How to get started with FactoryTalk® Logix Echo

Wayne Welk4/18/2022

FactoryTalk® Logix Echo is a software application that emulates the behavior of ControlLogix® 5580 controllers. FactoryTalk Logix Echo allows developers to test, debug and optimize application code without the physical hardware present. Developers can also connect to HMI and other simulation software tools to create a comprehensive digital twin of your process or machine. Learning your way around this software application is a great first step towards "digital engineering".

With the FactoryTalk Logix Echo emulator, you can:

Download and run logic written in any Logix language
Be online with the Logix Designer application
Connect from an HMI
Use Produce/Consume tags with other emulated 5580 CPUs
Use MESSAGE instructions
Use virtual axes for motion applications
Download a project configured for redundancy, although it will always behave as a “Primary with no Partner” (simplex mode)

Studio 5000 Logix Designer version 33.00 introduced emulation support for the ControlLogix 5580 controllers using FactoryTalk Logix Echo. The Logix Designer project file, version 33.00 or later, does not require modifications to run on a ControlLogix 5580 emulated controller when using FactoryTalk Logix Echo.

FactoryTalk Logix Echo will also allow you to emulate the 5580 process controllers and all the PlantPAx built-in instructions.

The emulator is designed to be a virtual controller, used in development, testing, and simulation environments. The emulated controller will not connect to physical I/O devices or motion axes of real drives.