What is the difference between Studio 5000 Simulation Interface Developer and Run-Time?
Learn when to use Simulation Interface Developer versus Run-Time for developing, configuring, and operating Logix-connected simulation applications.
Studio 5000 Simulation Interface connects Logix controllers with external simulation and modeling tools, including models using the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI/FMU) standard. It can be used for applications such as virtual commissioning, simulation, testing, and validation of control systems.
Rockwell Automation offers Studio 5000 Simulation Interface in Developer and Run-Time versions. The primary difference is how the software is intended to be used.
Developer
Use Simulation Interface Developer when the simulation integration is being engineered, configured, modified, or tested.
Typical uses include:
• Developing a new simulation application
• Importing and working with simulation models or FMUs
• Configuring the relationship between the simulation model and a Logix controller
• Mapping simulation variables to Logix controller tags
• Developing and troubleshooting model-to-controller interactions
• Performing engineering and virtual commissioning work
A simple way to think about Developer is:
Developer = Build and configure the simulation solution.
Run-Time
Use Simulation Interface Run-Time when the simulation solution has already been developed and the primary requirement is to operate the established simulation rather than engineer it.
Typical applications may include:
• Dedicated simulation systems
• Demonstration systems
• Test or validation stations
• Repeated execution of an established simulation
• Deployed systems where the simulation configuration has already been engineered
A simple way to think about Run-Time is:
Run-Time = Execute an already-engineered simulation solution.
Which version should I use?
If you are developing a new simulation, configuring the model/controller integration, changing mappings, or performing engineering work, use Developer.
If the simulation solution has already been engineered and the system primarily needs to execute that established simulation, Run-Time may be appropriate.
For an engineering workstation that needs to both develop and execute simulations, Developer is the appropriate choice.
Important
Developer and Run-Time are separate Rockwell Automation offerings. Licensing, supported software versions, and specific deployment requirements should be verified against current Rockwell Automation product documentation when selecting software for a customer application.
Rockwell Automation offers Studio 5000 Simulation Interface in Developer and Run-Time versions. The primary difference is how the software is intended to be used.
Developer
Use Simulation Interface Developer when the simulation integration is being engineered, configured, modified, or tested.
Typical uses include:
• Developing a new simulation application
• Importing and working with simulation models or FMUs
• Configuring the relationship between the simulation model and a Logix controller
• Mapping simulation variables to Logix controller tags
• Developing and troubleshooting model-to-controller interactions
• Performing engineering and virtual commissioning work
A simple way to think about Developer is:
Developer = Build and configure the simulation solution.
Run-Time
Use Simulation Interface Run-Time when the simulation solution has already been developed and the primary requirement is to operate the established simulation rather than engineer it.
Typical applications may include:
• Dedicated simulation systems
• Demonstration systems
• Test or validation stations
• Repeated execution of an established simulation
• Deployed systems where the simulation configuration has already been engineered
A simple way to think about Run-Time is:
Run-Time = Execute an already-engineered simulation solution.
Which version should I use?
If you are developing a new simulation, configuring the model/controller integration, changing mappings, or performing engineering work, use Developer.
If the simulation solution has already been engineered and the system primarily needs to execute that established simulation, Run-Time may be appropriate.
For an engineering workstation that needs to both develop and execute simulations, Developer is the appropriate choice.
Important
Developer and Run-Time are separate Rockwell Automation offerings. Licensing, supported software versions, and specific deployment requirements should be verified against current Rockwell Automation product documentation when selecting software for a customer application.