SIMIT Simulation

V11.0 SP1 - Getting

Started
Siemens
SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 SP2, SIMIT Simulation V11.0 SP1 Industry
Online
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109746485 Support
 Legal information

Legal information
Use of application examples
Application examples illustrate the solution of automation tasks through an interaction of several components in
the form of text, graphics and/or software modules. The application examples are a free service by Siemens AG
and/or a subsidiary of Siemens AG ("Siemens"). They are non-binding and make no claim to completeness or
functionality regarding configuration and equipment. The application examples merely offer help with typical
tasks; they do not constitute customer-specific solutions. You yourself are responsible for the proper and safe
operation of the products in accordance with applicable regulations and must also check the function of the
respective application example and customize it for your system.
Siemens grants you the non-exclusive, non-sublicensable and non-transferable right to have the application
examples used by technically trained personnel. Any change to the application examples is your responsibility.
Sharing the application examples with third parties or copying the application examples or excerpts thereof is
permitted only in combination with your own products. The application examples are not required to undergo the
customary tests and quality inspections of a chargeable product; they may have functional and performance
defects as well as errors. It is your responsibility to use them in such a manner that any malfunctions that may
occur do not result in property damage or injury to persons.

Disclaimer of liability
Siemens shall not assume any liability, for any legal reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for
the usability, availability, completeness and freedom from defects of the application examples as well as for
related information, configuration and performance data and any damage caused thereby. This shall not apply in
cases of mandatory liability, for example under the German Product Liability Act, or in cases of intent, gross
negligence, or culpable loss of life, bodily injury or damage to health, non-compliance with a guarantee,
fraudulent non-disclosure of a defect, or culpable breach of material contractual obligations. Claims for damages
arising from a breach of material contractual obligations shall however be limited to the foreseeable damage
typical of the type of agreement, unless liability arises from intent or gross negligence or is based on loss of life,
bodily injury or damage to health. The foregoing provisions do not imply any change in the burden of proof to
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

your detriment. You shall indemnify Siemens against existing or future claims of third parties in this connection
except where Siemens is mandatorily liable.
By using the application examples you acknowledge that Siemens cannot be held liable for any damage beyond
the liability provisions described.

Other information
Siemens reserves the right to make changes to the application examples at any time without notice. In case of
discrepancies between the suggestions in the application examples and other Siemens publications such as
catalogs, the content of the other documentation shall have precedence.
The Siemens terms of use (https://support.industry.siemens.com) shall also apply.

Security information
Siemens provides products and solutions with Industrial Security functions that support the secure operation of
plants, systems, machines and networks.
In order to protect plants, systems, machines and networks against cyber threats, it is necessary to implement –
and continuously maintain – a holistic, state-of-the-art industrial security concept. Siemens’ products and
solutions constitute one element of such a concept.
Customers are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to their plants, systems, machines and networks.
Such systems, machines and components should only be connected to an enterprise network or the Internet if
and to the extent such a connection is necessary and only when appropriate security measures (e.g. firewalls
and/or network segmentation) are in place.
For additional information on industrial security measures that may be implemented, please visit
https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity.
Siemens’ products and solutions undergo continuous development to make them more secure. Siemens strongly
recommends that product updates are applied as soon as they are available and that the latest product versions
are used. Use of product versions that are no longer supported, and failure to apply the latest updates may
increase customer’s exposure to cyber threats.
To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS Feed at:
https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 2
 Table of contents

Table of contents
Legal information .............................................................................................................................. 2
1 SIMIT at a glance ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 What is SIMIT Simulation? ........................................................................................ 5
1.2 Aim of SIMIT Simulation Getting Started ................................................................... 7
1.3 SIMIT simulation structure ......................................................................................... 7
1.3.1 Menu and toolbar ....................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2 Project tree ................................................................................................................ 8
1.3.3 Tools ........................................................................................................................10
1.3.4 Work area ................................................................................................................14
1.3.5 Properties ................................................................................................................14
1.4 Changes during an ongoing simulation ...................................................................15
1.4.1 Parameters and values of objects ...........................................................................15
1.4.2 Changes to the simulation project ...........................................................................16
2 Presentation of the project ..................................................................................................17
3 Preparing for Getting Started ..............................................................................................21
3.1 System configuration ...............................................................................................21
3.2 Configuring the demo project ..................................................................................22
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

3.2.1 Configure the SIMATIC PCS 7 project ....................................................................22

4 SIMIT simulation project ......................................................................................................25
4.1 Using a prefabricated SIMIT project ........................................................................25
4.2 Creating a new SIMIT project ..................................................................................27
4.3 SIMIT Runtime concept ...........................................................................................27
5 Simulation of the signal layer ..............................................................................................29
5.1 Configuring the coupling ..........................................................................................29
5.1.1 Create SIMIT Virtual Controller coupling .................................................................29
5.1.2 Enabling and disabling a coupling ...........................................................................33
5.2 Normalization of analog signals ...............................................................................34
5.2.1 Scaling using standard components........................................................................37
5.2.2 Scaling in the coupling editor ...................................................................................37
5.3 Current version ........................................................................................................38
6 Device level simulation ........................................................................................................39
6.1 Creating the folder structure ....................................................................................39
6.2 Creating your first simulation model ........................................................................41
6.2.1 Creating a new chart ...............................................................................................41
6.2.2 Pasting components ................................................................................................41
6.2.3 Parameterizing components ....................................................................................43
6.2.4 Interconnecting components ...................................................................................44
6.3 Creating additional templates for automatic instancing ...........................................44
6.3.1 Exporting an XML file from PCS 7 ...........................................................................45
6.3.2 Creating the "GS_ValveLean" template from a chart ..............................................46
6.3.3 Creating additional templates ..................................................................................49
6.4 Instancing templates ................................................................................................55
6.5 Current version ........................................................................................................57
7 Process level simulation ......................................................................................................60
7.1 Creating the folder structure ....................................................................................60
SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started
Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 3
 Table of contents

7.2 Modeling material transportation .............................................................................61

7.3 Modeling the raw material tank................................................................................63
7.4 Modeling of reactor 1 ...............................................................................................65
7.5 Modeling of reactor 2 ...............................................................................................66
7.6 Current version ........................................................................................................68
8 Visualization in SIMIT ...........................................................................................................69
8.1 Creating graphics.....................................................................................................70
8.1.1 Prepare the background image ...............................................................................71
8.1.2 Creating symbols .....................................................................................................71
8.1.3 Creating graphics.....................................................................................................73
8.2 Creating visualization in SIMIT ................................................................................75
8.2.1 Create plant display .................................................................................................76
8.2.2 Display process values ............................................................................................76
8.2.3 Configuring operator controls and displays .............................................................78
8.2.4 Animating device icons ............................................................................................81
8.2.5 Animate tank fill levels .............................................................................................84
8.3 Current version ........................................................................................................87
9 Appendix ................................................................................................................................88
9.1 Service and support .................................................................................................88
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

9.2 Industry Mall ............................................................................................................89

9.3 Links and literature ..................................................................................................89
9.4 Change documentation ...........................................................................................89

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 4
 1 SIMIT at a glance

1 SIMIT at a glance
1.1 What is SIMIT Simulation?
Description
At the engineering stage in particular, the three factors below come to the fore:
• Quality
• Costs
• Time

System individuality and high availability play an ever more important role. The engineering
stage extends far into the operating stage of the system. This results in projects that are much
more complex, a reduction in the time frame for engineering, and increased pressure on each
person involved in the project.
SIMIT Simulation Platform (which will be referred to from now on as SIMIT) can contribute to
increased cost efficiency. SIMIT is a simulation platform for the Automation Digital Twin. The
primary applications are virtual commissioning and operator training in the user software of
automation systems. Here, SIMIT places a wide spectrum of plant simulation at your disposal.
Starting with simulation of input and output signals, through simulation of field equipment, to
modeling of the overall process.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Figure 1-1 Comparison of a real plant and a simulated one

Real Plant Simulated Plant
Software in the Loop Hardware in the Loop
Virtual Controller PLCSIM Adv. PLC

Automation Systems

SIMIT Unit

SIMIT Simulation

100.0
Simulation
65.7
IO Devices of Signals

Simulation
Actuators / Sensors of Devices

Simulation of
technological
Plant / Machines behavior

Simulation using SIMIT allows you to test the automation software using real hardware
(Hardware in the Loop, or "HiL") or using emulated hardware (Software in the Loop, or "SiL").
The plant simulation is created in SIMIT. This simulation mirrors the behavior of the system and
is connected to a real controller via an interface module for PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET, or an
emulator.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 5
 1 SIMIT at a glance

This means that simulation using SIMIT can bring cost savings and increase the quality of
automation projects. Due to its wide spectrum, SIMIT supports you at every stage of your
project. It is possible to detect possible sources of error at an early stage and to eliminate them
economically during this period of the planning phase. In the same way, faults can be simulated
without any risk to staff, the environment, and the plant.
Simulation in SIMIT is subdivided into three levels:
• Signal level
• Device level
• Process level

Signal level
The signals from a controller or plant are simulated on the signal level. SIMIT offers supporting
mechanisms for defining and scaling signals.
You can carry out a functional test in SIMIT as soon as you have created the signals. Using the
SIMIT Virtual Controller (SIMIT VC), you can carry out a signal test at an early stage using tag
tables in SIMATIC Manager, for example. States and scenarios can also be saved with so-
called snapshots.

Device level
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

The behavior of actuators and sensors in a plant, for example valves and motors, is emulated
on the device level. To do this, SIMIT comes with ready-made models, also known as SIMIT
components, to simulate the behavior of the devices. You can connect them to the signals from
the signal level.
Apart from this, SIMIT provides functions that enable the creation of simulation models of
actuator and sensors by importing PCS 7 configuration data.
This makes it possible to test runtime behavior (e.g. opening a valve) and feedback (e.g.
reaching limit switches) with minimal investment. This increases the quality of the simulation
and has the advantage that you can implement the automation software in the real plant with a
high level of quality assurance.

