Glossary · PLC and control programming
S7-PLCSIM Advanced
Also known as: PLCSIM Advanced, Virtual S7-1500 controller
German: S7-PLCSIM Advanced
In industrial automation, S7-PLCSIM Advanced is Siemens software that simulates S7-1500 controllers as virtual controllers on a PC, including communication interfaces and an API, so that programs can be tested without real controller hardware.
- PLC programming
- Vendor product
In one sentence
S7-PLCSIM Advanced is Siemens software that simulates S7-1500 controllers on a PC for testing and virtual commissioning.
Example
Before the machine is built, the control program runs on a virtual controller in S7-PLCSIM Advanced, connected to a 3D machine model for virtual commissioning.
How it applies
- Engineering: Virtual controllers let teams test logic, HMI connections and communication early. Through its API, the simulation can be linked to plant models and automated test frameworks, which supports virtual commissioning and regression testing.
- Testing: A simulation reproduces the controller's program behavior, not the physical world. Timing, I/O hardware, drives and safety components may behave differently, so tests on the real machine remain necessary.
- Safety: Simulation results can support, but not replace, the validation of safety functions on the real system.
- Documentation: Test reports should state which simulation version and model were used, which tests ran virtually and which on the real machine. That distinction matters in Verification evidence.
Virtual controller vs. soft PLC
A virtual controller in a simulation tool is meant for testing. A Soft PLC is a runtime intended to control real machines on PC hardware.
Keep in mind: product names and features change. Check supported controller types and functions against the vendor's current documentation.