Methods for Reliable Simulation-Based PLC Code Verification

Journal article, 2012

Simulation-based programmable logic controller (PLC) code verification is a part of virtual commissioning, where the control code is verified against a virtual prototype of an application. With today's general OPC interface, it is easy to connect a PLC to a simulation tool for, e. g., verification purposes. However, there are some problems with this approach that can lead to an unreliable verification result. In this paper, four major problems with the OPC interface are described, and two possible solutions to the problems are presented: a general IEC 61131-3-based software solution, and a new OPC standard solution.