Objective
We are going to test FactoryTalk Echo by simulating two Rockwell PLCs on the same PC. The idea is to use one network card with two IP addresses, create two controllers in Echo and download each project from Studio 5000.
The example is useful for testing isolated PLCs and also communication between them, for example with produced and consumed tags.
Configure IPs in Windows
To simulate two or more Rockwell PLCs using the same network card, add multiple IP addresses to the Windows interface.
First set the first IP address, which will be used by the first PLC.
Then add a second IP address on the same network card.
Check the configuration with ipconfig.
Create the PLCs in FactoryTalk Echo
Open FactoryTalk Echo and create the first chassis.
Assign a name and accept.
Now add a controller to the chassis.
In this case select ControlLogix 5380, assign a name and use the IP dedicated to the first PLC: 192.168.1.170.
For the second PLC, repeat the process: create another chassis and add another controller.
Assign the second controller the second IP address created in Windows.
Apply the changes. Both PLCs are now ready to receive the downloads.
Download from Studio 5000
In Studio 5000, under communications, select the simulated PLC you want to download to. In this example, a production line and a palletizer communicating with each other are being simulated.
First browse for the controller on the network.
Select the matching PLC and download the project.
For the palletizer PLC, do the same, selecting the second simulated controller.
Test PLC communication
With two IP addresses on the same Windows network card and both emulators running in FactoryTalk Echo, both projects can be downloaded and the PLC-to-PLC communication can be validated.
This setup is useful for testing communication with produced and consumed tags before moving the project to real hardware.
