What You Need to Know About Softlogix5800 V20: A Soft Controller Based on the Logix Platform
Softlogix5800 V20: A Soft Controller for High Performance and Easy Integration
If you are looking for a software-based controller that can provide high performance, easy integration, and flexibility for your automation system, you might want to consider Softlogix5800 V20. This soft controller is based on the Logix Platform, which is a common control engine and development environment for discrete, drives, motion, process, and safety control. In this article, we will introduce you to Softlogix5800 V20, its features, benefits, applications, and installation steps.
Softlogix5800 V20
What is Softlogix5800 V20?
Softlogix5800 V20 is a soft controller that runs on a personal computer (PC) instead of a hardware controller. It uses the same Logix control engine and common development tools as other Logix5000 family of controllers, such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, GuardLogix, and Compact GuardLogix. This means that you can use the same programming languages, network protocols, and configuration software to program and configure Softlogix5800 V20 as you would with other Logix5000 controllers.
A soft controller based on the Logix Platform
A soft controller is a software application that emulates the functionality of a hardware controller. It executes control logic, communicates with other devices, and performs data processing on a PC. A soft controller can provide several advantages over a hardware controller, such as:
Reduced hardware costs and footprint
Increased flexibility and scalability
Improved performance and reliability
Simplified maintenance and troubleshooting
Enhanced integration with other software applications
Softlogix5800 V20 is based on the Logix Platform, which is a common control engine and development environment for various types of automation control. The Logix Platform provides:
A single integrated control architecture that supports discrete, drives, motion, process, and safety control
A common development environment that supports multiple programming languages, such as ladder logic, structured text, function block, and sequential function chart
A common network protocol that supports EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, and other industrial networks
A common configuration software that supports RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000 Logix Designer, and FactoryTalk View Studio
A scalable software solution for discrete, drives, motion, process, and safety control
Softlogix5800 V20 is a scalable software solution that can handle various types of automation control. It can support discrete control for simple on/off operations, drives control for speed and torque control of motors, motion control for precise positioning and synchronization of axes, process control for continuous and batch operations, and safety control for risk reduction and compliance. It can also support advanced features such as integrated motion on EtherNet/IP, CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP, CIP Sync time synchronization, and Add-On Instructions.
A compatible software with various hardware, firmware, and communication options
Softlogix5800 V20 is a compatible software that can work with various hardware, firmware, and communication options. It can run on any PC that meets the minimum system requirements, such as Windows operating system, Intel processor, RAM memory, hard disk space, and Ethernet adapter. It can also run on virtual machines that use VMware or Hyper-V software. It can work with any firmware revision that is compatible with RSLogix 5000 software version 20. It can communicate with any device that supports EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, or other industrial networks. It can also communicate with other software applications that use OPC or DDE protocols.
What are the features of Softlogix5800 V20?
Softlogix5800 V20 has many features that make it a powerful and versatile soft controller. Some of the main features are:
Supports up to six virtual controllers in a single personal computer
Softlogix5800 V20 can support up to six virtual controllers in a single PC. Each virtual controller can have its own IP address, firmware revision, user memory size, and Secure Digital memory card. Each virtual controller can also have its own Logix Designer project that defines the control logic, tags, I/O configuration, and communication settings. You can use the RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver to communicate with the virtual controllers from the PC or from other devices on the network.
Supports up to 32 tasks and 100 programs per task
Softlogix5800 V20 can support up to 32 tasks and 100 programs per task. A task is a set of programs that execute at a specific rate or based on a specific event. A program is a set of routines that contain the control logic. You can use different types of tasks to optimize the performance of your control system, such as:
Continuous tasks that execute as fast as possible
Periodic tasks that execute at a fixed interval
Event tasks that execute based on a trigger condition
Safety tasks that execute in a safety-certified manner
Supports up to 64 MB of user memory and Secure Digital memory card
Softlogix5800 V20 can support up to 64 MB of user memory and Secure Digital memory card. The user memory is the amount of RAM memory that is allocated for the control logic and data. The Secure Digital memory card is a removable storage device that is used to store the Logix Designer project file and other files. You can use the Secure Digital memory card to backup or restore your project file, transfer your project file between different PCs or virtual controllers, or update your firmware revision.
