Understanding the components of a SoftLogix solution

In this section, we will explore the software and hardware components that interact with SoftLogix. The following diagram displays a typical SoftLogix solution architecture:

The assets in the preceding diagram are as follows:

• SoftLogix Chassis Monitor: This application is the virtual software-based rack that runs on the PC. It allows you to manage the virtual rack modules, monitor the status of the controllers and modules (just like a physical rack), and configure your virtual controllers.
• SoftLogix Controller: This application is a virtual controller process running on a Windows-based PC. The virtual controller runs the RSLogix 5000/Logix Designer programs, such as ladder logic and function block diagrams, that would usually run on a physical controller. It is also capable of running C++-based external routines.
• RSLinx: As discussed in Chapter 6, Industrial Network Communications, RSLinx is a communications gateway that allows PCs to communicate with the Logix controllers.
• IOLinx: This application is an API that allows SoftLogix controllers to read the I/O data from a physical I/O module.

In the following section, we will explore the similarities and differences between SoftLogix 5800 and Logix Emulate 5000.

SoftLogix 5800 versus Logix Emulate 5000

Although we will cover Logix Emulate 5000 in more detail in the next chapter, let's take a look at the differences between the two products. Both of the PC-based controller products provide a virtual rack and controller.

Logix Emulate 5000 is a virtual Logix controller and rack that is designed to allow you to debug your Logix program code using features such as breakpoints and tracepoints. Using Emulate 5000, you can create a virtual test rack using similar modules to a physical rack and even test your project with an HMI. Unlike SoftLogix, Emulate 5000 is not capable of controlling real I/O. Also, communication modules are not supported by Emulate 5000. A typical Logix Emulate 5000 solution consists of modules that are configured in a virtual Logix rack to mimic the end solution. The logic is downloaded and monitored using Logix Designer/RSLogix 5000 in order to troubleshoot it.

The following table outlines some significant differences between these two products:

For simulation and testing, you can easily use either SoftLogix or Emulate 5000. However, if you are looking for advanced debugging/logging features, Emulate 5000 is the better option.

Now that we have introduced the basic elements of SoftLogix and detailed its differences from Emulate, in the following section, we will start to work with a simple SoftLogix program.