Does PAC ME support logic debugging, breakpoints, step execution, etc?

I'm working on a product with PAC ME v10.2 and PACSystems RX3i devices.

I am trying to test and debug the logic. I am used to other software tools that allow a user to pause execution of the logic, set breakpoints, and proceed with execution on a literal step-by-step timeline.

Does any of this exist within PAC ME/RX3i? I do not see anything obvious in the tool ribbons.

  • To debug on your development computer, you will be pleased to know that Emerson will soon be releasing the PAC Machine Edition Simulator that will provide the capabilities that you are looking for.

    To debug inside the controller, you can use a "divide and conquer" approach. This involves dividing a large application into smaller ones and testing and proving each section individually. One solution is to use the END function to end execution of the logic at the programmed point (execution of the remaining logic will not take place and the program scan will re-start at the beginning of the _MAIN program). You can program an END function at the beginning of the application and then move it towards the end of the application as you prove each section of the logic. You could also consider a jump to label to pass over sections of logic that you do not want to execute. Subroutines can be tested independently in a test application and then enabled in the main application once proven. During development, you can also use SETCOIL and MOVE functions to store interim values into a data table area where you can monitor them to ensure the status or output of the application is correct.
  • In reply to Steve Ward:

    Steve,

    Thanks for getting back to me so promptly. I appreciate it. I'm impressed by your depth of familiarity with the platform.
    It's unfortunate there isn't a better approach than the old school method of putting flags and triggers into your program, necessitating later removal and clean up. It's also especially unfortunate given how long it takes to download even a small change in programming.
  • In reply to Matthew Love:

    Thankyou for your feedback, I will discuss with our Product Management team.

    As for downloads, make sure you have latest firmware and PAC Machine Edition. These support smart downloads where only the modified block is downloaded. PAC Machine Edition 10 also has much better performance than older versions. You can also use the Online Edit option to make changes and quickly test them, then accept or cancel.

    Download via Ethernet is recommended, although this is not possible with legacy PLCs and CPUs. Latest CPUs support Gigabit Ethernet which improves download times and monitoring performance.