VIRTUAL PLC REALIZATION IN ON-LINE LABORATORY.

In the article is mentioned the process of the development and implementation of the virtual programmable logic controller (PLC). The developed controller is the basic element of the virtual laboratory project realizing at the Institute of Applied Informatics, Automation and Mathematics. The project includes also the development of the communication dispatcher and the virtual processes. The virtual programmable logic controller is developed precisely according to the Siemens module LOGO!12/24 RC. All the functions, the graphical design and the control logic of the virtual PLC are identical with the real Siemens module. PLC stations with their networks are used to be the essential features by the distributed control system (DCS) in the practice. DCS is the perspective field of the industrial market -- it's supported by the market exploration carried out by the Frost & Sullivan consulting company supposing the turnover with DCS in the world in amount of 8,5 mld. USD(in 2008). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]