What's New in Automation Studio™ E9.0
Automation Studio™ E9.0 - Educational Edition helps teachers deliver content, as well as improve the learning
experience for students. Use realistic illustrated components to create and simulate circuits. A new Forum is
available for quick access to the latest demonstration files and custom libraries. You can also share your projects
and experience with other instructors and users worldwide.
Contact us for a Live
Online Demonstration of the new features.
Request a Demo
*The availability of some of the new features is subject to the configuration of the purchased license.
Robotics Workshop
This new Robotics workshop of Automation Studio™ provides users tools to create and to
simulate sophisticated robotic workcells. The workshop provides robot models that
accurately replicate the dimensions and the functionalities of actual robots, enabling
users to work with the simulated robots in the same way as the actual robots. The
workshop also provides other robotic objects, such as loads or conveyors, allowing users
to build their own production lines and check the interactions between them before the
actual system can be built. Additionally, the workshop provides the capacity to create
all-in-one co-simulations which integrate robots with other technologies in the
Automation Studio™ ecosystem (such as PLC), which will bring users to the next level of
comprehensive simulations in Automation Studio™.
Pipe and Instrumentation Diagram Workshop
This new piping and instrumentation diagram workshop offers users an initial version of a
process diagram editor.
It offers a library of symbols for the most frequently used components, such as pressure
and flow valves, tanks, compressors and pumps, as well as exchangers.
Pipe editing and, more generally, the representation of symbols on diagrams, will follow
the rules of representation recommended by the ISA 5.1-2009 and ISO 14617 standards.
Virtual didactic benches will be available for teaching exercises relating to level and
temperature control.
Component Appearance
Following on from the improvements made for lines, cylinders and directional valves, it
is now possible to change the visual aspect in simulation and editing of all other
components. It is possible to visually identify and distinguish the mobile and fixed
parts of components, their activation states, filling volumes and pressurised regions.
Standards have been predefined, but users can create their own.
These visual additions make it possible to transform a design diagram into a document
dedicated to training or technical publication simply by changing the document standard.
Evolution of the Custom Component
The evolution of the custom component makes it possible to model multi-technology
components. In other words, the component created will be able to handle multiple
technologies. It will be possible, for example, to create an electro-hydraulic component
compatible with the multi-technology diagram editor.
In the field of processes, it will be possible to configure a component with several
types of incoming and outgoing fluids, for example to create a distiller.
This development opens up numerous modeling possibilities, such as in the electrification
of mechanical systems or in the process industry where it is not possible to create all
possible models.
Grippers
A new family of actuators is available in the pneumatic workshop : the pneumatic
grippers. These actuators are most often used for pick and place applications. This new
family offers single and double acting grippers with angular or parallel finger
operation.
Oil Volume Variation
The variation in the oil volume based on the pressure to which it is subjected was
already taken into consideration. With this new evolution, the influence of temperature
on the oil volume will also be considered.
New Process Illustrated Component Library
A new library of illustrated components is available to extend the areas of application
of didactic benches. Process components were added in order to be able to use volume
control, temperature control and HVAC-type systems for training purposes.
New Blocks
Additional blocks have been added to cover a wider range of modeling cases. Moreover,
some of these blocks help streamline certain functions.
New Current Transformers
The new Current Transformers have two simulation models: the simplified model and the
advanced model. The simplified model has a limited number of parameters such as
frequency, transformation ratio and values not to be exceeded. It simulates, in
addition to the transformation factor, the safety factor and the thermal overload
current. If exceeded, an error message is generated. The advanced model, more realistic,
uses construction parameters and simulates the remanence effect and the saturation
effect.
New lights and lamps
The new lights and lamps have several simulation models that allow taking into account
the parameters of voltage, power, luminous flux and luminous efficacy.
Updated Residential Electricity Component Library
A new section with blueprint elements has been added to the residential
electricity illustrated component library. This section includes outlets,
switches, walls, doors and more to draw a completed electric blueprint of a
house or apartment for training purposes.
