Free PLC Simulators

I recently decided to see what kind of free PLC simulators and integrated development environments (IDE) I could find that run on Windows.  A free IDE+simulator is great for teaching; for example, I can give examples that any of my readers can try out, but if I use a real PLC, I’ll be using what I have (Panasonic), which probably isn’t what most of my readers have.

Here is what I found:

• Tri-PLC’s i-TRiLOGI free development environment supports both ladder logic and their version of BASIC and includes a simulator.  Tri-PLC also sells low cost PLCs.
• Infoteam’s OpenPCS free development environment supports all the IEC61131 languages (including ladder and structured text) and includes a free PC-based simulator.  Infoteam’s business model is similar to CoDeSys:  customizing and charging money for the OpenPCS runtime.  (CoDeSys also has a simulator, but their free download is time-limited to a maximum 1 hour continuous run time.)
• EasyPLC is basically a soft-PLC with a HMI builder and is free in demo mode (simulation only).  It’s worth a look: for example, its simulation mode includes 3D.  The commercial license is affordable, starting at 50 Euros).
• I vaguely recall rumors of being able to use an Allen-Bradley simulator for free, but couldn’t find anything when I searched (besides,  I don’t think the development software would be free….) Note 3/15/2012: see next paragraph for A-B link
  
• Via MrPLC, I found a link for Allen Bradley MicroLogix 1000/1100 free starter software and RSLogic Emulate 500 simulator.  I haven’t tried this combo out, and I don’t know the limitations, but in theory you should be able to learn some A-B programming for free.

I choose to download and try out OpenPCS because I really like having support for all the IEC61131 programming languages.  I haven’t used OpenPCS enough to be able to discuss it intelligently, but hopefully I’ll be able to write more in a month or two.

If you really want to learn PLCs, then at some point I think you have to buy a real PLC and connect it to real sensors and outputs.  Simulating stuff just isn’t the same.  Real PLC’s can be quite affordable; many manufacturers (including IDEC and Siemens) sell complete kits (PLC and software, plus sometimes a HMI) for $250-$400, Tri-PLC and the Automation Direct Click! series are <$150 and have free software, Panasonic FPWinPro 6 Basic is free (but code size limited), etc.

Beyond PLC’s there are some interesting options.  For example in the PAC world Opto 22 has a free IDE and control simulator, but you need Opto 22 I/O since there’s no I/O simulation.  In the robotic world, Denso Robotics has a free 3 month trial of WinCaps III which includes 3D robot simulation with no controller required.

Back in the PLC world, I’ve finished reading Cascading Logic; it’s a good book, and I hope to get a review up fairly soon.

Related posts:

1. PLC Programming Best Practices?
2. Panasonic FP0-R PLC Surprises
3. Book Review: Cascading Logic
4. Advanced PLC Programming Books