Blog > Automation > 5 Reasons to Try FactoryTalk Logix Echo
5 Reasons to Try FactoryTalk Logix Echo
2/1/22 | Eric Haff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Blog > Automation > 5 Reasons to Try FactoryTalk Logix Echo
2/1/22 | Eric Haff, Rexel Technical Consultant
Working from anywhere is becoming a norm in these COVID times, even as the pandemic wanes. FactoryTalk® Logix Echo emulation software from Rockwell Automation® for ControlLogix® 5580 controllers offers a convenient way to save time during prototyping, design, and testing anywhere. Let’s look at some reasons to give it a try.
Don’t have a sandbox or lab at your disposal? With the release of the FactoryTalk Logix Echo emulator, real hardware is not required. Test not only your controller application, but also your visualization, information software, or simulations with an Emulate3D™ digital twin or other simulation product. FactoryTalk Logix Echo software is the successor to the previous generation Studio 5000® Logix Emulate™ software.
Emulating a project in FactoryTalk Logix Echo software is as simple as downloading to the virtual controller, no modifications are required in the Studio 5000 application and I/O is maintained. Studio 5000 Logix Emulate software required a processor change and aliasing I/O points to the virtual I/O Simulator modules. With this newer software, the front port controller ethernet functionality is maintained so connections to an HMI (human-machine interface) via ethernet is supported. By default, a virtual SD card is attached to the controller for data read/write, backup/restore, and logs. A seventeen-slot virtual chassis allows seventeen Logix controllers to co-exist and exchange data via products consumed, connections, or the ability to run unique projects limiting the number of activation licenses required.
Integrating FactoryTalk Logix Echo into your own software application is possible with the included SDK and APIs to build applications that connect directly onto the controller for simulation and data analysis.
Physical requirements for FactoryTalk Logix Echo require a PC with 2.2GHz Intel Core i3 or greater CPU, 2Gb memory for the base FactoryTalk Logix Echo application, and 256MB for each additional emulated controller. If this is deployed on a virtual environment one logical core for the OS, two logical cores for Logix Echo, and one logical core per additional emulated controller instance. It is recommended to allocate 8gb memory or greater.
At first release, FactoryTalk Logix Echo software will emulate Version 33 ControlLogix 5580 controllers, only supporting all the programming languages as well as the PlantPAx® control system functions and motion with virtual axis. GuardLogix®, Compact GuardLogix, and CompactLogix™ controllers are at this release not supported but are planned for future releases.
FactoryTalk Logix Echo is available by subscription only from the Rockwell Automation software eCommerce site. https://commerce.rockwellautomation.com/rockwell/en/USD/ Each license supports up to 17 virtual Logix controllers enabling concurrent users or programs to run simultaneously and offers volume discounts starting at three licenses. For more information, contact us today!