Custom Component
Access to documents that define the behaviour, logic or symbol of a custom
component is possible even if the component is grouped or assembled with
other components. This development allows, for example, the declaration of
failures in the behaviour of any custom component from the illustrated
(educational) libraries.
Component Appearance
As has already been done for hydraulic components, it is now possible to
configure the appearance in simulation and edition mode of pneumatic,
mechanical and control components. Different parts of components can easily
be distinguished, such as mobile or fixed parts, the active or inactive
elements, fillable volumes and pressurized areas. Standards have been
predefined, but users can create their own.
These visual improvements make it possible to transform a design diagram into
a document dedicated to training or technical publication, simply by
changing the document standard.
Updated PID Blocks
The prebuilt PID control blocks have been revised to include a filter
coefficient on the derivative branch, command signal output limits, and a
back calculation anti-windup on the integrator branch.
New Components
- Added (thyristor, transistor, DIAC, TRIAC and optocoupler) and updated
components in the illustrated library "Electrical - motor control renewable
energy".
- Updated the illustrated library "Electrical - DC electrical".
New Components
- Additions and updates of shaft-mounted speed and position sensors and
encoders: Potentiometric Sensor, Resolver Sensor, Synchro Sensor, Inductosyn
Sensor, RVDT Sensor, Incremental Encoder, Absolute encoder, 90° Hall Effect
Sensor, 120° Hall Effect Sensor and Incremental encoder with direction of
rotation port.
- We can plot A(θ), B(θ) and Z(θ) from the Incremental Encoder. By analyzing
these plots, we can determine the motor's direction of rotation based on the
phase relationship between A and B. Additionally, by examining Z(θ), we can
calculate the RPM, as the Z pulse occurs once per revolution.
- We can plot and compare relative position calculated by the decoder to the
angular position of the motor. We notice that both signals match meaning
that the decoder is working correctly.
Multiple Translations
BOMs and reports now provide the possibility to display data in multiple
languages at the same time. A new BOM and report field called “User
Translated Property” can be used to select a term to translate and the
language into which it should be translated. The text is translated using
the translation manager database.
The translation field can be added multiple times so that any number of terms
can be translated into as many languages as required.
Export to XML IEC 61131-10 format
Ladder diagram documents are now exported in XML format as defined by IEC
61131-10.
Robotics Workshop
Collaborative robots (Cobots) can now be simulated in Automation Studio™.
Users can easily put them in a simulation work cell, program them, visualize
their actions in 3D, and analyze their performances.
Stability and performance improvements are included in this new version of
the Robotics Workshop.
New Symbols for Cable Representation
This version includes many new symbols to make it easier to represent cable
geometry on the electrical diagram.
Power Balance and Temperature Calculation on DC
Machines
The power balance is automatically calculated in simulation on DC machines
(absorbed power, Joule losses in the armature, Joule losses in the field,
constant losses, useful power and efficiency).
The machine temperature is calculated according to the cooling method (free
convection, self-circulation, independent device mounted) and room
temperature.
Premade virtual trainers in all technologies, ready to be
connected!
Select from a variety of premade virtual trainers and rapidly start making connections.
These virtual trainers can also be modified to create digital twins of your hardware
trainers using the illustrated libraries.
Students’ wiring and troubleshooting skills will be strengthened as they will feel like
they are connecting real components.
More
than 25 demo files.
Partial list of Virtual Trainers:
Connect components like in real
life!
Use flexible wires, cables and
hoses to simulate connecting to real trainers or real
equipment. After making the connections, users can
simulate, interact and troubleshoot just like in real
life. This is exactly like connecting a banana cable to
your hardware trainer or, better yet, connecting
directly to the illustrated components. Once a link is
created, users can select the wire or hose type from a
drop-down menu adapted to the content standards of the
virtual
trainer.
While drawing a conduit or a
wire, or after selecting it, it is possible to
modify the type of link from a list which is
displayed instantly.