Process level
The physical and/or technological behavior of a plant is modeled on the process level. With a
number of turnkey simulation blocks in the form of a basic library, as well as in domain-specific
libraries, SIMIT can simplify modeling for you (e.g. CHEM-BASIC, FLOWNET or CONTEC). The
latter can be acquired in addition to the base components. Furthermore, there is a platform that
lets you create your own custom simulation blocks and models.
This is the SIMIT Component Type Editor (CTE). Thanks to the additional degrees of freedom, it
allows for maximum flexibility when it comes to modeling device and plant behavior of the
Automation Digital Twin. Beside developing custom simulation blocks, you can also adapt or
modify existing components for your application's purposes.
Note Additional information on the creation of custom SIMIT components can be found
in the following application example, "SIMIT CTE - Creating a component in one
hour", especially suitable for an initial overview:
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109781003

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 6
 1 SIMIT at a glance

1.2 Aim of SIMIT Simulation Getting Started

In the course of this Getting Started document, you will get to know the following procedures:
• Using SIMIT to create simulation models
You will learn how to configure and use existing components for your simulation using the
SIMIT library. You will also learn how to use SIMIT to visualize your process. For this, SIMIT
provides you with an editor that you can use to create the user interface. This means that
you can monitor the simulation process and, if necessary, intervene and control it if the
situation demands it.
• Emulating automation systems using the SIMIT Virtual Controller
The SIMIT VC simulates the behavior of a SIMATIC controller of type S7-300 or S7-400.
The SIMIT VC is loaded with the original PLC user program.

1.3 SIMIT simulation structure

The SIMIT user interface is divided into the following areas:
(1) Project tree
(2) Work area
(3) Tools
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

(4) Properties

Figure 1-2 SIMIT user interface

1 2 3

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 7
 1 SIMIT at a glance

1.3.1 Menu and toolbar

Figure 1-3

In the menu and on the toolbar, you can carry out standard functions like saving and opening
projects, for example. You can also start the simulation runtime.

Figure 1-4

In the "Automatic modelling" menu item, you can find functions for carrying out efficient
configuration of the simulation model.

1.3.2 Project tree

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

The Project window displays the currently open

project in the Windows Explorer structure that you
are familiar with. The name of the open SIMIT
projects appears at the top.
The individual folders always contain a function
(such as "New chart") and the objects that are
created using this function.
When you double-click on an object in the project
window, the system either runs the function or
displays it in the work area.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 8
 1 SIMIT at a glance

In project tree, you can carry out the following functions:

Table 1-1
Symbol Name Description
Project manager Opens project view in the work area. The view is the same
as the one in project tree.
Couplings/ In this folder, the system displays the functions for creating
New coupling couplings as well as all the couplings that have already
been created.
The following couplings are available:
• SIMIT Unit
• PRODAVE
• SIMIT Virtual Controller (SIMIT VC)
• PLCSIM Advanced
• PLCSIM
• OPC DA (Client or Server)
• OPC UA (Client or Server)
• Shared memory
• gPROMS
• Mechatronics Concept Designer
• Plant Simulation
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

• TableReader
Charts/ In this folder, all the charts are stored that contain your
New chart plant's simulation models or visualization. You create a
new chart by double-clicking on the "New chart" icon.
Monitoring/ In this folder, you can find different analysis tools:
New trend • Trend
Messages, Visualization of signal paths
Archives
• Messages
(Displaying and exporting messages)
• Archive
(Archiving of signals via the simulation duration)
Scripting/ In this folder, you create scripts. This tool makes it possible
New script for you to access process signals at deterministically set
times during runtime. This allows you to intervene in the
process on an automated basis and to output information
during simulation. You can find additional information on
this topic in the manual "SIMATIC SIMIT Simulation
Platform (V11)":
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109812
085/
Snapshots Using this function, you can take snapshots and save them
in the folder of the same name. The saved state of the
process can be then loaded at any time using the shortcut
menu of the saved snapshot. The simulation is continued
from this state afterward.
Find and replace Using this function, you can find and replace elements in
the project.
Note
Before carrying out searching, save the project; otherwise,
the result can be incomplete.
Consistency check Using this function, you test your project for errors.

Start You use this function to start the simulation.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 9
 1 SIMIT at a glance

1.3.3 Tools

Depending on the object that is open in the working window, different tools are available: They
are assigned to the following categories:
• Components
• Controls
• Macros
• Graphic
• Templates
• Projects
• Signals

Components

On the "Components" task card, SIMIT provides a set

of libraries to design simulations. The display area is
divided up as follows:
• Basic components
• User components
•
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Project components
• Preview

The basic component is similar to the PCS 7 block

library and includes all the libraries provided by SIMIT.
This Getting Started document focuses on the
libraries: Communication, Connectors and Standard.
On the "User Components" pane, you can store
copies of components from the basic library. In the
library, you can edit the copied component that is
available for configuration of your simulation. If you
have created your own components, they can also be
found in the "User Components" pane.
In order for the created component to be assigned to
the project, you must save them on the "Project
Components" tab.
Once you have archived the project and then
dearchived it, the component is available to you again.
In the last "Preview" pane, the system displays
detailed information about the selected components.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 10
 1 SIMIT at a glance

Controls

This tab contains all the components you need for

input and output of process variables. Using the
components from the "Inputs" pane, you can specify
process variables at runtime. On the "Display" pane,
you can find all the components that you need to
display process values.
With SIMIT version 7.1 and above, you can also use
3D objects for visualization on the "Others" tab. To
integrate a 3D object, you need an object in ".wrl"
format.
The signal isolator is another element on the "Others"
tab. You can use it to disengage signals from
processes during runtime. After this, the disengaged
signal can be manipulated by means of an input
component like the slide, for example.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Macros
Using the macro function, you can combine several sub-components into one entire component.
The generated component can be then inserted into a chart. As the Figure below shows, a
second order differential equation:

Figure 1-5: Macro as a chart (on the left) and as a symbol in the chart (on the right)

This makes it possible to group frequently used circuits. You generate inputs and outputs by
dragging a line, e.g. from the Y output of the integrator to any cell on the sidebar.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 11
 1 SIMIT at a glance

For more information about the functions of the Macro Component Editor, refer to chapter 3.4
of the "SIMIT Simulation Platform (V11)" manual:
Note
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109812085/

Graphics

On the "Graphic" task card, you can find graphics tools

that you can use to create graphics in charts.
Using existing graphic elements, you can visualize
your simulation in a chart according to your
requirements.
In addition to creating static graphic elements, SIMIT
also allows you to create dynamic ones. Apart from
process simulation, visualization of processes plays an
important role in SIMIT.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Templates

The "Templates" task card consists of the following

areas:
• Basic Templates
Here you will find sample templates provided by
SIMIT, for example for realizing the behavior of
material handling applications.
• User Templates
Here, you can create your own components in
global libraries. You can use these templates for
any projects you like. These templates are not
integrated when backing up a repository, nor are
they stored in the repository.
• Project Templates
Here you can store your own project-specific
templates. They are archived with the SIMIT
project. However, it is not possible to access the
Project Templates from other projects.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 12
 1 SIMIT at a glance

Projects

On the "Projects" task card, you can access the

objects and simulation models of existing projects.
This allows you to reuse existing tested submodels.
To do this, open the existing project and drag and drop
the individual charts into your current project.
After this, you can edit the chart in any way you like or
copy it.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Signals

On the "Signals" task card, you can search for all of

the signals in the project. A comprehensive filter
function is available to make it easier to find signals.
To connect object links to a signal, for example, you
can simply drag and drop the object to the link in the
properties window.
Apart from this, you can have the system display the
values of signals in the chart. To do this, drag and
drop a signal onto a free surface in the chart. This
creates the objects below and connects them to the
signal:
• Text field to the signal name
• Signal isolator to force values at inputs and
outputs
• Digital input to display and input a value

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 13
 1 SIMIT at a glance

1.3.4 Work area

The system displays all of the SIMIT editors in the work area, e.g. the ones for charts, scripts, or
curve displays. You open the appropriate editor by double-clicking on an object in project tree.

Figure 1-6: An open chart in the work area

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

1.3.5 Properties

In the properties window, the system displays all of the available properties of the selected
object.
Figure 1-7: Properties of a selected object

At the integrator, for example, the properties below are available:

• General properties (object, time slice, position)
• Inputs (values, signals)
• Outputs (values, signals)
• Parameters (initial value)
• Status

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 14
 1 SIMIT at a glance

1.4 Changes during an ongoing simulation

In SIMIT, the system shows simulation mode by means of orange title bars or an orange
background.

1.4.1 Parameters and values of objects

You can get the system to display the properties of objects by right-clicking on them.

Figure 1-8: Selected object during an ongoing simulation

1
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

You can change the values of connections that are not connected with signals at any time you
like.
If connections are connected, the system displays the current value. If you disconnect the
signal, you can, however, enter a manual (force) value. A signal isolator (1) is available to do
this.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 15
 1 SIMIT at a glance

1.4.2 Changes to the simulation project

If you want to change something in the configuration of an ongoing simulation, you have the
option of switching between simulation view and configuration view. To make changes to the
configuration, proceed as follows:
(1) In project tree, click on the "Project" tab.
(2) Edit the desired object.
(3) Start the "Prepare changes" function.
(4) Start the "Activate changes" function.

Figure 1-9: Changing during an ongoing simulation

1
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

3 4

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 16
 2 Presentation of the project

2 Presentation of the project

SIMIT Getting Started is carried out using a practical example.
The project "SIMIT_GS_V912_MP" is used on the PCS 7 engineering station. It is a process
facility with a very small quantity structure, so as to minimize complexity for the user and keep
the focus on using SIMIT.

Project design
Getting Started is an implementation on a PC station. The software below is installed on the PC
or virtual machine:

Table 2-1
Software Article no. Note
SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 SP2 6ES7651-5AA68-0YH0 ES Single Station
SIMIT SP V11.0 SP1 6DL8913-0BL00-0AB5 SIMIT Engineering or SIMIT
Demo
SIMIT VC 6DL8913-0JL00-0AB5 Part of the SIMIT SP installation

Licensing in SIMIT:
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Engineering and Runtime/Player licenses are available for SIMIT Simulation Platform. With an
engineering license, you can change projects. Runtime licenses only allow the start of SIMIT
simulation projects. Editing is therefore not possible.
The basic version of this application example does not require SIMIT licenses. You can use it
NOTE in unlicensed mode ("Demo mode").
You can also use the Virtual Controller in Demo mode. However, the running time of the
simulation is then limited to 45 minutes. For unrestricted simulation, a separate license for the
Virtual Controller is required, which you can obtain under the article number above.
For more information about SIMIT's licensing concept, please refer to the manual:
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109812085/156269543947

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 17
 2 Presentation of the project

Figure 2-1: Software installation on the test system

PCS 7 Single Station

(ES / OS)

Software in the Loop

(SIMIT Virtual Controller)

SIMIT Simulation
SIMIT Simulation
Signal Level
100.0
65.7
Device Level

Process Level
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 18
 2 Presentation of the project

Description of the sample system

The liquid input substance is stored in a raw material tank and pumped as needed from there
into one of two reactors. It is possible to set the amount and the target reactor before starting
the transfer sequence (via FC111).

