Interfacing Factory IO v2.5 with EAE v21.2

[marc_akoto_AUTEM]

Hi there,
I'm trying to establish a modbus communication between EAE and Factory IO, for simulation purposes.

Configuration is the following:
- Factory IO as Modbus Server, EAE as Modbus client with MODBUSGENTCPS
- Both applications are opened on the same Windows instance
- I tried to set FactoryIO to use the loopBack interface (127.0.0.1) instead of my default NIC (192.168.0.101).

But still no update of the coil value/timestamp.
I'm wondering which step I missed ? (see attachment : EAE project + Factory IO file)

Does anyone have an example project for interfacing EAE with Factory IO please ?

That would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance,
Marc

Modbus attempt with Factory IO x EAE

[Fabrice_Rabetrano · Accepted solution]

Hello Marc, 
Here is an example project Interfacing Factory IO v2.5 with EcoStruxure Automation Expert v21.2. 
You will find in the attached file: 
- FactoryIO Scene
- EcoStruxure Automation Expert program 
- ModBus connection file that you can import into the program
It is a simple application with three conveyors. 
NB: Do not mind the name of the application which is called "OPCUA_Trial"; the connection is made via ModBusTCP. 
I hope this can be helpful to you! 
Best regards,
Fabrice RABETRANO. 

[marc_akoto_AUTEM]

Great resource, thanks a lot !
I was able to open both files
Now, where should I import the .hcf ModBus connection file please ?
I'm quite a newbie into EAE ...

comm settings

[marc_akoto_AUTEM]

Eventually, after restarting both applications (EAE+FactoryIO), Modbus communication is now working (hardware configuration was already imported in the project)

Now I'm browsing the logic, and I'm having hard time with a variable called "SoftDPac.RES0.Conv1.Motor.output.cmdActive.destination"

@Fabrice_Rabetranodo you have a clue why this variable holds conveyor1 in STOP ? even when a box is present on the first conveyor (... see picture attached)

conveyor1

[marc_akoto_AUTEM]

For future reference, here's a memo I summarized for interfacing EcostruxureAutomationExpert with FactoryIO via Modbus.
I ended up creating this simpler application just to validate the modbus server-client communication, before moving to more complex logic. Enjoy !

[Laurent_F]

Thank you Marc !

This tutorial will for sure help a lot users (at least the one speaking french, and the ones that know the automatic translated subtitles in Youtube).

FYI: Schneider Electric has also launched in 2022 its own 3D Digital Twin Software: EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin.

[MaxenceProuvost]

Hello @marc_akoto_AUTEM , now you can make the same with our Digital Twin ! 🙂
https://www.se.com/ww/en/product-range/97196554-ecostruxure-machine-expert-twin/#overview

[marc_akoto_AUTEM]

🚀@MaxenceProuvost