New electrical wire colouring options in
simulation
It is possible to choose the criterion for colouring
electrical wires in simulation, based on the wire
type or globally. In addition to the type of
current, colours can be chosen according to the
voltage level or the current level. The wires can
use their edit mode appearance in simulation mode.
New illustrated component libraries
New illustrated component libraries have been created to extend the capabilities to build
digital twins, they are:
- Motor Control
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic Cross-Section
Additionally, the following illustrated libraries are also available: pneumatic, PLC, DC
electrical, renewable energy, residential electricity, hydraulic cross-section, and
more.
Easily choose schematic types
between symbols, illustrated components or virtual
trainers.
Simpler: Quickly drag and drop
manufacturer components onto the schematic, directly
from the
browser.
More efficient: The new version
of Automation Studio™ online catalogues now allows
advanced searches based on both keywords and technical
properties present in the catalogues. The technical data
to be searched can be quickly defined and filtered based
on manufacturers and catalogues, thanks to a new
user-friendly interface.
This enhanced user-friendly
visual interface improves the user experience when
creating 2D animations, all visible in one place. A
preview of the animations will help when validating
the expected
behaviour.
Control 3D virtual systems with
Automation Studio™ or real
PLCs
3D virtual systems provide inputs
and outputs that can be triggered using an electrical,
PLC or SFC control circuit within Automation Studio™.
Additionally, systems can be controlled by a real PLC
using OPC
DA/UA.
Operational amplifiers
The new operational amplifiers make it possible to carry out the basic assemblies.
New GRAFCET module
The new GRAFCET module fully complies with the IEC 60848 standard and allows programs to
be edited and simulated. Our GRAFCET module allows the usage of different input event
types, output modes (continuous and stored modes), structuring (partition, forcing,
enclosing, macro-steps).
New SFC module
The new SFC module fully complies with the IEC 61131 standard and allows programs to be
edited, simulated and, later on, exported. Conditions and actions can call the project's
ladder diagram networks (LD). The module supports structured text language (ST). It also
takes into account the different action qualifiers, as well as control actions with or
without a final scan.
New block components
This library is enriched with mathematical blocks allowing matrix calculations as well as
complex number operations.
Improved synchronization in certain cases where internal and external
cosimulation is used.
Line colour in simulation per line type
The simulation colour as a function of pressure/flow/speed/temperature
for hydraulic and pneumatic conduits can be set independently for each
line function.
For example, different pressure thresholds can be set for working lines
vs pilot, return and drain lines.
Breather
It is possible to connect a breather to any of the top ports of a custom
reservoir. This port must be declared as pneumatic.
It is thus possible to regulate the air pressure in this type of tank,
either by directly connecting a breather or via a pneumatic circuit.
New illustrated electrical component library
A new illustrated component library has been created to extend the
capacity to build digital twins. French residential electrical
components have been added so that unambiguous residential electrical
circuits can be drawn visually.
Step by Step Mode
The increment used by Step by Step mode can now be modified. The
simulation will advance by a step which can be set by the user.
True RMS
The measurement of true RMS values and frequencies of electrical signals
have been improved and can handle all types of signals.
Pneumatic pilot
Directional valve pneumatic pilots take negative pressure (vacuum) into
account in the calculation of the force applied to the spool.
Project Overview
In the project creation dialogue, a preview zone gives a quick look of
the project content. The documents of the project can be scrolled
through.
Catalogues
When searching for a catalogue component equivalent to a component on the
schematic, it is now possible to search either the online or local
catalogues. This makes the online catalogues even more useful.
New Electrical Illustrated Component Library
A new illustrated component library has been created to extend the
capabilities to build digital twins. One-Line electrical components have
been added in order to be able to draw electrical transmission network
circuits explicitly and visually.
Additionally, the following illustrated libraries are also available:
pneumatic, PLC, DC electrical, renewable energy, residential
electricity, hydraulic cross-section, and more.