Figure 2-2: Flow chart of the sample system

Raw Material Tank

LI
Set 111
Vol

NK
111

NP NP
111a 111b

FC
111
NK NK NK
113 112 114
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Sel
Target

Reactor 1 Reactor 2

The following designations of process tags have been used for the project:

Table 2-2
Abbreviation/acronym Meaning Note
LI… Level Indicate Analog value acquisition (fill level)
FI… Float Indicate Analog value acquisition (throughflow)
NK… Valve Shut-off valves
NP… Motor Drives, pumps
Sel… Selection Function for selecting a destination
Set… Setpoint Function for specifying a transfer amount

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 19
 2 Presentation of the project

Task description for the SIMIT Getting Started

In the SIMIT Getting Started, you will create an Automation Digital Twin for the PCS 7 project
"SIMIT Getting Started". You will get to know the procedures below when creating simulation
models using SIMIT:

• Creating a SIMIT project

• Creating a Virtual Controller coupling
• Configuring I/O signals (inputs and outputs)
• Creating behavior models for the actuators and sensors
• Creating and using device model templates and the Import function
• Designing the physical models of the raw material tank and the reactors
• Creating a simulation model with a macro
• Configuring a visualization for the process model
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 20
 3 Preparing for Getting Started

3 Preparing for Getting Started

3.1 System configuration
For communication between the operator station (OS) and SIMIT to work, add the configured
network addresses to your system. The SIMIT VC always needs the IP address on the network
adapter too. You can leave network address settings on your PC at their defaults.
The network addresses below were used in the sample project cartridge:
• OS01: 192.168.7.1 (Operator Station)
• AS01: 192.168.7.10 (automation system)

The SIMIT VC uses the network address of the PLC configured in SIMATIC Manager. To
operate the VC, you must assign this address on your network adapter.
To set other IP addresses on your network adapter, proceed as follows:

1. Open the properties of your network adapter.

2. Open the properties of the TCP/IPv4 protocol.
3. In the "Advanced Settings" dialog, add the following IP addresses:
– 192.168.7.1
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

– 192.168.7.10
4. Apply the changed settings

Figure 3-1: Advanced TCP/IP settings

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 21
 3 Preparing for Getting Started

3.2 Configuring the demo project

First download the PCS 7 multiproject repository from the article page of this application
example and extract it with SIMATIC Manager.

The following repositories are available:

• SIMIT_GS_V912_MP.zip
(SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.1 SP2 multiproject repository)
• SIMIT_GS_V1101_Basic.simarc
(SIMIT V11.0 SP1 repository with base components)
• SIMIT_GS_V1101_Extended.simarc
(SIMIT V11.0 SP1 repository with components from the "SIMIT Solution Device Library")

3.2.1 Configure the SIMATIC PCS 7 project

1. Start SIMATIC Manager. Retrieve the PCS 7 repository and open it.

Figure 3-2: Extracting the PCS 7 repository

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

2. Open the properties of the OS station in the Component View.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 22
 3 Preparing for Getting Started

3. Enter the name of your computer in the "Computer name" field (in this example "ES74").

Figure 3-3: Changing the computer name on the OS station

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

4. Start the "PLC > Configure…" function.

Figure 3-4: Configuring the Station Configuration Editor

5. Use the "PLC > Download" function to load the configuration into the Station Configuration
Editor.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 23
 3 Preparing for Getting Started

6. Open the OS project using WinCC Explorer.

7. Open the properties of the configured computer and enter the name of your PC by clicking
on the "Use Local Computer Name" button.

Figure 3-5: Changes in the OS project

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 24
 4 SIMIT simulation project

4 SIMIT simulation project

4.1 Using a prefabricated SIMIT project
In the download, you will find two SIMIT projects that you can use for training purposes. Further
on in the documentation, however, we will configure the simulation model on a step-by-step
basis. You only need these SIMIT projects if you do not want to carry out configuration yourself.

The SIMIT DEMO Mode also allows (limited) use of the SIMIT repositories for test purposes,
that is, without a valid SIMIT license. You can start DEMO Mode with the "SIMIT SP Demo"
application. The limitations here include a simulation runtime that is limited to 45 minutes, and
no access to features like Snapshots or Virtual Time Management of the SIMIT VC. In addition,
the coupling signals may not exceed a size of 30 bytes.

It should also be noted that the SIMIT repository "Extended" can only be used in "SIMIT SP
DEMO Mode" or with a valid "SIMIT Solution Device Library" in the full version. More
information can be found in chapter 6 when creating the device level.

Start SIMIT. Retrieve and open the SIMIT repository that you want to use via the Portal or
Project View:
• SIMIT_GS_V1101_Basic.simarc
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

• SIMIT_GS_V1101_Extended.simarc

Figure 4-1: Retrieving a SIMIT repository in the Portal View

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 25
 4 SIMIT simulation project

Figure 4-2: Retrieving a SIMIT repository in the Project View (1)

Figure 4-3: Retrieving a SIMIT repository in the Project View (2)

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 26
 4 SIMIT simulation project

4.2 Creating a new SIMIT project

Follow the steps below to create a new project in SIMIT:
1. Start SIMIT Simulation.
2. Choose the "Create new project" option.
3. Enter a project name, e.g. "SIMIT_GS" and click on the "Create" button.

Figure 4-4: Creating a new SIMIT project

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

4.3 SIMIT Runtime concept

With V11.0 and runtime licenses, SIMIT for the first time offers the ability to merely run and
operate a simulation project without the use of a full SIMIT Engineering license. There is thus
also a licensing difference between modeling and creation of a simulation project in SIMIT, and
possible sale or distribution to an end customer. This concept can be employed in simplified
form for the use of SIMIT for training systems.

Any functional change or modification to the existing configuration is not possible with a runtime
license, however. Like with the SIMIT Engineering licenses, the runtime licenses are available in
the sizes "S" through "XL" – depending on the number of simulation tags.

Figure 4-5: Selecting a SIMIT Runtime license in the Portal View

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 27
 4 SIMIT simulation project

There is no additional installation to use SIMIT Runtime. The SIMIT user interface automatically
disables some features if a Runtime license is selected. Accordingly, only the following features
are possible in Runtime mode:
• Starting, loading and stopping a SIMIT project
• Adapting the project to the target system (e.g. IP address, PC name, etc.)
• Snapshots

The Remote Control Interface (RCI) and Engineering API interfaces can also be used in SIMIT
Runtime.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 28
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

5 Simulation of the signal layer

5.1 Configuring the coupling
SIMIT is the central simulation tool from the Siemens automation engineering product portfolio,
and therefore connectivity plays an essential role. Couplings are the interfaces between the
automation programmable controller and the simulation model. When you select the coupling,
you specify the communication partner with which SIMIT exchanges data. SIMIT provides the
following couplings:

Hardware:
• SIMIT Unit (PROFIBUS DP or PROFINET IO)
• PRODAVE

Emulation
• Virtual Controller (VC)
• PLCSIM Advanced
• PLCSIM
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Standard:
• OPC DA (Client or Server)
• OPC UA (Client or Server)
• Shared memory

Additional couplings:
• gPROMS
• Mechatronics Concept Designer
• Plant Simulation
• TableReader

Since we would like to use SIMIT for process automation with SIMATIC PCS 7 and a S7-400
controller, we will address the "Virtual Controller" coupling below.

5.1.1 Create SIMIT Virtual Controller coupling

1. Switch to SIMIT Project View.

2. In the "Couplings" folder, double-click on the "New coupling" entry.
3. In the dialog in the "Emulation" section, select the "Virtual Controller" option. The "Virtual
Controller Import" dialog opens.
4. Choose the "SIMIT_GS_MP" PCS 7 multiproject.
5. Click the ">> Stations" button to get a preview of all PLCs available in the multiproject. You
can deselect PLCs that you do not want.
6. Click on the "Import" pushbutton.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 29
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

Figure 5-1 Creating a Virtual Controller coupling from the PCS 7 multiproject
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

7. Double-click on coupling "AS01" to open it in the work area.

Special considerations when using ET 200SP HA I/O modules

The ET 200SP HA is the recommended I/O device for SIMATIC PCS 7 when integrating field
devices via PROFINET. When creating a VC coupling, it should be noted that there is a "quality
bit" associated with every digital or analog I/O signal from an input or output module of the ET
200 SP HA (see Figure 5-2).

Figure 5-2 ET 200SP HA signal with associated quality bit (HW Config)

These quality bits are of data type BOOL and will have the state "TRUE" when using the real
modules. If this is not the case, the quality bit connected to the channel driver (see Figure 5-3)
will cause an external error.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 30
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

Figure 5-3 Quality bit of an analog input signal from an ET 200SP HA (CFC Editor)

As a consequence, the Virtual Controller must provide "TRUE" states for all such quality bits
from ET 200SP HA modules so that there are no errors at the channel drivers / no errors come
up as alarms on the OS runtime.
This can be accomplished with populating default values in the VC coupling. As of SIMIT V11.0,
the default values of the quality bits are automatically pre-populated with "TRUE" for most ET
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

200SP HA modules as soon as the coupling is created (see Figure 5-4).

Figure 5-4 Default values of the quality bit signals in a Virtual Controller coupling

It is recommended to check this again in the coupling, either after creating the coupling or, after
an external error occurs due to quality bits, to modify them in the coupling in the manner
described.

Communication test with VC

All of the input and output signals have now been configured in the coupling. As early as this
stage, you can carry out a communication test between SIMIT and the VC.

Note Input signals in PCS 7 are input signals in SIMIT. In PCS 7, the input signals
have reading properties; in SIMIT, they have writing ones.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 31
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

Note When using a shared computer for the operator station (WinCC Runtime) and a
SIMIT VC, the following FAQ should be noted:
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109812729

Proceed as follows:
1. Start the simulation runtime in SIMIT ( ).
This also starts the VC program.
2. Download the hardware configuration and the
PLC connections (NetPro -> select AS01 ->
download to current project -> Selected
Stations)
3. Download the S7 program (charts) to the
SIMIT VC. To do this, you can use the
function "PLC -> Download" when selecting
the chart folder of the PLC in SIMATIC
Manager (alternatively, the download function
in the CFC Editor).

4. Open the tag table "VAT_TestComm" and start the Monitor function ( ). You can find this
table in the "Blocks" folder of the PLC program in SIMATIC Manager.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

5. Activate the signal isolator (1) so that you can operate the signal manually.
6. Activate a binary signal using the associated switch (2), e.g. "NK113FBO" with address
"I0.4".
7. If the connection is working, the system displays the signal in the tag table.

