Simulink Real-Time for real-time testing and simulations.
MathWorks and Siemens Automation Systems are teaming up to simplify the implementation of control algorithms using model-based design. The collaboration has simplified the deployment of Simulink generated code onto SIMATIC WinAC RTX software controllers and Siemens SIMATIC S7 modular PLC controllers.
This increased compatibility offers users the ability to design and test concepts using simulation before validating the software on the PLC. The validation is performed using simulation and model-based design of the control system. This allows for software errors to be detected and fixed before risking the PLC hardware. This simulation process has been known to improve implementation, reduce start-up time and decrease costs.
According to Philipp Wallner, industry manager at MathWorks, "An increasing number of control engineers in the machinery and automation industries use simulation and automatic code generation to supplement programming industrial controllers, helping them to move faster from ideas to implementation and to expand their lead in innovation.”
The MathWorks Simulink PLC Coder generates code that is IEC61131-3 compliant for Structured Control Language (SCL). This code is then sent to the STEP 7 V5.5 engineering system. The code is compatible with SIMATIC S7-300, S7-400, STEP 7, S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers.
The MathWorks coder can also generate ANSI/ISO C code for more computationally intensive calculations. The code is compatible with WinAC RTX using Siemens WinAC Target. This WinAC Target program can be downloaded as a free add-on to Simulink and can generate all the required files and program modules needed to run the code. This will allow engineers without knowledge of Simulink to implement the code onto Siemens controllers.
Source MathWorks.