New Electrical Symbols for Aeronautics
A new electrical symbol library has been added. It allows electrical
circuits to be represented in compliance with the standards used in the
aeronautical field. In the Automation StudioTM electrical schematic
editor, these symbols are compatible with documents using the NEMA
standard.
Component Frame
Each component or assembly of components can be framed without adding
drawing elements.
The frame is manually adjustable and customizable; width, height,
thickness, color and line type can all be modified.
User-friendliness
Shortcuts for accessing the layout of the current document, as well as its drawing scale,
have been added in the "Home" tab, "Documentation" group.
Custom Component Edition
The components’ simulation parameters, in the illustrated libraries, can now be modified
by the user.
To meet the needs of training and technical documentation departments, different
attributes enrich the possibilities of highlighting lines. Among others things, line
ends can be straight or rounded, bends can be straight, rounded or chamfered, segments
defining component connectors can be highlighted or not.
Appearance for Fluid Components
To meet the needs of the training and technical publications departments, the positions
distributor valve can be highlighted in edition and simulation according to their state
of activation. A library of additional objects can be provided on request in order to
complete components that do not yet support these highlighting standards.
Appearance for Fluid Lines
To meet the needs of the training and technical publications departments, the appearance
attributes of each type of pipes are enriched. Among others, highlighting can be
activated in simulation, can support patterns, can be full or sectional.
Export in Simulation Mode
To meet the needs of the training and technical publications departments, it is possible
to export the circuits in simulation mode in a graphic format.
Manual Override With Detent
Directional valve command to depict a manual override with detent groove, according to
ISO 1219.
Viscometer and Density Meter
Addition of a measurement component to access the measurement of kinematic viscosity, as
well as the density of the oil at a node in the circuit.
Proportional Pressure Regulators
Models are made sensitive to back pressure.
Coolers
An option has been added to define the power evacuated according to the inlet
temperature, the outlet temperature or the average of these 2 values.
Block Components
New block components have been added to handle matrix operations and complex numbers.
2-Quadrant Curves in the Electric Motor
Added a two-way model. A new simulation model that takes into account the torque-speed
characteristic curve in the forward and reverse rotation has been added. In addition, a
motor with 2 mechanical shafts is now available in the library.
Temperature Generator
Add a slider, which gives the option to modify the temperature during the simulation.
Asynchronous motor 6 connectors
Transistor
Behavioural improvement. A capacitor has been added to stabilize the voltage between the
collector and the emitter and between the drain and the source.
Ladder for Mitsubishi MELSEC iQ-R Series PLC
AB-500 and AB-5000 Compatible Functions and Addresses
These new libraries are an update from our original library that did not include all the
major functions. With these two new libraries, you will be able to create control
circuits using addresses (AB-500) or tag names (AB-5000).
PLC Illustrated Library
This library was created to enable students to actually wire up the PLC (Allen Bradley,
Eaton, Koyo, LS Electric, Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, etc.), write the Ladder Logic and
run the simulation to see the inputs and outputs being triggered on the PLC according to
their ladder diagram.
Pneumatic Illustrated Library
This illustrated Pneumatic Library enables students to use real looking components to
reproduce lab exercises. Using real looking components will improve their skills of
connecting pneumatic systems.
Renewable Energy Illustrated Library
More efficient:The new Renewable Energy library is made with illustrated components. It
enables to create and simulate circuits with look-alike components from real-world
applications. Some components even animate during simulation, creating an optimal
experience for training activities.
DC Electrical Illustrated Library
This illustrated library is intended for DC electrical circuits. Components can be
connected directly or by using the breadboard to create and simulate your circuit.
Residential Electricity Illustrated Library
Students can now quickly build residential electrical circuits using common components
which they are familiar with.
Hydraulic Cross-Section View Library
Create your circuit using hydraulic components with a cross-section view that is animated
during simulation. Students can now quickly visualize the flow movement in the circuit.
