| Feature | Process Simulate (Full) | Process Simulate VC Lite | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Yes (Complex conveyors & logic) | No (Single robot or simple master/slave) | | External PLC logic | Full Virtual Commissioning (Signal mapping) | Basic I/O only | | Human ergonomics | Jack simulation (Fatigue analysis) | No | | Spot welding config | Advanced (Gun dressing) | Basic reach only | | Price | High (Annual subscription) | Low / Moderate |
| Limitation | Impact | |------------|--------| | | No gravity, friction, or material flow simulation (conveyor jam detection is basic). | | Limited to S7-PLCSIM Advanced | Real PLC hardware connection is not supported (except via OPC, but limited). | | No multi-cell synchronization | Cannot simulate an entire production line with inter-cell handshakes. | | Limited robot path planning | Uses predefined robot motions; real-time adaptive path replanning not available. | | No safety logic validation | Safety PLC / light curtain simulation is absent. |
Siemens uses a "token" based licensing system. As of the current release cycle, a VC Lite license typically consumes significantly fewer tokens than a full Process Simulate "Expert" license.
Connects virtual models to real PLC code via software like Siemens TIA Portal and PLCSIM Advanced to test automation logic before physical implementation.
| Component | Specification | |-----------|---------------| | | Windows 10/11 Pro (64-bit) | | CPU | Intel Core i7 / Xeon, 4+ cores @ 3.0 GHz+ | | RAM | 16 GB (32 GB for larger assemblies) | | GPU | Dedicated (NVIDIA Quadro or GeForce RTX), 4 GB VRAM | | Storage | SSD, 50 GB free | | Additional software | Siemens TIA Portal (V15.1 or newer), PLCSIM Advanced (V4.0+) | | License | Process Simulate VC Lite (license file or dongle) |
Designed for smaller-scale robotic workcells and discrete automation systems, VC Lite facilitates early error detection, reduced physical commissioning time, and faster time-to-market.