not used in this driver.
Points Configuration
The syntax for the TSimulator communication points is: <Type>:<Min>;<Max>
Example:
Where:
<Type>: Represents the Simulation Type:
BOOL: The tag receives a random BOOL value, 0 or 1.
INTEGER: The tag receives a random integer value from 0 to 5.
FLOAT: The tag receives a random float value from 0 to 5.
STRING: The tag receives a random string with 10 string lengths.
RAMP: The tag receives values from 0 to 10 in ascending order.
SINE: The tag receives values based on the sine function, its behavior is similar to a wave.
<Min> and <Max>: Represents the upper and lower limits that the mapped tag can reach;
<Step>: It's only used if the selected type is Ramp. It defines the value incremented at each step of the simulation (must be an integer value).
| Info | ||
|---|---|---|
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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 |
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
Driver Revision History
TSimulatorRevision 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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