How to Config GX Simulator and GT Simulator

How to Configure GX Simulator and GT Simulator

GX Simulator and GT Simulator are essential Mitsubishi tools for testing and verifying PLC and HMI configurations without needing physical hardware. These simulators streamline debugging, reduce setup time, and help identify issues early in the process. This guide will walk you through setting up GX Simulator and GT Simulator to optimize project testing.

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Step 1: Setting Up GX Simulator for PLC Simulation

GX Simulator is a Mitsubishi tool designed to simulate the behavior of PLC programs created in GX Works3.

1.1 Installing and Opening GX Simulator

1. Install GX Works3: GX Simulator is integrated within GX Works3. Make sure GX Works3 is installed on your computer.
2. Launch GX Simulator: In GX Works3, open a PLC project and select Simulator Mode under the Debug menu. This will open GX Simulator within GX Works3.

1.2 Configuring Simulation Parameters

1. Select Device: Choose the PLC model that you wish to simulate. Ensure it matches the device configuration set up in GX Works3.
2. Input Simulation Settings: Specify your simulation mode:
   • Standard Mode: Simulates normal PLC operation.
   • Debug Mode: Allows step-by-step execution and breakpoints.
3. Set I/O Mapping: Define virtual I/O mapping to simulate connected devices. This setup enables interaction with the simulated PLC environment accurately.

1.3 Starting and Testing in GX Simulator

1. Initiate Simulation: Click Run Simulation to start the GX Simulator.
2. Monitor and Modify: Use GX Works3’s debug tools to monitor variable values, modify register values, and observe how your logic behaves in real-time.
3. Set Breakpoints: Add breakpoints in GX Works3 to analyze specific sections of your logic during execution. This aids in troubleshooting complex logic flows.

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Step 2: Setting Up GT Simulator for HMI Simulation

GT Simulator simulates the HMI interface built with GT Designer3, allowing you to test the display and controls.

2.1 Configuring GT Designer3 for Simulation

1. Install GT Designer3: GT Simulator is included with GT Designer3. Ensure GT Designer3 is installed and open your HMI project.
2. Enable Simulation Mode: Within GT Designer3, open the Simulation Mode by selecting Run in GT Simulator under the Tools menu.

2.2 Configuring Simulation Settings

1. Select Simulation Device: Choose the HMI model that matches your project settings.
2. Set PLC Connection: Define the PLC connection type. If simulating PLC interactions, choose the Direct Connection to GX Simulator. This allows the HMI simulation to interact directly with the simulated PLC.
3. Display Adjustments: Configure your screen settings to reflect the actual dimensions of the target HMI screen.

2.3 Testing HMI Functions

1. Run the Simulator: Start GT Simulator and test HMI interactions such as button presses, screen navigation, and input fields.
2. Validate PLC-HMI Interactions: If connected to GX Simulator, check how HMI inputs affect the PLC program and vice versa. This step verifies the accuracy of data exchange between the HMI and PLC.
3. Debug with Realistic Scenarios: Test typical scenarios and user interactions to confirm that screen transitions, alarms, and data displays perform as expected.

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Step 3: Combining GX Simulator and GT Simulator for Integrated Testing

With both simulators configured, you can now conduct comprehensive testing to ensure seamless interaction between your PLC and HMI designs.

1. Open Both Simulators: Run GX Simulator through GX Works3 and GT Simulator through GT Designer3.
2. Synchronize Data: Confirm that data transfers accurately between the PLC and HMI simulations. Modify variables in the PLC and observe the changes on the HMI screen.
3. Complete Functional Testing: Simulate complete system scenarios, including alarm generation, input triggers, and automated responses. This integrated approach ensures both PLC logic and HMI displays work harmoniously.

Step 4: Exiting and Saving Simulations

1. Stop Simulations: Close both simulators by ending their respective simulation modes in GX Works3 and GT Designer3.
2. Save Progress: Ensure all project configurations are saved in GX Works3 and GT Designer3.

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Summary