Supports various programming languages and network protocols
Softlogix5800 V20 supports various programming languages and network protocols. You can use any of the following programming languages to create your control logic:
Ladder logic (LD) which is a graphical language that uses symbols to represent contacts, coils, timers, counters, and other elements
Structured text (ST) which is a textual language that uses statements, expressions, variables, and operators
Function block (FB) which is a graphical language that uses blocks to represent functions, function blocks, and add-on instructions
Sequential function chart (SFC) which is a graphical language that uses steps, transitions, and actions to represent sequential logic
You can use any of the following network protocols to communicate with other devices:
EtherNet/IP which is an industrial Ethernet protocol that supports real-time data exchange, peer-to-peer messaging, and device configuration
ControlNet which is a high-speed serial protocol that supports deterministic data exchange and network scheduling
DeviceNet which is a low-speed serial protocol that supports simple device connection and control
Other industrial networks such as Modbus TCP/IP, Profibus DP, Profinet IO, and EtherCAT
Supports FactoryTalk Activation Manager for licensing and activation
Softlogix5800 V20 supports FactoryTalk Activation Manager for licensing and activation. FactoryTalk Activation Manager is a software tool that manages the licenses for Rockwell Automation products. You can use FactoryTalk Activation Manager to activate your Softlogix5800 V20 software using one of the following methods:
Online activation which requires an internet connection and a valid product key
Offline activation which requires a file transfer and a valid product key
Borrowed activation which allows you to borrow a license from another PC for a limited time
Evaluation activation which allows you to use the software for 7 days without a product key
What are the benefits of Softlogix5800 V20?
Softlogix5800 V20 can provide many benefits for your automation system. Some of the main benefits are:
Provides high performance in an easy-to-use environment
Softlogix5800 V20 can provide high performance in an easy-to-use environment. It can execute control logic faster than most hardware controllers, thanks to the processing power of the PC. It can also handle complex logic and data processing with ease, thanks to the large user memory and Secure Digital memory card. It can also provide a user-friendly environment for programming and configuration, thanks to the common development tools and network protocols.
Provides a single integrated control architecture for various applications
Softlogix5800 V20 can provide a single integrated control architecture for various applications. It can support discrete, drives, motion, process, and safety control in one software solution. It can also support advanced features such as integrated motion on EtherNet/IP, CIP Safety over EtherNet/IP, CIP Sync time synchronization, and Add-On Instructions. It can also provide a consistent user experience across different Logix5000 controllers, such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, GuardLogix, and Compact GuardLogix.
Provides flexibility and scalability for different system requirements
Softlogix5800 V20 can provide flexibility and scalability for different system requirements. It can run on any PC that meets the minimum system requirements, or on virtual machines that use VMware or Hyper-V software. It can also support up to six virtual controllers in a single PC, each with its own IP address, firmware revision, user memory size, and Secure Digital memory card. It can also support up to 32 tasks and 100 programs per task, each with its own execution rate or trigger condition.
Provides cost savings and reduced footprint by eliminating hardware controllers
Softlogix5800 V20 can provide cost savings and reduced footprint by eliminating hardware controllers. It can reduce the hardware costs by using a PC instead of a hardware controller. It can also reduce the footprint by using less space in the control panel or cabinet. It can also reduce the maintenance and troubleshooting costs by using software tools instead of hardware tools.
Provides seamless integration with other Rockwell Automation products and services
Softlogix5800 V20 can provide seamless integration with other Rockwell Automation products and services. It can communicate with other Rockwell Automation devices such as I/O modules, drives, motors, sensors, actuators, HMI panels, and software applications. It can also use Rockwell Automation services such as technical support, training, consulting, migration, and lifecycle extension.
What are the applications of Softlogix5800 V20?
Softlogix5800 V20 is suitable for various applications that require high-speed data processing and complex logic. Some of the typical applications are:
Suitable for applications that require high-speed data processing and complex logic
Softlogix5800 V20 is suitable for applications that require high-speed data processing and complex logic, such as:
Data acquisition and analysis for industrial, scientific, or medical purposes
Machine vision and image processing for quality inspection, defect detection, or pattern recognition
Artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, or optimization
Robotics and automation for material handling, assembly, or packaging
Suitable for applications that require integration with other software applications and devices
Softlogix5800 V20 is suitable for applications that require integration with other software applications and devices, such as:
Database and cloud services for data storage, retrieval, or analysis
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) for production planning, scheduling, or tracking
Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and human-machine interface (HMI) for process monitoring, control, or visualization
Simulation and testing tools for control logic verification, validation, or optimization
Suitable for applications that require simulation and testing of control logic
Softlogix5800 V20 is suitable for applications that require simulation and testing of control logic, such as:
Design and development of new control systems or modifications of existing ones
Troubleshooting and debugging of control logic errors or faults
Training and education of control system operators or programmers
Benchmarking and comparison of different control strategies or algorithms
Suitable for applications that require redundancy and fault tolerance
Softlogix5800 V20 is suitable for applications that require redundancy and fault tolerance, such as:
Critical processes that cannot afford downtime or loss of data
Hazardous environments that pose risks to human safety or equipment damage
Remote locations that have limited access or communication
High availability systems that have backup or standby controllers
How to install and configure Softlogix5800 V20?