Figure 5-5 Signal test with a tag table

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 32
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

5.1.2 Enabling and disabling a coupling

All couplings and charts created in a SIMIT project can be enabled or disabled.

Figure 5-6 Disabling a coupling

Figure 5-7 Visualization of a disabled coupling

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Figure 5-8 Disabling a SIMIT chart

Figure 5-9 Visualization of a disabled SIMIT chart

In the SIMIT charts, it is easy to disable entire areas by activating/deactivating on the folder
level.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 33
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

Figure 5-10 Disabling a hierarchy folder with SIMIT charts

Figure 5-11 Visualization of a disable hierarchy folder with SIMIT charts

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Thus, in the example of a coupling, two signals with identical names can exist in two different
couplings in one SIMIT project. As part of a consistency check carried out when starting the
simulation runtime, disabled elements (i.e. the signals of a disabled coupling) are not checked
but are instead ignored. This considerably simplifies the application in which you need to switch
between a hardware-in-the-loop and a software-in-the-loop setup, since you do not need to
delete any coupling that you have created (SIMIT Unit or Virtual Controller coupling).
Disabled I/O signals of a coupling are not listed in the "Signals" task card.

5.2 Normalization of analog signals

In PCS 7, channel blocks, e.g. "PCS7AnIn", convert process values from a raw value to a
process value, or "PCS7AnOu", for example, from a process value to a raw value. The raw
value is converted into a voltage or current value depending on the configured measurement
type. The raw value is usually processed in the PCS 7 program as a 16-bit tag. Depending on
the configured digital/analog converter, the least significant bits are truncated so that the
number of bits corresponds to that of the analog converter. This means that, in a 12-bit
converter, the four least significant bits of the 16-bit tag are ignored.
Data exchange between PCS 7 and SIMIT via the programming interface is performed in full,
i.e. the raw value is read or written in 16 bits (equal to two bytes). In SIMIT, there are two
options for converting a raw value to the corresponding physical value:
• Scaling using standard components
• Scaling in the coupling editor

Linear scaling is carried out using the following formula:

𝑦 − 𝑦𝐿 𝑦𝐴 − 𝑦𝐿
𝑓(𝑥) = =
𝑥 − 𝑥𝐿 𝑥𝐴 − 𝑥𝐿

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 34
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

Table 5-1: Tags

Tag Description
𝑥 Raw value (input value)
𝑥𝐿 Lower limit of raw value
𝑥𝐴 Upper limit of raw value
𝑦 Process value (output value)
𝑦𝐿 Lower limit of process value
𝑦𝐴 Upper limit of process value

Figure 5-12 Graphical representation of a linear transformation

°C Process value (y)

Overflow
𝑦 = 100 °C

Raw value(x) 𝑦 = 60 °C

-32768 𝑥𝐿 = -27648 𝑥 = 27648 32767

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

-10V 10V
𝑥 = 5530

𝑦𝐿 = 0 °C
Underflow

All of the values in the nominal range between -27648 and +27648 are converted into a process
value. In PCS 7, the process values that exceed the nominal range are further converted by the
channel block until they are outside the boundaries of the overflow or underflow. In SIMIT
however, no further conversion takes place if the raw value exceeds the nominal range. Once
the limit is reached, the converted process value remains constant.
To be able to carryout normalization, you must know the process value limits. In the PCS 7
project, these limits are normally configured on the driver blocks of the input and output signals.
Refer to the appropriate CFC charts to find out the process value limits.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 35
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

Figure 5-13 Finding the process value limits (scaling)

In Getting Started, the analog signals below are used with the corresponding limit values:

Table 5-2 Process limit values

Name Type Lower Upper Description
limit value limit value
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

AI_LI111 Input 0 500 Raw material tank fill Level

AI_LI112 Input 0 1000 Fill level of reactor 1
AI_LI113 Input 0 1000 Fill level of reactor 2
AI_FC111 Input 0 3 Transfer flow rate
AI_NK112 Input 0 100 Valve position NK112
AO_NK112_C Output 0 100 Setpoint valve position NK112

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 36
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

5.2.1 Scaling using standard components

First, the raw values of the PCS 7 output signals are converted from "Unsigned" to "Signed" in
SIMIT, and then linear scaling is carried out on them. You convert the values of input signals in
the reverse order.
The Figure below shows the structure of a scaler with components from the SIMIT standard
library for a complete signal processing chain, that is, from the output connector of the I/O signal
to an input connector:

Figure 5-14: Scaling of process tags

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

The SIMIT components "Unsigned2Signed" and "Signed2Unsigned" must be parameterized

with 2 bytes (16 bits). Objects "Raw2Phys" and "Phys2Raw" must be parameterized with the
process value limits. The raw value limits have already been prepopulated.

5.2.2 Scaling in the coupling editor

You can also scale process tags directly in the coupling editor. Due to the number of converter
components necessary for type conversion with standard components, beginners may favor this
variant. In the rest of the Getting Started, however, scaling will be carried out on the chart level.
This is typically used as part of the type-instance concept with SIMIT templates, since this place
in the template is the only place that a possible change would have to be made.

In the coupling editor, you can choose the from the following scaling methods:
• Unipolar
Raw value range: 0 to 27648
Process value range: Settable
• Bipolar
Raw value range: -27648 to 27648
Process value range: Settable
• User-defined
Raw value range: Settable
Process value range: Settable

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 37
 5 Simulation of the signal layer

Note You can select other scaling methods for input signals. You can parameterize
them neither at the raw value limits nor at the process value limits; they are
preset for special temperature measuring devices. For further information, refer
to the manual "SIMATIC SIMIT Simulation Platform (V11)", chapter 2.15.1.9:
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109812085/

Proceed as follows:
1. In SIMIT, open the coupling editor by double-clicking on the "AS01" coupling.
2. Parameterize the scaling method and the process value limits. You have the option of
setting the parameters in the list (1) or in the properties of the selected signal (2).

Figure 5-C Scaling in the coupling editor

1
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

5.3 Current version

In this chapter, you have configured the coupling to the emulated programmable controller and
imported all of the necessary signals.
As early as this stage, you can carry out signal tests and monitor signal changes in SIMIT by the
PLC program (in the CFC editor or with a tag table).

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 38
 6 Device level simulation

6 Device level simulation

In the previous chapter, we configured the coupling to the emulated AS. In SIMIT, you have
read and write access to the signals.
In a real application, the PLC sends the control signals to the actuators, e.g. pump drives or
valve actuators, or it receives process values from sensors, e.g. a level gauge. In this chapter,
you will model the behavior of the actuators and sensors. This can be accomplished either with
base SIMIT components from the "DRIVES" or "STANDARD" libraries, or with additional
libraries such as the "SIMIT Solutions Device Library".
The latter contains turnkey SIMIT device models and twins to the PCS 7 Advanced Process
Library (APL), as well as additional driver blocks and detailed device models of selected field
devices (sensors and actuators).
This application example explains in detail the creation of the device level with basic SIMIT
components. Alternatively, you can work directly with the SIMIT Solution Device Library. A
SIMIT archive prepared for immediate use, which also contains complete templates with the
SIMIT Solution Device Library, is available as a download from the article of the application
example.

The SIMIT Solution Device Library requires a license. It can be ordered with MLFB "6DL5274-
0AA20". Additional information on using the library can be found in the following application
example: "Creating a template-based device simulation in a few clicks with PCS 7 and the
Note SIMIT Demo Mode"
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109795244/creating-a-template-based-
device-simulation-in-a-few-clicks-with-pcs-7-and-the-simit-demo-mode?dti=0&lc=en-US

You will first create the behavior model of the device manually. After this, you will get to know
the SIMIT help system and wizards that make effective configuration possible. This enormously
helpful, especially in plant engineering with PCS 7.

6.1 Creating the folder structure

The charts for the simulation are created in the "Charts" folder. It is not absolutely necessary to
create a folder structure in SIMIT; however, it does give a much clearer overview of the project.
Ideally, you would create the same folder structure in the SIMIT project as in the technological
hierarchy in the PCS 7 project. This becomes important particularly when you use the SIMIT
import functions.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 39
 6 Device level simulation

Figure 6-1: Plant hierarchy in the PCS 7 project

Follow the steps below to create folders in SIMIT:

1. In the shortcut menu of the "Charts" folder, choose the "New folder" item.
2. Change the name to "Plant1".
3. In the shortcut menu of the "Plant" folder, choose the "New folder" item.
4. Change the name to "RMT1".
5. Within folder "RMT1", create the following sub-folders:
FC111, LI111, LI112, LI113, NK111, NK112, NK113, NK114, NP111.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

In each folder, the system automatically creates the "New Chart" function.

Figure 6-2: Creating a folder structure in SIMIT

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 40
 6 Device level simulation

6.2 Creating your first simulation model

You configure simulation models in SIMIT using charts. The first thing to do is to create the
simulation model of valve "NK111".

6.2.1 Creating a new chart

Proceed as follows:
1. Open folder "NK111"
2. Double-click on the "New Chart" function.
3. Rename the chart to "NK111".
4. Open the chart by double-clicking in the work area.

Figure 6-3: New chart

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

6.2.2 Pasting components

Simulation of the valve actuator needs the following components:

Table 6-1
Symbol Qty. Name Library Description
1 DriveV1 Drives Simulates the actuator
of a valve.

3 Connector Connectors Connectors make

connections within the
project.
1 Output Connectors Connected to the
control signal from the
PLC.
2 Input Connectors Connected to the input
signals of the PLC.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 41
 6 Device level simulation

Symbol Qty. Name Library Description

1 MUL Default Multiplier

1 XOR Default Exclusive OR

Drag and drop the components (1), described in the Table, to the chart.

Figure 6-4: Pasting library components

1
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 42
 6 Device level simulation

6.2.3 Parameterizing components

1. Highlight the output connector (1). This displays its parameters in the properties window.
2. In the tool window, switch to the "Signals" task card and filter the signals (2) by the name
"NK111".
3. Parameterize the output connector with signal "AS01 - NK111CTRL". This is the control
signal of the AS program for opening and closing the valve. Drag the signal (3) from the
signal list onto the "General > Signal" property of the output connector.
4. Highlight the input connectors (4) and parameterize signals "AS01/NK111FBO" and
"AS01/NK111FBC" in the same way. These two signals give feedback about the valve
setting.

Figure 6-5: Configuring the input and output connectors

1
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Note Several options are available to configure the "input" and "output" components:
1. The value of the signal is entered manually. This method is not recommended, since,
on the one hand, you need to know the name and, on the other hand, typing errors
can occur that must be eliminated later on.
2. You drag and drop the value of the signal by means of the "Signals" task card.
3. You drag the signal from the "Signals" task card while holding down the Shift key and
drop it onto the chart. The system automatically creates the appropriate "Input" or
"Output" component. This is the most effective and advisable method.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 43
 6 Device level simulation

5. Parameterize the other components as described in the Table below:

Table 6-2
Component Parameter Value Description
MUL General > Name NK111_MUL IN1 = Watchdog time of motor
feedback in PCS 7
Input > X1 3.0
Response time = Half the
Input > X2 0.5 watchdog time
XOR General > Name NK111_XOR If IN2="true", at output OUT, the
system inverts the signal at input
Input > IN2 False
IN1.
DriveV1 General > Name NK111_Drive Simulates the valve setting (Y)
and the feedback signal.
Connector General > Name NK111/HI Global connector
Connector General > Name NK111/Lo Global connector
Connector General > Name NK111/Y Global connector

6.2.4 Interconnecting components

Interconnect the components as shown in the Figure below. It is only possible to connect
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

outputs ( ) with inputs ( ).

Figure 6-6: Finished simulation model for valve "NK111"

Using component "XOR" at the input of the valve, you can invert a High and Low signal. This is
relevant for the safe position of the valve. The MUL component at the "TOpen" and "TClose"
inputs should provide dynamically adapted behavior. Here, the feedback watchdog time (3s) of
the block in the PLC program is set to half (factor 0.5).
The global connectors serve to exchange values between individual charts and, throughout the
application example, between the device level and the process level. You can use them either
as an output or as an input.

6.3 Creating additional templates for automatic instancing

Since creating charts for actuators and sensors manually is very complex, it is advisable to use
the automatic model creation features offered by SIMIT. In this application example, automatic
model creation is described by the function "Instantiate templates".

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 44
 6 Device level simulation

Note Additional information on the automatic model creation functions offered by

SIMIT can be found in the manual "SIMATIC SIMIT Simulation Platform (V11)",
chapter 4, "Automatic model creation":
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109812085/

In order to use the "Instantiate templates" function in SIMIT most efficiently in conjunction with
SIMATIC PCS 7, the following requirements must be met:
• The PLC program has been configured using Control Module Types (CMTs).

Figure 6-7 Control Module Type "GS_ValveLean"

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

• The PLC program has been exported into an XML file (Automation Interface).
• Templates in SIMIT have been configured to match the CMT in PCS 7.

6.3.1 Exporting an XML file from PCS 7

Follow these steps to create the XML file:

1. Open the "SIMIT_GS_MP" PCS 7 multiproject.

2. In the context menu of the AS project, choose the "Export XML…" item.
3. Choose a suitable storage location and click on the "Save" button to complete the export.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 45
 6 Device level simulation

Figure 6-8 Context menu command "Export XML…" in SIMATIC Manager

6.3.2 Creating the "GS_ValveLean" template from a chart

You create the templates on the "Templates" task card. There, you can create "User Templates"
and "Project Templates". The project templates are stored automatically in folder "ppatt" of the
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

project path. They are part of the project and are archived when a SIMIT project is archived.
"User Templates" are not stored in the project path and are not archived with the project.
However, they are available for all SIMIT projects being edited on the PC.

Since there are other valves in the PCS 7 project apart from "NK111", you can use the "NK111"
chart that you already created in chapter "6.2 Creating your first simulation model" as your first
template once you have made a modification. In this case, placeholder tags replace the
parameters of the objects in the chart. The placeholders and partial placeholders below are
available:
• ChartName
• COUPLING
• {$ChartName}...
• {$COUPLING}…

The symbol indicates that the placeholder function is activated on the parameter. The
placeholder function is not active if this symbol is shown.

Proceed as follows to create a template from an existing chart:

1. In the tool window, choose the "Templates" task card.

2. In the project window, highlight chart "NK111" (1) and drag it to the project templates (the
existing chart must be closed first).

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 46
 6 Device level simulation

Figure 6-9: Creating templates from charts

2
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

3. Rename the new template "GS_ValveLean" (2). To do this, choose shortcut menu item
"Rename".

Note For later instancing on the basis of existing engineering data, the name of the
template must be identical to the name of the CMT in the PCS 7 project.

4. Double-click on the template to open it.

5. Select the output connector in the template.
6. In the "General > Signal" property, activate the placeholder function ( 1) for both input
fields.
7. Enter the "COUPLING" placeholder in the first field. It will be changed to the
connection/coupling name when the behavior model is generated later.
8. Enter the tag name "CTRL.PV_Out" in the second field. The name must match the tag
name from the CMT (2) ("SubCM.Signal" or "SubCM.Parameter").
9. Repeat the procedure for both input signals. Enter the "COUPLING / FbkOpen.PV_In" (3)
and "COUPLING / FbkClose.PV_In" (4) placeholders here.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 47
 6 Device level simulation

Figure 6-10 Modifying the signal and parameter name in the SIMIT template

2
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

10. Adapt the parameters of the other SIMIT components based on the Table below:

Table 6-3
Component Parameter Value
MUL General > Name {$ChartName}_MUL
Input > X1 0.5
Input > X2 Valve.MonTiDynamic
XOR General > Name {$ChartName}_XOR
Input > IN2 Valve.SafePos
DriveV1 General > Name {$ChartName}_Drive
Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/HI
Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/Lo
Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/Y

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 48
 6 Device level simulation

Note Values "Valve.MonTiDynamic" and "Valve.SafePos" are technological

parameters that are set in the Control Module on the "Valve" block. The
"Instantiate templates" function reads the value from the export file and applies
the value at the corresponding component inputs in the SIMIT behavior model.
These parameters must also be configured as technological parameters on the
CMT.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

6.3.3 Creating additional templates

The Control Module Types below are used in the PCS 7 project:
• GS_ValveLean
• GS_MotorLean
• GS_AnaMon
• GS_ValveAna
• GS_Dose

You are already familiar with the general procedure for creating charts and templates from the
"GS_ValveLean" template. You can now create the remaining templates on the basis of the
following Tables. The advantages of scaling in SIMIT device model templates, as compared to
scaling in the coupling, will become clear when using templates. First, modifications that affect
all behavior models must only be made once: centrally in the corresponding template of the
CMT counterpart. Second, the standardization and scaling values can be easily automated
through the use of placeholders and consistently reused from the PCS 7 project.

CAUTION Scaling
In these templates, scaling is carried out using the standard objects in the chart.
If you have already carried out scaling in the VC coupling, remove it.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 49
 6 Device level simulation

GS_MotorLean
Simulates the feedback of a simple drive.
Create a new template called "GS_MotorLean" and insert the components and controls below:

Table 6-4: Components of "GS_MotorLean"

Component Parameter Value
Connectors > Output General > Signal COUPLING / Start.PV_Out
Standard > Analog Basic > MUL General > Name {$ChartName}_MUL
Input > X1 0.5
Input > X2 Motor.MonTiDynamic
Drives > DriveP1 General > Name {$ChartName}_Drive
Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/FbkRun
Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/Dir
Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/Y
Standard > Misc > BConnector General > Name {$ChartName}_TripLocal_BCon
Standard > Misc > BConnector General > Name {$ChartName}_MaintLocal_BCon
Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / FbkRun.PV_In
Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / TripLocal.PV_In
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / MaintLocal.PV_In

Table 6-5: Controls of "GS_MotorLean"

Control Parameter Value
Input > Pushbutton General > Name {$ChartName}_TripLocal_Push
Input > Pushbutton General > Name {$ChartName}_MaintLocal_Push

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 50
 6 Device level simulation

Interconnect the components as shown in the Figure below:

Figure 6-11 SIMIT template "GS_MotorLean"

Note The input signals for manual switches are optional connections of Control
Module Types. The Control Modules that do not use this option are not created
in the SIMIT charts of these input connectors either. For this, the option "Remove
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

elements with empty replacements" must be enabled in the "Instantiate

templates" dialog.

GS_AnaMon
Simulates the feedback of an analog value process tag.
Create a new template called "GS_AnaMon" and insert the components, controls, and macros
below:

Table 6-6: Components of "GS_AnaMon"

Component Parameter Value
Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/PV
Standard > General > Name {$ChartName}_Selection
AnalogExtended >
Selection
Standard > AnalogBasic > General > Name {$ChartName}_ADD
ADD
Input > X2 250.0
Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Phys2Raw
Phys2Raw
Parameter > Phys_Lower_Limit Input.Low
Parameter > Phys_Upper_Limit Input.High
Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Signed2Unsigned
Signed2Unsigned
Parameter > Width 2 bytes
Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / Input.PV_In

Table 6-7: Controls of "GS_AnaMon"

Control Parameter Value
Input > Switch General > Name {$ChartName}_Switch

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 51
 6 Device level simulation

Table 6-8: Macros of "GS_AnaMon"

Macro Parameter Value
Basic macros > Sine General > Name {$ChartName}_Sine
Input > CycleDuration 5.0
Input > Amplitude 250.0

Interconnect the components as shown in the Figure below:

Figure 6-12 SIMIT template "GS_AnaMon"

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Note Using the switch, you can select between the simulated process value and a sine
curve. You can use the sine curve to test limit alarms, for example. Simulation of
the process value is carried out at the process level and in described further on
in the Getting Started document.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 52
 6 Device level simulation

GS_ValveAna
Simulates the feedback of an analog valve.
Create a new template called "GS_ValveAna" and insert the components below:

Table 6-9: Components of "GS_ValveAna"

Component Parameter Value
Connectors > Output General > Signal COUPLING / CTRL.PV_Out
Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Unsigned2Signed
Unsigned2Signed
Parameter > Width 2 bytes
Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Raw2Phys
Raw2Phys
Parameter > Phys_Lower_Limit CTRL.Scale\Low
Parameter > Phys_Upper_Limit CTRL.Scale\High
Standard > AnalogBasic > General > Name {$ChartName}_MUL
MUL Input > X1 0.5
Input > X2 Valve.MonTiDynamic
Drives > DriveV4 General > Name {$ChartName}_Drive
Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/HI
Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/LO
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/Y

Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Phys2Raw
Phys2Raw
Parameter > Phys_Lower_Limit Rbk.Scale\Low
Parameter > Phys_Upper_Limit Rbk.Scale\High
Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Signed2Unsigned
Signed2Unsigned
Parameter > Width 2 bytes
Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / FbkOpen.PV_In
Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / FbkClose.PV_In
Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / Rbk.PV_In

Interconnect the components as shown in the Figure below:

Figure 6-13 SIMIT template "GS_ValveAna"

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 53
 6 Device level simulation

GS_Dose
Simulates the feedback of an analog value process tag.
Create a new template called "GS_Dose" and insert the components and controls below:

Table 6-10: Components of "GS_AnaMon"

Component Parameter Value
Connectors > Connector General > Name {$ChartName}/PV
Standard > General > Name {$ChartName}_PTn
AnalogExtended > PTn
Standard > BinaryBasic > General > Name {$ChartName}_Selection
Selection_B
Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Phys2Raw
Phys2Raw
Parameter > Phys_Lower_Limit PV.Low
Parameter > Phys_Upper_Limit PV.High
Standard > Conv > General > Name {$ChartName}_Signed2Unsigned
Signed2Unsigned
Parameter > Width 2 bytes
Connectors > Input General > Signal COUPLING / PV.PV_In

Table 6-11: Controls of "GS_AnaMon"

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Control Parameter Value

Input > Switch General > Name {$ChartName}_Switch

Interconnect the components as shown in the Figure below:

Figure 6-14 SIMIT template "GS_Dose"

Note Using the switch, you can switch over between the simulated process value and
a substitute value. Simulation of the process value is carried out at the process
level and in described further on in the Getting Started document.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 54
 6 Device level simulation

6.4 Instancing templates

The templates we created in chapter 6.3 form the basis for automated instancing of templates.
With a CMT-based import, a chart is generated from the corresponding template in SIMIT for
each CM instance.
For example, the PCS 7 project contains three Control Modules of type "GS_AnaMon" (LI111,
LI112, LI113). With a CMT-based import, three behavior models will now be created in SIMIT
(LI111, LI112, LI113) based on the "GS_AnaMon" template.
The placeholder tags at the input signal are replaced by the coupling in use and the symbol that
is interconnected at input "Input.PV_In". For example:
• COUPLING / Input.PV_In → AS01 / AI_LI111
• COUPLING / Input.PV_In → AS01 / AI_LI112
• COUPLING / Input.PV_In → AS01 / AI_LI113

In the case of the partial placeholders that are used, the system replaces the corresponding
characters. For example:
• {$ChartName}/PV → LI111/PV
• {$ChartName}/PV → LI112/PV
• {$ChartName}/PV → LI113/PV
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Performing an "Instantiate templates" operation

Proceed as follows:

1. Start the CMT import with the menu command "Automatic modelling > Instantiate
templates".
2. In the "Instantiate templates" dialog, select the following settings:
– In the "Import file" field, choose the XML file that you created in chapter "6.3.1 Exporting
an XML file from PCS 7".
– Select the PLC coupling that you want to use.
– In the "Template folder" field, select the path to the "ppatt" template folder of the project.

Note The "Preview" button adds an area to the dialog in which you can have the
system display all of the data that are created by the import.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 55
 6 Device level simulation

Figure 6-15 Import dialog – Instantiate templates

3
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

3. Click the "Import" button. If charts of the same name already exist, you can overwrite the
existing ones or cancel importation.
4. After importing successfully, the system displays a dialog containing a summary.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 56
 6 Device level simulation

Note The CMT "GS_MotorLean" was created in the PCS 7 project with optional
technological connectors (variants). The instance of the Control Module
"NP111b" does without these connections. For this reason, the system indicates
that it was not possible to create two tags. The two inputs have been removed
from the chart.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

6.5 Current version

In chapter 6, you created the simulation models of the actuators and sensors. At this time, you
can already monitor the behavior of the actuators and sensors in OS Runtime. You can now
open and close valves or start drives. Apart from this, you can supply a substitute value, e.g. a
sine value for fill levels, to the process tags by operating the corresponding switch on the chart.
This type of virtual commissioning – without process modeling – is common practice today due
to easy and consistent generation with SIMATIC PCS 7 and SIMATIC PCS neo.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 57
 6 Device level simulation

Figure 6-16 Virtual commissioning with behavior models on the device level
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

However, realistic operation of the plant is only partially possible, since full sequences (SFCs) or
interlock scenarios cannot be subjected to additional testing without operator actions or
"manipulation" on the simulation side.

With an S7-410 controller emulated with the Virtual Controller, it is possible to simulate certain
hardware faults (to a lesser extent than with a SIMIT Unit in a hardware-in-the-loop setup). This
is possible by selecting the respective VC coupling in the project tree and through the Properties
window. Thanks to the consistent use of data from the hardware configuration during VC
creation, the structure of the PLC is available with all modules. Hardware faults can be
simulated by selecting the right devices and modules:

Figure 6-17 Simulating hardware faults with the SIMIT Virtual Controller

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 58
 6 Device level simulation

This can be used to test the correct behavior on the OS side:

Figure 6-18 OS alarms resulting from simulated hardware faults

Deselecting the checkboxes can override the simulated faults. It is possible to test this process
as well as the correct behavior of the monitoring & control station:

Figure 6-19 Override of a hardware fault simulated with the Virtual Controller
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Another useful feature is the ability to restart one or more VC instances during the runtime via
the distribution of the VC coupling:

Figure 6-20 Restarting a SIMIT Virtual Controller instance during runtime

2
1

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 59
 7 Process level simulation

7 Process level simulation

The physical or plant states of a production facility are simulated on the process level. Modeling
of processes and the associated physical relationships will not typically be covered in full with
pre-made SIMIT components. Therefore, the implementation in this case is somewhat more
complex compared to the signal or device level.
Another consideration here is how precisely a process needs to be modeled in order to meet
requirements for the automation digital twin. Maximum precision with regard to a realistic model
of reality is not always required. For example, simplified process behavior can be more than
sufficient for virtual commissioning. This should always be interpreted in the context of the
specific project and the desired application (see "Preliminary considerations").

Requirements
The following conditions apply to the creation of physical relationships:
• The physical relationship that is to be simulated (or a simplified form of it) must be known.
• The device level must already have been created in SIMIT (if the intent is to test/operate the
automation in comparison to the simulation).

Preliminary considerations
First, you must consider how to replicate the process to be simulated. When doing this, the
effort involved in the development of the process model should not exceed the benefits. A
simple process model is usually sufficiently accurate to test the automation program.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

In this application example, simulation is needed for the following processes:

• Fill level of raw material tank (0 - 500 L)
• Fill level of reactor 1 and reactor 2 (0 - 1000 L)
• Flow rate of RMT to reactor 1 or 2 (0 - 3 L/s)

7.1 Creating the folder structure

To simulate the process, add the "Model" area to the folder structure. Follow the steps below to
create folders in SIMIT:
1. In the shortcut menu of the "Charts" folder, choose the "New folder" item and rename the
new folder "Model".
2. Within folder "Model", create the following sub-folders:
RMT1, Reactor1, Reactor2 and Transfer.

Figure 7-1: Folder structure

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 60
 7 Process level simulation

7.2 Modeling material transportation

The amount of material that is transferred from the raw material tank to the reactors is collected
at process tag "FC111".

The following functions are simulated on the chart:

• The pumping capacity is recorded (0 - 100%)
• The valve settings are recorded (0 - 100%)
• The volumetric flow is calculated (0 - 3 L/s)

Follow the steps below to configure simulation of the transfer rate:

1. In the "Transfer" folder create a new chart called "Transfer".
2. Paste all of the components into the chart that are described in the Table below.

Table 7-1
Symbol Qty. Name Library Description
3 MinMax Standard > Outputs the minimum or
AnalogExtended maximum value. The
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

number of inputs is
variable.
2 MUL Standard > Multiplies 1 to n analog
AnalogBasic values

1 ADD Standard > Adds 1 to n analog values

AnalogBasic

13 Connector Connectors Connectors make

connections within the
project

3. Place, connect, and parameterize the components as shown in the illustration below. Also
change the names of all of the objects such that you can match them to the associated
chart, e.g. "Transfer_MUL1" for a multiplier.

Figure 7-2: "Transfer" simulation chart

1 2

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 61
 7 Process level simulation

Configuration notes
(1) You can link connectors directly with the connections of other components by dragging and
dropping them to a connection. This means that the connection in the form of a line is
omitted and the " " component connections are not displayed. Both variants have equal
priority.

(2) Some components can carry out different tasks. For example: the "MinMax" component can
check multiple values for a minimum value or a maximum value. This can be configured in
the properties under "Parameter > MinMax".

(3) On some components, you can configure a different number of inputs. Simply drag on the
upper or lower connection point to enlarge the component and thus display additional
connections.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 62
 7 Process level simulation

7.3 Modeling the raw material tank

We only need a fill level for the raw material tank (RMT). The system acquires the fill level at
process tag "LI111".

The following functions are simulated on the chart:

• The system uses an integrator to acquire the fill level. A positive value on the integrator
allows the fill level to rise and a negative one allows it to drop.
• The maximum volume is 500 L.
• The volumetric flow is taken from the "Transfer" chart.
• If a lower limit value is violated, the fill level is incremented by 15 L/s until the fill level
exceeds an upper value.

Follow the steps below to configure simulation of the fill level:

1. In the "RMT1" folder, create a new chart called "RMT1".
2. Paste all of the components into the chart that are described in the Table below.

Table 7-2
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Symbol Qty. Name Library Description

1 PTn Standard > Integrator to calculate the
AnalogExtended fill level

2 Selection Standard > Chooses between two

AnalogExtended analog values

2 Compare Standard > Comparators can compare

AnalogExtended the two input values
according to different logic,
for example "smaller than"
or "greater than".
1 RS_FF Standard > RS-Flip Flop – resetting
BinaryExtended has priority

1 MUL Standard > Multiplies 1 to n analog

AnalogBasic values

1 ADD Standard > Adds 1 to n analog values

AnalogBasic

3 Connector Connectors Connectors make

connections within the
project

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 63
 7 Process level simulation

3. Place, connect, and parameterize the components as shown in the Figure below. Also
change the names of all of the objects such that you can match them to the associated
chart, e.g. "RMT1_INT" for the integrator.

Figure 7-3: "RMT1" simulation chart

Configuration notes
Some components can carry out different tasks. For example: the "Compare" component (1)
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

can carry out a comparison in four different ways. You can choose the comparison logic in the
properties under "Parameter > Comparison".

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 64
 7 Process level simulation

7.4 Modeling of reactor 1

We only need a fill level for reactor 1. The system acquires the fill level at process tag "LI112".

The following functions are simulated on the chart:

• The system uses an integrator to acquire the fill level. A positive value on the integrator
allows the fill level to rise and a negative one allows it to drop.
• The maximum volume is 1000 L.
• The volumetric flow is taken from the "Transfer" chart.
• If an upper value is exceeded, the fill level is decremented by 15 L/s until the fill level falls
below a lower value.

Follow the steps below to configure simulation of the fill level:

1. In the "Reactor1" folder, create a new chart called "Reactor1".
2. Paste all of the components into the chart that are described in the Table below.

Table 7-3
Symbol Qty. Name Library Description
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

1 PTn Standard > Integrator to calculate the

AnalogExtended fill level

1 Selection Standard > Chooses between two

AnalogExtended analog values

2 Compare Standard > You can configure

AnalogExtended comparators for different
comparisons
1 RS_FF Standard > RS-Flip Flop – resetting
BinaryExtended has priority

1 ADD Standard > Adds 1 to n analog values

AnalogBasic

2 Connector Connectors Connectors make

connections within the
project

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 65
 7 Process level simulation

3. Place, connect, and parameterize the components as shown in the illustration below. Also
change the names of all of the objects such that you can match them to the associated
chart, e.g. "Reactor1_INT" for the integrator.

Figure 7-4

7.5 Modeling of reactor 2

The process model for reactor 2 is identical to reactor 1. For this reason, you can simply copy
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

the chart and then make the necessary changes for reactor 2. The system acquires the fill level
at process tag "LI113".

Proceed as follows:
1. Copy the "Reactor1" chart and paste it into the "Reactor2" folder.
2. Rename the chart to "Reactor2".

3. Change the parameters and the names of all of the objects to match the use of reactor 2.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 66
 7 Process level simulation

Figure 7-5
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 67
 7 Process level simulation

7.6 Current version

In chapter 7, you configured simulation of the physical behavior of the system. You are now in a
position to test the PLC program for correct functioning.
With the OS runtime started, you can, for example, run the sequencer for material transfer or
analyze the dosing behavior with new parameters.
In the simulation charts, it is also possible to view the individual process values in the properties
of the components.

Figure 7-6 Monitoring and control of the process simulated in SIMIT, via operator station
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 68
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8 Visualization in SIMIT
SIMIT gives you the option of adding a graphical user interface to the simulation. In this way,
you can monitor and control the system directly in the simulation regardless of whether or not
your programmable controller has a visualization.
There are several prefabricated SIMIT components in the Tools menu that allow you to do this.
On the "Controls" task card, you can find components like analog or digital displays, for
example, that you can use to display process values. Apart from this, there are switches,
pushbuttons and sliders there that can be used to enter values and signals.
In this chapter, you will create in SIMIT the graphical user interface for your system as shown in
the screenshot below:

Figure 8-1 Graphical user interface in SIMIT

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

The illustration includes static and dynamic components as well as components for the input
and output of values and signals.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 69
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.1 Creating graphics

In principle, it does not matter how you create the graphics for visualization. The best thing to do
is to use the graphics tool that you are most familiar with. SIMIT can display the following image
formats: "bmp", "jpg", "jpeg", "png", "gif", "tiff", and "ico". You can also use the integrated SIMIT
graphics functions to draw the image; however, you will soon realize that the options are very
limited and your charts will not be very clear.

Note All of the images that have been created in this application example are also in
the download file that has been made available.

You need the graphics below for the sample system:

• Vertical and horizontal valves in the "Closed" (gray) and "Open" (green) operating states.
• Drives in the "Off" (gray) and "On" (green) operating states.
• A background image including the containers and pipes
(Since the valves and drives are always visible, you can draw the gray variants directly into
the background image)

If you can access configuration of the OS (OS-Engineering) from PCS 7, you can also use these
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

graphics easily. We will address this procedure below.

Note The images that are used in the example are in folder "SIMIT_GS_Pics" in the
download archive.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 70
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.1.1 Prepare the background image

Follow the steps below to prepare the background image:

1. Open the plant display with WinCC Graphics Designer. Create a copy of the plant display
("Save as….").
2. Modify the background color of the WinCC picture (e.g. to white) and deactivate the grid
display if applicable.
3. Remove all of the components from the picture that you do not want to use later.

Figure 8-2: Original and modified WinCC image

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

8.1.2 Creating symbols

You can create the symbols of the drives and valves in the Graphics Designer too. There are a
number of options available for this, e.g. you could use the "Dissolve user objects" function to
break down APL block icons into all of their individual components. However, they contain a lot
of objects and are unclear.
The easiest thing to do is to insert a graphics object into the WinCC picture and to assign the
corresponding APL symbol as an image. All of the APL symbols in the OS project are in EMF
format.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 71
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

Proceed as follows:
1. Create a new WinCC picture called "SIMIT Symbols.pdl".
2. Insert a "Graphic Object" (1) to the WinCC image and choose a square shape (2). For
example, "Geometry > Width / Height = 40".
3. Select the APL pictogram for a started drive "apl_bi_MotL_on_down.emf" (3).
4. In the properties, choose the "Effects > Global Shadow / Global Color Scheme = No" setting
(4).
5. Create six copies of the inserted picture and choose the pictograms below for display:
– apl_bi_MotL_off_down.emf
– apl_bi_VlvAnL_closed_V8.emf
– apl_bi_VlvAnL_opened_V8.emf
– apl_bi_VlvAnL_closed_90_V8.emf
– apl_bi_VlvAnL_closing_90_V8.emf
– apl_bi_VlvAnL_opened_90_V8.emf

Figure 8-3
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

6. Copy the gray symbols into the WinCC image showing the SIMIT background.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 72
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

Figure 8-4: SIMT background picture created in WinCC Graphics Designer

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Note Since the gray symbols in SIMIT are always displayed, they can also be
components of the background picture. This will reduce the number of objects in
the SIMIT project later.

8.1.3 Creating graphics

Using the WinCC Graphics Designer, you can export pictures but this is only possible in EMF
format that SIMIT cannot read. This makes it necessary to convert to a different format using an
external graphics program.
To minimize the amount of time and effort needed for this, it is best to use a screenshot tool
(like the Windows 7 Snipping Tool, for example) to create the graphic.

Proceed as follows:
1. Open the picture containing the SIMIT background in the Graphics Designer. Make sure
that the display size is 100%.
2. Grab a screenshot and crop the unneeded areas. If you use the Snipping Tool, you can use
the Rectangular Snip setting to select the necessary area when you grab the screenshot.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 73
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

3. Save the picture in PNG format. The background image should look something like this:

4. Open the picture containing the SIMIT symbols in the Graphics Designer. Make sure that
the display size is 100%.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

5. In each case, grab a screenshot of the colored symbols and crop the unneeded areas.
6. The individual symbols should be in the same image format as was set in WinCC. For
example: 40x40 pixels.
7. Save the individual symbols in PNG format. The symbols should look something like this:

Note Use PNG-format graphics with a transparent background for the pictograms.
This improves the display quality in the SIMIT project.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 74
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.2 Creating visualization in SIMIT

To visualize the process, add the "Visualization" area to the folder structure. Proceed as follows:
1. In the shortcut menu of the "Charts" folder, choose the "New folder" item and rename the
new folder "Visualization".
2. In the folder, create a new chart called "Visualization".
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 75
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.2.1 Create plant display

Follow the steps below to configure the background image:

1. Open the "Visualization" chart and adapt the size to the background image that you created
before (under "General" in the Properties window). In the example, the background image
measures 1200 x 800 pixels.
2. In the properties, choose the background image in "General > Background image".
3. Add labels to the image using instances of the "Text" graphics object.

Figure 8-5
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

8.2.2 Display process values

You can simply drag signals into the chart from the signal list. In this way, you insert the objects
below into the chart:
• A text field containing the signal name
• A digital input control that has already been configured with the signal to be displayed
• A signal isolator for manual entry of a substitute value (forcing)

Not every signal is suitable for display on the chart. For example, signal "AS01/LI111" (fill level
of raw material tank) has already been converted into the raw format for the controller. To be
able to display the fill level correctly on the chart, you can use a signal that is available before
conversion.

Proceed as follows:

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 76
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

1. Open simulation chart LI111.

2. Select the last component (1) before conversion and make a note of the name (2) of the
object.

Figure 8-6: Logic operation visualization and output of the Selection block

2
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

3. Search for output signal "Y" of the object in the signal list and drag and drop it to the
visualization chart.

4. Change the label of the signal to "Level Raw Material Tank".

5. Add the signals below in the same way:
– Reactor 1: "LI112_Selection / Y"
– Reactor 2: "LI113_Selection / Y"

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 77
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.2.3 Configuring operator controls and displays

In the simulation, it is intended for the system to be able to display the fill levels of the
containers using a simulated process value or a sine value. At pump drive "NP111a" it should
be possible to make local inputs using two signals. It should be possible to visualize the servo
position of analog valve "NK112" using a bar graph.

You need the following objects:

Table 8-1
Symbol Name Library Description
Text Graphic > Graphic tools Text box

Switch Controls > Input Switch for a binary

signal

Digital input Controls > Input Input field for a

process value

Bar graph Controls > Display Graphic display for a

display process value
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Proceed as follows:

1. Using Controls > Input > Switch, add a switch (1) to the chart and parameterize the
following properties:
– General > Name = "LI111_Switch_Amp"
– Connector > Signal = "LI111_Switch / X" (2)
2. Using Controls > Input > Digital Input, add an input field to the chart and parameterize the
following properties:
– General > Name = "LI111_DI_Amp"
– Connector > Signal = "LI111_Sine / Amplitude"
3. Add text boxes with corresponding labels.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 78
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

Figure 8-7 Inserting operator controls

4
1

2
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

4. Use the same method to add the operator controls and visualization elements along with
labels for reactor 1, reactor 2 and the pump drive "NP111a" (4). Use the signals that are
described in the Table below:

Table 8-2
Control Parameter Value
Input > Switch General > Name LI112_Switch_Amp
Connector > Signal LI112_Switch / X
Input > Digital Input General > Name LI112_DI_Amp
Connector > Signal LI112_Sine / Amplitude
Input > Switch General > Name LI113_Switch_Amp
Connector > Signal LI113_Switch / X
Input > Digital Input General > Name LI113_DI_Amp
Connector > Signal LI113_Sine / Amplitude
Input > Switch General > Name NP111a_Switch_Trip
Connector > Signal NP111a_TripLocal_Push / X
Input > Switch General > Name NP111a_Switch_Maint
Connector > Signal NP111a_MaintLocal_Push / X

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 79
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

Note You can reduce the time and effort needed for configuration by selecting several
objects and copying them. To do this, drag a frame around the desired objects
and press <Ctrl+C> to copy them and <Ctrl+V> to paste them.

