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FREE PLC configuration software includes powerful simulation tools. Start building and testing your projects without any additional hardware, aside from the development PC.
Project simulation not only mitigates risks but also streamlines the development process, our 100% free software allows you to verify program logic, test communications, review window layouts, and more, all without any purchase required.
Introduction
Vetting new control system hardware can be challenging. Thorough testing needs to take place before you can be confident that a device will work for you, but acquiring an array of different devices to test can be both expensive and time-consuming.
Unlike other softwares that use third party simulators to set up communication, MapleLogic has a built-in simulation tool that guarantees results.
Project simulation not only mitigates risks but also streamlines the development process, leading to a more organized and efficient implementation. The following guide shows how our 100% free software allows you to verify program logic without any purchase required.
Project simulation allows programmers to refine and optimize their designs in a secure, controlled, and cost-effective environment. You can begin building and testing your projects directly on your development PC without the need for additional hardware. This enables system designers to start developing their PLC projects right away and fine-tune their settings well before deployment.
Advantages
Project simulation provides a host of benefits that make it an essential tool for developers of all kinds. Here are just a few of the advantages that simulation can provide:
Cost Savings
The MapleLogic software is completely free to use, with no need to purchase any hardware to get started. You can create your program, design ladder diagram logic, and run simulations—all without spending a single dollar.
Training
Having a simulated environment for testing can be invaluable for those new to control system design, as well as for experienced engineers looking to explore specific features. With no upfront costs, developers can freely experiment with new ideas without financial constraints.
Productivity
Giving programmers the opportunity to simulate a project on their PC allows for faster iteration and program development than would be possible otherwise. Developers can add new functionality to their project, then quickly see it in action without needing to reinstall the program after every edit.
Risk Mitigation
Previewing how a project will behave during runtime allows programmers identify and resolve issues before deployment, greatly reducing the risk of failures and costly errors when implemented in a live environment.
Maple Simulator Configuration
Maple Simulator
Simulation allows users to test aspects of their PLC program, including, but not limited to:
- Allows ladder logic to be tested without any physical hardware
- I/O Module Configuration
- Memory register testing
Please visit the How to use the PLC Simulator and Online Edit in MapleLogic to review the Simulator configurations.
Running a Simulation
Starting a simulation in MapleLogic is quick and easy. Here is a simple breakdown of process:
1.
Open a project file in MapleLogic, or start a new project from the File menu.
2.
Add ladder logic and configure settings as needed, then save the project file.
3.
Navigate to the Online tab at the top of the MapleLogic window, then select Connect Option and choose Simulator.
4.
Download and go online with the simulator. Navigate to the Online tab at the top of the MapleLogic window, then select Link+Download+Monitor and run through the process of establishing online connection with the Maple Simulator.
5.
Once the process completes successfully, the Maple Simulator window will open. The user may now configure the CPU, I/O modules and control the logic with the simulator.
Demo Project
If you would like to try out simulation features in MapleLogic with a pre-configured project, you can download our Simulation Demo and follow along with our video tutorial (top of page).
Download
Optional Hardware
No hardware is required to simulate the project in this demonstration, but it may be installed on physical hardware for testing if desired. The hardware used in the simulation for this demo is listed below: