Simulation modelling of sequential fluid power systems using integrated PLC/PC development aids

This work concerns the development of a digital data transfer technique between a PC and PLC to provide for the development and testing of multi-actuator fluid power simulation models. The simulation technique, using schematic fluid power models, is considerably extended with the addition of the encoding/decoding facility. At relatively low cost, substantial improvements in the development and testing of PLC control and monitoring software have been achieved which extend to the simulation of authentic industrial fluid power systems.