Real‑time system validation: test demanding scenarios safely before deployment

ABB’s simulation solutions portfolio plays a critical role in enhancing the performance, reliability, and efficiency of drive systems and complete automation setups across their lifecycle.

 

Whether through Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation, these tools empower engineers to:​

  • Design, test, and validate drive systems and control
  • Optimize performance without risking downtime or compromising safety​
  • Run simulations even before the real drive or system is built or deployed​

By enabling optimal dimensioning, pre-configuration, pre-testing, and PLC validation, ABB simulation products help reduce commissioning time and streamline troubleshooting. ​

The strategy behind these tools is driven by internal innovation and customer needs - delivering smarter, faster, and more resilient system development.

Key features

Real control hardware and firmware inside

Uses actual drive control hardware and firmware for accurate behavior – what you see is what you will get in deployment.

Rich model library and application examples

Helps you get productive quickly (first-run after receiving the rack ~40minutes). Build your application just by selecting ABB drives and machines by serial numbers and enter machine parameters for other machines.

Built-in test automation

Cabinet quality check with basic functionality and IOs, drive functional tests for ISU, INU, etc., test report automatically generated.

FMI co-simulation standard support

Import SIL-based drive models to combine real hardware simulation for scaling without compromising fidelity.

Key benefits

Best for: Real-time integration, final-stage validation, or when simulation speed and control hardware testing are critical. Once a DriveLab becomes your asset, it can be used for all-stage testing.

Validation​ uncertainty

Is the drive optimally configured? Will the system, including the drive, deliver the desired performance?

Risk-free​ testing

Can we test software changes safely?​ Can we optimize without interrupting operations?

Accelerate engineering​ and commissioning

Can we meet tight​ schedules confidently?​ Can we integrate control logics smoothly?

Customization validation

Will the systems’ overriding control work as intended?​ Will the Crealizer™ App function correctly in the target environment?

Use cases

 

  • In-depth analysis and prediction of drive behavior with standard or customized grids and loads under various conditions​
  • Supporting customized application development and testing (e.g. Crealizer)​
  • Providing synthetic data for analytics and machine learning​Training personnel virtually and learning drive technology​Preconfiguring, dimensioning and programming a drive virtually​
  • Testing IO-console, fieldbus data console, and automation interface (PLC)​
  • Developing and testing drives applications (e.g. IEC programming)​
  • Testing drive as part of a system and customized applications (e.g. Crealizer)

Related content

ACS880 Virtual Driveᴾˡᵘˢ

One of the digital twin solutions in ABB’s simulation product portfolio for the ACS880 product family​. Runs on a PC in virtual time​. Designed for Software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulations.