IDE software adds advanced capabilities

PAC Machine Edition 10.6 Release adds a PLC Simulator and performance improvements to its integrated development environment, improving developer productivity.

Emerson has released PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6, the integrated development environment software used to configure and manage control system devices, including PACSystems PLCs, QuickPanel HMIs, and more. This update is the latest and most advanced version, promoting the user experience with a notable leap forward in capabilities, including simulation, data monitoring enhancements, optimised connectivity, and programming efficiency. If any PACSoftware users are out of support, if they reinstate primary support before 1 April 2025, they will receive 75% off of the list price.

PACSystems Simulator is a newly integrated component that empowers users to easily write, test, and troubleshoot control logic on a PLC emulator. This can be done before purchasing new control hardware to speed development and ensure the correct selections are made. The Simulator is seamlessly integrated within PME, easy to set up, and fast to enable with just one button. Users benefit from the ability to continuously test code throughout development, minimising risks and accelerating project implementation.

An all-new data monitor component empowers developers to quickly diagnose and resolve logic issues using plotted data, whether the data is sourced from a physical PLC or the Simulator. With advanced configuration options for visualising and analysing data in a modernised display and the ability to save and retrieve monitor configurations, users can gain insights into system dynamics, detect root causes of anomalies rapidly, and uncover trending conditions.

A new high-performance OPC-UA PAC Server accelerates PLC communication performance for visualisation and other client applications, with double the tag count capacity, faster startup speeds, and improved processing efficiency. Similarly, PROFINET enhancements provide more efficient configuration and operation – with extra diagnostics – for communication with intelligent field devices, such as I/O, sensors, VFDs, and more.

PME 10.6 includes notable improvements in data handling. Enhanced UDTs now propagate data element descriptions across all application instances, ensuring consistency while saving configuration time.

End users, systems integrators (SIs), and OEMs can readily upgrade to PME 10.6 to access the PACSystems Simulator, improved data monitoring, optimised connectivity, and more. These features benefit automation system designers with shortened development time, increased visibility, better consistency, and improved performance.