Hydraulic Cylinders with Load Custom Library
This custom library allows to quickly vary the cylinders load during simulation and
instantly see how it affects the system.
New & Updated Manufacturers' Catalogues
Easily drag & drop your selected Manufacturer's component and integrate it into your
Automation Studio™ circuit. They are ready to simulate with accurate Manufacturer’s
data. Each component has been virtually tested within Automation Studio™ to ensure that
the simulation meets a manufacturer’s typical application and performance
specifications.
- Automation Studio™ Electrical - Variable Frequency Drives NEW
- CKD Corporation SOON
- Continental Hydraulics Valves NEW
- Cy.Pag. NEW
- Danfoss Orbital Motors UPDATED
- Doosan Mottrol NEW
- Eaton Sectional CLS & CMA Mobile Valves UPDATED
- Humphrey Products NEW
- IMI Precision / Norgren SOON
- Koganei UPDATED
- Linde Hydraulics UPDATED
- Mitsubishi Electric SOON
- Shanghai Guorui Hydraulic Technology co (GRH) POWER Valves NEW
- SMC Pneumatics NEW
- Tecnord SOON
- Wandfluh NEW
- Zhejiang Gaoyu Hydraulic Machinery Co Ltd NEW
Additional Manufacturers' Catalogue components are added and updated on a weekly basis.
Online Manufacturers' Catalogues
The Automation Studio™ Web Catalogues lets you drag & drop components directly from
the web browser interface to your Automation Studio™ schematic. These components are
always the most up-to-date version. Therefore, there is no need to locally manage
multiple manufacturers' catalogue files. The Web Catalogues for Automation Studio™ will
be made available shortly after the release of Automation Studio™ E7.
New Semiconductor Devices
New semiconductor components have been added to the Electrotechnical library.
- Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT)
- Junction Field Effect Transistor (JFET)
- Metal-Oxyde-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)
- Thyristors
Thyristors, bipolar transistors and field effect transistors have been introduced. The
thyristor can be controlled by a variable or by an external circuit and the transistors
have been designed to operate in both switching and amplification modes.
Improvement of the Battery Component
- The ageing effect on the battery capacity is now taken into account
- OCV hysteresis effect is taken into account by differentiating OCV vs SOC curves
during charge and discharge
- New advanced model taking into account the voltage transients' behaviour during
charge and discharge
- Predefined battery parameters for the different available battery types
Terminal Strips Builder
New terminals with jumper channels management of different categories were added:
- Feed-Through
- Ground
- Feed-Through with Ground
- Knife Disconnect
- Disconnect
- Sensor / Actuator
- Fuse Holder
- Distribution Blocks
Simplified terminals are still available. The new builder allows complete management of
the Terminal Strips, including the accessories management and the part numbers. Terminal
strip export and import functions are also available.
New Hydraulic Components
- Planetary gearboxes
- Differentials and torque converters
- Pressure compensated flow dividers
- Jumps with label frame
Improved Hydraulic Components Simulation Models
- Hydraulic motor plates can now have a limited stroke
- Added an exchange surface area for the external dissipation of hydraulic heaters
- Improved curve tracking in pressure regulators
- Pressure compensated flow dividers
- Improved manual directional valve commands
Support of Transmission Shafts in the Mechanism Manager
The Mechanism Manager now accepts rotating drive shafts. This implies that all rotating
elements, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, electric motors and gearboxes, etc., can now be
simulated in the Mechanism Manager.
New Pneumatic Components
- Compressors
- Vacuum generators
- Vacuum cups
- Normally closed flow sensors
Virtual Systems Using Unity 3D
Virtual systems created using Unity 3D allow a training experience with a high level of
realism. These systems can be controlled within Automation Studio™ using Electrical
Controls, PLCs and/or Sequential Function Chart. Access the Forum to download the files
and procedure to install the Unity 3D models. New virtual systems are frequently added.
Additional Math Block Components
Adaptors in (math) blocks enable the creation of complex behaviours for fluid power and
electrical components.
New Access Rights Manager
This option enables to manage access rights to functionalities of a specific project. For
example, block the simulation to test schematic skills and block access to component
properties to improve troubleshooting experience.
Online Help
You can now access Automation Studio™ help documentation online. The online help
documentation is constantly improved and updated based on users' support cases and
feedback. Also, the software installation file size is reduced.
Mouse Options Configuration
The new mouse button configuration menu allows users to set their desired mouse buttons
behaviour in Automation Studio™.
Smaller Simulation Pace
New simulation steps of up to 1 micro-second are available to allow finer simulations.
This feature is particularly useful to simulate high frequencies phenomena (up to
100kHz), especially in the electrical workshop.
Other Customer Requested Improvements & Bug Fixes
- Performance improvements
- Conservation of the Internal Identifier of a Component When Replaced
- Fixed the radial speed variable of the transmission power units
- Fixed discrepancies of the output pressure value of the "Pressure and
Temperature Flow Control" component
- Fixed the flexible lines acting as a plug after a while in simulation
- Fixed the behaviour of unloading valve with check and drain
- Changed the image shown in the component properties of the
"Bidirectional Motor with Shaft"
- Fixed the Curve Export API not exporting all curves
- Fixed an incorrect pressure at port 2 of the pneumatic "Remote Pressure
Reducing Valve" component
- Fixed unhandled exception error in PLCs when the '&' character was
inserted in the description
- Fixed BOM order changing when a model is saved
- Fixed an issue with the BOM and lines when exporting to PDF
Illustrated Libraries
A new command opens illustrated libraries directly from the application.
Ease of use
- A dialogue box prompts for the choice of unit during the assignment
operation to facilitate the interpretation of the value of one
variable assigned to another.
- It is possible to hide the identifier of dynamic measuring
instruments.
Fluid and Line Manager
Pipes and wires whose properties are used by the simulator are displayed
in blue.
Managing properties’ preferences is also possible.
Configuration Export
Software settings can now be imported and exported for uniform computer
configuration.
Video Recording
The video recording tool offers the possibility to replay its video to
validate the content, to save it or send it immediately after creating
it.
Hyperlink
When a hyperlink type custom property is displayed on the diagram, it
becomes clickable.
Project Manager
The page numbers of documents can be displayed in square brackets in all
dialogue boxes that show the list of documents, such as the Project
Explorer.
Ticket Request
A command has been added in order to be able to request assistance from
Automation Studio™ in the Support tab. It will then be sent
automatically to a support agent.
Service Release Number
The service release number for your version has been added in the
dialogue box opened by the "About" command.
Installation and Circuits
The limit of 30 types of lines in installation circuits has been raised
to better meet user needs.
New Hydraulic Components
- Instant temperature regulator;
- Mechanically activated check valves;
- Sequence valves normally open, with internal drain and external
drain;
- Cartridge valves normally open;
- 3-way sequence valve normally closed;
- Restrictive pressure compensator positioned downstream.
Improved Hydraulic Component Simulation Models
- Addition of a pressure drop curve in the flow transducer;
- Improvement of the proportional flow regulator.
Mechanism Manager
Support for mechanically linked jacks in the mechanism manager.
Wire Management
Wires can now be individually set as perfect without changing the global
setting.
Troubleshooting Module
- You can now declare several parameters for the same failure, thus
being able to model a minor, moderate or major failure.
- You can now report unidirectional internal leaks.
Viewer
Export your Automation Studio™ projects in a brand new format suitable
for the free Automation Studio™ Viewer. This file format removes
properties from documents and components that the designer does not want
to share. This file format can only be opened with Automation Studio™
Viewer, making it easy to share while maintaining a high level of
confidentiality.
Library of preconfigured PLC Cards
A new specialized library of PLC input and output cards offers you the
possibility to quickly expand your range of teaching materials for
educational activities in automation