FPC 404

PC-Sim: Festo FPC 404 PLC simulator

This PLC simulator software is included in the AW-SYS package. It simulates the Festo PLC model FPC 404.

PLC window

PLC window

This window contains an image of the PLC. Obviously, the displayed image changes according to the model being used. The window has been developed to display a unit as similarly shaped as possible to an actual PLC. Passing to an actual PLC, if desired, will then be an easier task. All the windows incorporate digital input and output status LEDs. Just like in an actual PLC, an input LED ON status indicates that the linked contact is closed; an output LED ON status indicates that the corresponding output has been enabled.

16 push buttons/switches are available in the PLC window. They are used for the control of digital inputs when only the PLC is employed (without the simulated equipment) or when PLC inputs are not all connected to the equipment.
These push buttons/switches may either function as push buttons or as switches; the different arrangement indicates the proper function:

switch
push button

where the double arrow and single arrow indicate a toggle (bistable) function or a one-shot (monostable) function, respectively.

Ladder Programming

Ladder Editor window Ladder Toolbox

The Ladder Diagram is certainly the most widely used programming language for PLC. It is a graphic programming method. An electrical wiring diagram including a sequence of several circuits is constructed between two vertical lines representing the power supply. The PLC carries out each command in sequence when a user program is run.
The PC-Sim ladder editor allows easy editing of the program by combining fast operations performed with the mouse and powerful advanced editor options: e.g. cut, copy, paste.
The diagram is organised using the tools available in the Tool Box and the Popup menus which become available by clicking the mouse right button. A check for syntax accuracy of the operands, which may well be introduced as symbols, is carried out on completion of each type-in operation. When the implemented program is run, the editor itself allows debug information to be displayed. Different colours are used to distinguish and display elements such as closed contacts, energised coils and electrical flow. Colours will be real-time updated according to processing results and variations of field signals.

Timers/Counters Preset

Timers/Counters Preset window

When simulating a PLC FPC 404, this window must be used to preset timers and counters values. Unlike the other simulated PLCs, the program editor of this particular PLC does not allow these operations to be carried out .
Values, as preset in this window, are saved in a project file and reset when the file is reopened.

The remaining windows included in the program are common to all PLCs. For a more detailed description see PC-Sim: the PLC simulator.

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