Emulation for Logic Validation


Emulation for Logic Validation also referred to as virtual commissioning. This process involves replicating the behavior of one or more pieces of hardware with a software environment. The goal of the emulation engineer is to create an environment that mimics the real automation hardware. The ultimate goal of emulation is to provide an environment for the manufacturing automation controls engineer to validate their PLC ladder logic and HMI files prior to system debug in the plant environment therefore improving quality and enabling a seamless transition from the virtual to physical environment. Another benefit is to deliver plant maintenance operators and machine conductors with realistic virtual environments for training themselves in safe and optimum conditions.

Introduction

Unlike discrete event simulation, emulation for logic validation is not necessarily concerned with process centric timing.

History

What was first pioneered by General Motors in the early 1990s, emulation for logic validation has now begun to spawn an industry including software created for the sole purpose of emulation.