C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
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6 Cielo Ciencia y Tecnología
·Publicada en C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)

SIMIT Virtual Controller Licensing Architecture and Controller Stacking Rules

SIMIT Virtual Controller Licensing Architecture and Controller Stacking Rules

Yes, SIMIT Virtual Controller (VC) runtime licenses are fully stackable. To simulate two controllers (such as an S7-410H redundant station and an S7-410E-HF station), an engineer can procure either two individual 1-AS Virtual Controller licenses (2 x 6DL8913-0JK10-0AB5) or a 5-AS multi-pack license (1 x 6DL8913-0KK10-0AB5). Multiple single licenses summarize cumulatively in Automation License Manager (ALM). Both CPU 410-5H and CPU 410E controllers are fully supported. In addition to VC licenses, running SIMIT requires a base SIMIT Engineering license and a WIBU CodeMeter USB hardware dongle. All orders must be verified through an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

When sizing simulation architectures in Siemens SIMIT (V10.x / SIMIT SP) for virtual commissioning of SIMATIC PCS 7 facilities, engineers frequently inquire about controller emulation licensing and hardware compatibility. Specifically, teams simulating complex plants with multiple Automation Stations—such as a high-availability redundant S7-410-5H controller paired with a compact S7-410E-HF package unit—need to know whether Virtual Controller licenses can be combined incrementally and whether the specialized CPU 410E is supported. Siemens SIMIT Virtual Controller licenses are completely modular and stackable, authorizing one virtual CPU per license key, with full emulation support across the entire S7-400 and CPU 410 portfolio.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The licensing and operational architecture of SIMIT Virtual Controllers involves three core components:

1. Cumulative License Stacking in Automation License Manager

SIMIT Virtual Controller licenses operate under a cumulative pooling model:
- 6DL8913-0JK10-0AB5: Authorizes emulation of 1 Virtual Controller (Single License).
- 6DL8913-0KK10-0AB5: Authorizes emulation of 5 Virtual Controllers (Pack of 5).
- When an engineer purchases two single licenses (6DL8913-0JK10-0AB5), Automation License Manager registers two license instances.
- At simulation runtime, SIMIT tallies the active virtual controller instances. If two single licenses are installed, SIMIT authorizes two concurrent virtual controllers. The 5-AS pack simply provides a lower per-controller price point when deploying three or more instances.

2. Controller Hardware Emulation Support (CPU 410-5H and CPU 410E)

  • The SIMIT Virtual Controller emulates the S7-400 instruction set architecture and operating system firmware.
  • CPU 410-5H: Fully supported for continuous and batch process control.
  • CPU 410E (Entry): Fully supported; internally, the 410E shares identical firmware and processing mechanics with the standard CPU 410-5H, differing only in Process Object (PO) scaling and interface limitations.
  • Redundant Controllers (H-Systems): Simulating a redundant controller pair (e.g., S7-410-5H redundant pair) requires two Virtual Controller instances (one for Master, one for Reserve), consuming two VC licenses.

3. Dongle and Platform Prerequisites

  • SIMIT software requires a WIBU CodeMeter USB hardware dongle (SIMIT Dongle).
  • SIMIT Virtual Controllers cannot run standalone; they require an active base platform license (SIMIT Engineering or SIMIT Operation).

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

To correctly size, license, and deploy multiple SIMIT Virtual Controllers:

Step 1: Calculate Required Virtual Controller Licenses

  1. Audit the simulation controller count:
    - Single S7-410E station = 1 VC.
    - Single S7-410-5H standard station = 1 VC.
    - Redundant S7-410H station (simulating full redundancy) = 2 VCs.
  2. Total required licenses: calculate aggregate count.
  3. Select ordering option:
    - For 1 to 2 controllers: Procure individual licenses (6DL8913-0JK10-0AB5 $\times$ Quantity).
    - For 3 to 5 controllers: Procure the 5-pack (6DL8913-0KK10-0AB5) for optimal cost efficiency.

Step 2: Procure Base Platform and Hardware Dongle

  1. Procure the SIMIT Engineering base software package.
  2. Ensure a SIMIT USB Dongle is included with the delivery.

Step 3: Transfer Licenses via Automation License Manager

  1. Insert the SIMIT USB dongle into the simulation workstation.
  2. Launch Automation License Manager (ALM) as Administrator.
  3. Transfer the base SIMIT Engineering license key to drive C:.
  4. Transfer the two SIMIT Virtual Controller license keys (6DL8913-0JK10-0AB5) to drive C:.
  5. In ALM, confirm that the total available count of Virtual Controller licenses displays 2.

Step 4: Configure Virtual Controllers in SIMIT Project

  1. Launch SIMIT V10.x.
  2. In the project navigation tree, open Couplings -> Add New Coupling.
  3. Select Virtual Controller and instantiate VC 1 (pointing to S7-410H).
  4. Add a second Virtual Controller coupling and instantiate VC 2 (pointing to S7-410E).
  5. Import the hardware configuration files (*.cfg or .s7p) from SIMATIC Manager.
  6. Start the simulation; verify that both virtual controllers initialize and reach RUN state.

Verification

To confirm license allocation and controller execution:

  1. ALM License Utilization Check:
    - While simulation is active, open ALM.
    - Verify that both SIMIT Virtual Controller licenses show status 'In Use'.

  2. Dual Controller Online Communication:
    - In SIMATIC Manager, open the chart folders for both AS stations.
    - Switch CFC to Test Mode (Online).
    - Confirm that both the simulated S7-410H and S7-410E communicate simultaneously without license deficit warnings.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Operational limitations and precautions:

  1. Workstation CPU Core Allocation: Running multiple S7-410 Virtual Controllers concurrently requires substantial workstation processing power. Siemens recommends assigning at least 2 physical CPU cores per active Virtual Controller instance.
  2. Dongle Presence Mandatory: The WIBU CodeMeter dongle must remain connected during simulation execution; disconnecting the dongle causes Virtual Controllers to halt after a brief grace window.
  3. S7-1500 vs S7-400 Emulation: S7-PLCSIM Advanced licenses cannot be used in place of SIMIT Virtual Controller licenses for S7-400 emulation.
  4. Commercial Disclaimer: Verify all software options, SIMIT editions, and MLFB part numbers with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Engineer FAQ

Do SIMIT Virtual Controller licenses summarize if I buy multiple single licenses?

Yes. SIMIT VC licenses are stackable. Purchasing two 6DL8913-0JK10-0AB5 licenses authorizes running two concurrent virtual controllers.

Does the SIMIT Virtual Controller support CPU 410E controllers?

Yes. The CPU 410E is an entry-level variant of the S7-410 family and is fully supported by the SIMIT Virtual Controller.

How many VC licenses are required to simulate a redundant S7-410H pair?

Simulating a fully redundant H-system requires two Virtual Controller instances (one for the master CPU and one for the reserve CPU), consuming two VC licenses.

When is it better to buy the 5-AS Virtual Controller pack?

The 5-AS pack (6DL8913-0KK10-0AB5) provides a substantial cost discount per controller when simulating three or more controllers compared to purchasing individual single licenses.

Can SIMIT Virtual Controllers run without a base SIMIT license?

No. Virtual Controllers require a base platform license (SIMIT Engineering or SIMIT Operation) and a WIBU USB license dongle.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • SIMIT VC
  • Virtual Controller
  • CPU 410-5H
  • CPU 410E
  • SIMIT Licensing
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