After this, change the parameters of the copied objects.

5. Use "Controls > Display > Bar graph display" to add a bar graph display with the
parameters below to the chart:
– General > Name = "NK112_Pos_BarDisplay"
– Connector > Signal = "NK112_Drive / Y"
– View > Orientation = "Vertical"

Figure 8-8: Visualizing the valve position

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 80
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.2.4 Animating device icons

You need several animated graphics in the chart to visualize the drives, the operating status of
a valve, or the fill level of a container.
Below, we will show you how to dynamize objects from the "Graphic > Graphic tools" library.
The additional "Animations" property is available for these objects.
Follow the steps below to display an open valve:
1. Insert a rectangle in the chart with the following parameters:
(The side length of the picture to be displayed is 40 pixels)
– General > Name = "NK111_Pic_Open"
– Appearance > Fill color > Image… = "GS_SIMIT_VlvL_90_Opened.png"
– Appearance > Line color = "No color"
– Layout > Width = "40.0"
– Layout > Height = "40.0"
2. Position the picture directly above the representation of the closed valve NK111 in the
background. If you use the supplied sample graphics, this is position X=566, Y=208.
3. In chart NK111, find the signal that is set when the valve is open. For valve NK111, the
signal is "NK111_Drive / HI".
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 81
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

4. Add a new animation to the graphic object. To do this, double-click in Properties on

"Animations > New animation". Create the animation "Visibility" using the following
parameters:
– Animations > Visibility > Signal = "NK111_Drive / HI"
– Animations > Visibility > Visible if signal 'True' = Yes

Figure 8-9: Animated valve symbol

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

5. Create six copies of the graphic object that you have just generated and change the
parameters per the Table below:

Table 8-3
Symbol Parameter Value
Motor NP111a General > Name LI111a_Pic_On
Appearance > Fill Color > Image GS_SIMIT_MotL_Run.png
Animations > Visibility > Signal NP111a_DriveP1 / FB_Run
Animations > Visibility > Visible if signal 'True' Yes
Motor NP111b General > Name LI111b_Pic_On
Appearance > Fill Color > Image GS_SIMIT_MotL_Run.png
Animations > Visibility > Signal NP111b_DriveP1 / FB_Run
Animations > Visibility > Visible if signal 'True' Yes
Valve NK112 General > Name NK112_Pic_Half
Appearance > Fill Color > Image GS_SIMIT_VlvL_90_Half.png
Animations > Visibility > Signal NK112_DriveV4 / HI
(Display from 5%) Animations > Visibility > Visible if signal 'True' Yes

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 82
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

Symbol Parameter Value

Valve NK112 General > Name NK112_Pic_Open
Appearance > Fill Color > Image GS_SIMIT_VlvL_90_Opened.png
Animations > Visibility > Signal NK112_DriveV4 / HI
(Display from Animations > Visibility > Visible if signal 'True' Yes
95%)
Valve NK113 General > Name NK113_Pic_Open
Appearance > Fill Color > Image GS_SIMIT_VlvL_Opened.png
Animations > Visibility > Signal NK113_Drive / HI
Animations > Visibility > Visible if signal 'True' Yes
Valve NK114 General > Name NK114_Pic_Open
Appearance > Fill Color > Image GS_SIMIT_VlvL_Opened.png
Animations > Visibility > Signal NK114_Drive / HI
Animations > Visibility > Visible if signal 'True' Yes

Note From 5% opening onward, valve NK112 shows the symbol for the intermediate
position. From 95% onward, the system displays the symbol for the open valve.
When configuring, make sure that the "open" symbol is above the "half-open"
symbol. You can use the commands on the toolbar to change the display
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

level.

6. Place all of the symbols exactly above the corresponding ones in the background image.

Figure 8-10 Visualization with animated symbols

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 83
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.2.5 Animate tank fill levels

To animate fill levels, you need two rectangles that are above one
another in each case. The rear rectangle is the background and
represents the empty tank. This rectangle is not animated. The size
and position of the front rectangle are animated. It represents the fill
level of the tank.
When the tank is 100% full, you can see a border of about one pixel
around the rear rectangle, which gives the impression of a frame.
Proceed as follows:
1. Insert a "Rectangle" graphic object in the chart with the following parameters:
– General > Name = "LI111_Bar_Back"
– Appearance > Fill color = black
– Appearance > Line color = "No color"
– Layout > Position = X=610, Y=50
– Layout > Width = 25
– Layout > Height = 115
2. Insert another rectangle in the chart with the following parameters:
– General > Name = "LI111_Bar_Front"
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

– Appearance > Fill color = green

– Appearance > Line color = "No color"
– Layout > Position = X=611, Y=163
– Layout > Width = 23
– Layout > Height = 1

Note The size and positions of the rectangles depending on the background graphic
that you use, of course. The coordinates that are stated here refer to the
supplied background image.

This is now the initial representation of the bar graph. For animation, you must first determine a
few values and make calculations. You need the parameters below for the animation:
• Process value (signal)
• Range (minimum and maximum fill level
• Scaling factor
• Relative distance

You determine signal (LI111_Selection / Y) for the process value as shown in chapter "8.2.2
Display process values". You can determine the minimum fill level and the maximum fill level (1)
in chart RMT1.

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 84
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

Figure 8-11: Determining values in the chart

The object is only scaled in the Y direction starting from the parameterized height (1 pixel) and it
is calculated using the following formula:
𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑌 = 100 ∗ 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 + 100 = 100 ∗ 113 + 100 = 11400

Note The height corresponds to the height of the rectangle when 100% filled.
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Since the rectangle is always drawn from the top right, you must use the formula below to
calculate the distance relative to the height:
𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑌 = −1 ∗ 100 ∗ 𝐻𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 = −1 ∗ 100 ∗ 113 = −11300

3. Use "New Animation > Scaling" to create scaling for the "LI113_Bar_Front" object with the
following parameters:
– Scaling > Signal = "LI111_Selection / Y"
– Scaling > Initial value = 0.0
– Scaling > End value = 500.0
– Scaling > Scaling = X=100.0, Y=11400.0
– Scaling > Distance = X=0.0, Y=-11300.0

Figure 8-12: Animated rectangle to represent a fill level

4. Create two copies of both rectangles for the reactors' fill level displays and change the
parameters in accordance with the following Table:

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 85
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

Table 8-4
Object Property Value
Bar graph of General > Name LI112_Bar_Back
reactor 1
Layout > Position X=215, Y=595
background
Layout > Width 15
Layout > Height 145
Bar graph of General > Name LI112_Bar_Front
reactor 1
Layout > Position X=216, Y=738
foreground
Layout > Width 13
Layout > Height 1
Animations > Scaling > Signal LI112_Selection / Y
Animations > Scaling > Initial Value 0.0
Animations > Scaling > End Value 1000.0
Animations > Scaling > Scaling X=100, Y=14400
Animations > Scaling > Distance X=0, Y=-14300
Bar graph of General > Name LI113_Bar_Back
reactor 2
Layout > Position X=990, Y=595
background
Layout > Width 15
Layout > Height 145
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

Bar graph of General > Name LI113_Bar_Front

reactor 2
Layout > Position X=991, Y=738
foreground
Layout > Width 13
Layout > Height 1
Animations > Scaling > Signal LI113_Selection / Y
Animations > Scaling > Initial Value 0.0
Animations > Scaling > End Value 1000.0
Animations > Scaling > Scaling X=100, Y=14400
Animations > Scaling > Distance X=0, Y=-14300

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 86
 8 Visualization in SIMIT

8.3 Current version

In chapter 8, you added a graphical user interface to the simulation. You are now in a position to
monitor the (process) simulation in SIMIT, make changes to settings as desired, and test
operator and/or fault scenarios. The system shows the process values of the tank fill levels as
text and as graphics. The icons of the drives and the valves display the current status of the
field devices.

Figure 8-13: Visualization of the process model in SIMIT

© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 87
 9 Appendix

9 Appendix
9.1 Service and support
Industry Online Support
Do you have any questions or need assistance?
Siemens Industry Online Support offers round the clock access to our entire service and support
know-how and portfolio.
The Industry Online Support is the central address for information about our products, solutions
and services.
Product information, manuals, downloads, FAQs, application examples and videos – all
information is accessible with just a few mouse clicks:
support.industry.siemens.com

Technical Support
The Technical Support of Siemens Industry provides you fast and competent support regarding
all technical queries with numerous tailor-made offers
– ranging from basic support to individual support contracts.
Please send queries to Technical Support via Web form:
support.industry.siemens.com/cs/my/src
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

SITRAIN – Digital Industry Academy

We support you with our globally available training courses for industry with practical
experience, innovative learning methods and a concept that’s tailored to the customer’s specific
needs.
For more information on our offered trainings and courses, as well as their locations and dates,
refer to our web page:
siemens.com/sitrain

Service offer
Our range of services includes the following:
• Plant data services
• Spare parts services
• Repair services
• On-site and maintenance services
• Retrofitting and modernization services
• Service programs and contracts
You can find detailed information on our range of services in the service catalog web page:
support.industry.siemens.com/cs/sc

Industry Online Support app

You will receive optimum support wherever you are with the "Siemens Industry Online Support"
app. The app is available for iOS and Android:
support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/sc/2067

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 88
 9 Appendix

9.2 Industry Mall

The Siemens Industry Mall is the platform on which the entire siemens Industry product portfolio
is accessible. From the selection of products to the order and the delivery tracking, the Industry
Mall enables the complete purchasing processing – directly and independently of time and
location:
mall.industry.siemens.com

9.3 Links and literature

Table 9-1
No. Topic
© Siemens AG 2023 All rights reserved

\1\ Siemens Industry Online Support

https://support.industry.siemens.com
\2\ Link to the article page of the application example
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109746485
\3\ "SIMATIC SIMIT Simulation Platform (V11)" manual
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109812085
\4\ SIMIT Simulation Overview
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109746429
\5\ FAQ "How do you connect a SIMIT Virtual Controller (VC) to an Operator Station (OS)?"
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109812729

9.4 Change documentation

Table 9-2
Version Date Change
V1.0 06/2017 First edition
V2.0 02/2023 Upgrade to SIMIT V11.0 SP1 and PCS 7 V9.1 SP2, migration of HW
Config to PROFINET and ET 200SP HA, integration of new SIMIT
features, supplemental device level implementation with SIMIT Solutions
Device Library

SIMIT V11.0 SP1 Getting Started

Article ID: 109746485, V2.0, 02/2023 89