The productivity suite software now contains a plc simulator. The software is a free download and is available from automation direct. This software will now allow you to test or troubleshoot your program without the physical hardware present. The entire family of controllers can use the simulator. P1000, P2000, and P3000 emulation can happen on the following parts of the productivity series hardware:
– P1000 CPU’s and local I/O stack, P2000 and P3000 CPU’s and local bases
– All basic I/O modules, both analog and digital
– Modbus TCP Server/Client connections on external Ethernet port

The simulation mode is available on the Productivity Suite version 3.8.x.x or higher. We will be discussing the PAC (Programmable Automation Controller) PLC Simulator. Testing this simulator will be done using our first program (Start-Stop Circuit) and the PID instruction in our Productivity 1000 series. We will also be connecting to physical hardware after using our simulator to test the program. Let’s get started. Keep on Reading!