SIMIT Simulation Software Trial and Demo Mode Capabilities for Educational and Student Use

Siemens does not offer an isolated 'Student Edition' download of SIMIT Simulation Platform, but students and engineers can install standard SIMIT (V9.1, V10, or V11) and run it indefinitely in built-in Demo Mode without purchasing a license. When launched without an Automation License Manager (ALM) license key or USB dongle, SIMIT operates in Demo Mode, providing full access to standard simulation components and virtual controller couplings (S7-PLCSIM / SIMIT Virtual Controller). However, Demo Mode imposes operational constraints: continuous simulation execution is capped at 45 minutes per session, model tag counts and couplings are restricted, project saving/exporting is limited, and all commercial use is strictly prohibited. For academic institutions, comprehensive SIMIT SCE trainer packages are available.

SIMIT Simulation Platform Overview in Educational and Training Contexts

In modern process automation engineering, simulation is essential for virtual commissioning, operator training systems (OTS), and control logic validation. Siemens SIMIT Simulation Platform (6DL8913-0AK00-0AB5 / 6DL8913-0BK00-0AB5) enables real-time simulation of field devices, process dynamics (tanks, valves, heat exchangers), and industrial bus behaviors without requiring physical hardware.

Engineering students, vocational trainees, and automation professionals frequently seek trial versions to practice PCS 7 and TIA Portal simulation tutorials. Understanding how SIMIT handles un-licensed execution, Demo Mode parameters, and educational licensing ensures effective learning without violating commercial software entitlements.

SIMIT Demo Mode Capabilities and Technical Constraints

When SIMIT is installed from official Siemens setup media and launched without an active Automation License Manager (ALM) floating license or hardware dongle, the software prompts the user: 'No valid license found. Do you want to run in Demo Mode?'.

Accepting Demo Mode activates a restricted runtime environment with the following constraints:
1. Simulation Runtime Limit: Continuous simulation execution is capped at 45 minutes (in SIMIT V9.1 / V10). Once the timer expires, the simulation freezes, requiring the user to stop and restart the session.
2. Coupling Limitations: Basic virtual couplings (such as S7-PLCSIM or a single Virtual Controller) are supported for simple exercises, but multi-controller emulation and OPC UA distributed couplings are restricted.
3. Model Complexity and Tag Quotas: The maximum number of simulated I/O variables and diagram components is restricted (typically 30 to 50 simulation tags in Demo Mode, compared to hundreds of thousands in licensed editions).
4. Project Storage Restrictions: Modifying and saving project diagrams or exporting simulation topologies is disabled or watermarked in demo sessions.
5. Commercial Legal Prohibition: SIMIT Demo Mode is strictly legally restricted to personal evaluation and educational study; deployment for customer project development or factory acceptance testing violates Siemens software agreements.

Comparison of SIMIT Licensing Editions: Demo vs SCE vs Commercial

The following table compares SIMIT licensing tiers, operational limits, and target user profiles:

Feature / CapabilitySIMIT Demo ModeSIMIT SCE (Trainer Package)SIMIT Standard / ProfessionalLicense RequirementNone (No ALM key required)Dedicated SCE Academic License (6DL8913-0AK00-0AS5)Commercial Floating ALM License / DongleTarget UserIndividual students, trainees, evaluatorsAccredited universities, colleges, vocational schoolsIndustrial plants, engineering firms, OEMsContinuous Simulation Time45 minutes maximum per runUnlimited continuous executionUnlimited continuous executionProject Save & ExportDisabled / RestrictedFully enabledFully enabledSimulation Tag CapacityCapped at ~30-50 tagsFull capacity (typically up to 2500 tags per classroom pack)Scalable from 2,500 to 1,000,000+ tagsVirtual Controller (VC)1 Basic VC / PLCSIM instanceMultiple Virtual Controllers supportedFull multi-controller co-simulationComponent LibrariesBasic standard blocks onlyFull standard and basic process librariesStandard, Flownet, CHEM-BASIC, CONVEYORCommercial DeploymentStrictly ProhibitedStrictly Prohibited (Academic Only)Fully Licensed for Commercial Engineering

Step-by-Step Procedure to Install and Launch SIMIT in Demo Mode

Follow this procedure to set up SIMIT for educational practice:

Acquire the Official Installation Media:
- Download the SIMIT installation package or trial trial download from Siemens Industry Online Support (e.g. SIMIT V10.3 / V11 trial download entry).
- Ensure your engineering workstation meets system requirements (Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise 64-bit, 16 GB RAM minimum).
Execute Installation:
- Run Start.exe with administrative privileges.
- Select the components: SIMIT Simulation Platform, Standard Component Library, and SIMIT Virtual Controller.
- When prompted for Automation License Manager setup, complete installation normally.
Launch in Demo Mode:
- Launch SIMIT from the desktop shortcut.
- When the license notification dialog appears stating 'No valid license found', click Start Demo Mode.
- SIMIT opens with a title bar banner indicating 'SIMIT - Demo Mode'.
Load Sample Projects:
- Open standard tutorial projects provided in the installation directory (C:\Program Files (x86)\Siemens\Automation\SIMIT\Examples\).
- Configure a coupling to S7-PLCSIM to simulate motor starts, valve feedback, and analog sensor dynamics for practice.

Academic Licensing via Siemens SCE (Automation Cooperates with Education)

For high schools, technical colleges, and universities, Siemens provides the SCE (Siemens Automation Cooperates with Education) program. Accredited educators can procure comprehensive SIMIT classroom trainer packages (6DL8913-0AK00-0AS5) at substantial academic discounts. SCE packages include full-featured SIMIT software licenses (multi-seat classroom licenses), curriculum courseware, pre-built PCS 7 and TIA Portal simulation projects, and lab exercise manuals.

Verification

Verify SIMIT Demo Mode operation:
1. Launch SIMIT in Demo Mode and confirm that the user interface loads all primary editors (Diagrams, Couplings, Macro components).
2. Create a basic test diagram containing a signal generator and a simple First-Order Lag (PT1) filter component.
3. Click the Start Simulation button (yellow play icon). Verify that the simulation clock starts advancing.
4. In the bottom status bar, observe the active session runtime timer. Confirm that simulation advances smoothly until the 45-minute demo limit is reached.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Commercial Use Prohibition: Running SIMIT Demo Mode or educational SCE packages for commercial plant engineering, commissioning, or billable consulting violates international intellectual property law and Siemens software license agreements.
Simulation Timer Reset: When the 45-minute simulation limit expires in Demo Mode, the simulation pauses. The user must stop the simulation and click Start again, which re-initializes all dynamic states back to starting conditions.
Commercial Accuracy Notice: SIMIT order numbers (MLFBs), package structures, and tag expansion licenses are subject to manufacturer terms. Always consult the current Siemens CA 01 Interactive Catalog and authorized distributors to confirm licensing entitlements.

Engineer FAQ

Can I save my simulation model in SIMIT Demo Mode?

No. In SIMIT Demo Mode, saving changes to simulation diagrams, saving macro components, and exporting project files are disabled. Demo Mode is intended solely for inspecting pre-built projects and short test runs.

Does SIMIT Demo Mode connect to S7-PLCSIM?

Yes. SIMIT Demo Mode allows basic coupling connections to S7-PLCSIM for educational testing, enabling students to verify CFC chart logic and WinCC faceplates against simulated field signals.

How can a university obtain full SIMIT licenses for student labs?

Universities and colleges must apply through the Siemens SCE (Siemens Automation Cooperates with Education) program to purchase multi-user educational trainer packages (6DL8913-0AK00-0AS5).