To install and configure Softlogix5800 V20, you need to follow these steps:
Install the software from the installation media or download it from the Rockwell Automation website
You can install Softlogix5800 V20 from the installation media that comes with the product package, or you can download it from the Rockwell Automation website. To install the software from the installation media, you need to insert the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM into your PC's drive and follow the instructions on the screen. To download the software from the Rockwell Automation website, you need to go to https://compatibility.rockwellautomation.com/Pages/MultiProductDownload.aspx?crumb=112&refSoft=1&toggleState=&versions=61269&parentcategoryid=0&Keyword=SoftLogix5800&crumb=112&refSoft=1&toggleState=&versions=61269&parentcategoryid=0&Keyword=SoftLogix5800 and select the appropriate version of Softlogix5800 V20. You need to have a valid account and product key to download the software.
Activate the software using FactoryTalk Activation Manager
You can activate Softlogix5800 V20 using FactoryTalk Activation Manager. FactoryTalk Activation Manager is a software tool that manages the licenses for Rockwell Automation products. You can use FactoryTalk Activation Manager to activate your Softlogix5800 V20 software using one of the following methods:
Online activation which requires an internet connection and a valid product key
Offline activation which requires a file transfer and a valid product key
Borrowed activation which allows you to borrow a license from another PC for a limited time
Evaluation activation which allows you to use the software for 7 days without a product key
Configure the RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver to communicate with the virtual controllers
You can configure the RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver to communicate with the virtual controllers. RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver is a software driver that allows you to communicate with the virtual controllers from the PC or from other devices on the network. You can use RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver to configure the IP address, firmware revision, user memory size, and Secure Digital memory card of each virtual controller. You can also use RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver to browse, upload, or download the Logix Designer project file of each virtual controller.
Create and download a Logix Designer project to the virtual controllers using RSLogix 5000 software
You can create and download a Logix Designer project to the virtual controllers using RSLogix 5000 software. RSLogix 5000 software is a software tool that allows you to create, edit, and monitor the control logic and data of the Logix5000 controllers. You can use RSLogix 5000 software to create a Logix Designer project that defines the control logic, tags, I/O configuration, and communication settings of each virtual controller. You can also use RSLogix 5000 software to download the Logix Designer project file to the virtual controllers using the RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver.
Conclusion
Softlogix5800 V20 is a soft controller that can provide high performance, easy integration, and flexibility for your automation system. It is based on the Logix Platform, which is a common control engine and development environment for discrete, drives, motion, process, and safety control. It has many features that make it a powerful and versatile soft controller, such as supporting up to six virtual controllers in a single PC, supporting various programming languages and network protocols, and supporting FactoryTalk Activation Manager for licensing and activation. It can also provide many benefits for your automation system, such as providing a single integrated control architecture for various applications, providing cost savings and reduced footprint by eliminating hardware controllers, and providing seamless integration with other Rockwell Automation products and services. It is suitable for various applications that require high-speed data processing and complex logic, such as data acquisition and analysis, machine vision and image processing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and automation, simulation and testing of control logic, redundancy and fault tolerance. To install and configure Softlogix5800 V20, you need to install the software from the installation media or download it from the Rockwell Automation website, activate the software using FactoryTalk Activation Manager, configure the RSLinx Virtual-backplane Driver to communicate with the virtual controllers, and create and download a Logix Designer project to the virtual controllers using RSLogix 5000 software.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Softlogix5800 V20:
What are the minimum system requirements for Softlogix5800 V20?
The minimum system requirements for Softlogix5800 V20 are:
Windows 7 Professional (32-bit or 64-bit) or Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) operating system
Intel Core i5 or higher processor
4 GB or more of RAM memory
10 GB or more of hard disk space
Ethernet adapter with TCP/IP protocol
CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive (for installation from media)
Internet connection (for online activation)
What are the differences between Softlogix5800 V20 and other Logix5000 controllers?
The main differences between Softlogix5800 V20 and other Logix5000 controllers are:
Softlogix5800 V20 is a software-based controller that runs on a PC instead of a hardware-based controller that runs on a dedicated device
Softlogix5800 V20 can support up to six virtual controllers in a single PC instead of one physical controller per device
Softlogix5800 V20 can support up to 64 MB of user memory and Secure Digital memory card instead of up to 32 MB of user memory and CompactFlash memory card
Softlogix5800 V20 can only communicate with EtherNet/IP devices instead of EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, or other industrial network devices
Softlogix5800 V20 requires FactoryTalk Activation Manager for licensing and activation instead of ControlFlash for firmware update
How can I monitor and troubleshoot Softlogix5800 V20?
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