Emerson DeltaV M Series Virtual I/O Module 2 (VIM2)

Emerson DeltaV M Series Virtual I/O Module 2 (VIM2)

Basic Overview

The DeltaV M Series Virtual I/O Module 2 (VIM2) is an industrial grade I/O simulation and integration device launched by Emerson Process Management. It has two core functions: one is to work with MYNAH Technologies' MiMiMiC simulation software to achieve non-invasive simulation of DeltaV M Series I/O cards and digital bus field devices, supporting comprehensive testing of control strategies and system configurations; The second is to serve as an integrated platform for high-speed Ethernet I/O devices, driven by Modbus TCP/IP or Ethernet/IP protocols, to achieve signal reading and writing between the DeltaV system and devices (such as PLCs, motor control centers, weighing instruments, etc.) in the factory Ethernet I/O network. Its design is compatible with the DeltaV system architecture and can be seamlessly integrated into existing control networks.

Core advantages

（1） Non invasive DeltaV I/O simulation capability

Comprehensive simulation support: It can perform non-invasive simulation on all DeltaV M-series I/O modules (including traditional I/O, Foundation fieldbus, Profibus DP, DeviceNet, ASi bus, and serial cards) without modifying control strategies to complete DeltaV configuration testing; Simultaneously supporting simulation of all DeltaV digital buses and Foundation fieldbus function blocks, it can verify the effectiveness of fieldbus control configuration.

Efficient simulation performance: A single controller can simulate up to 64 DeltaV I/O modules, with fast and efficient simulation execution speed, which can make the DeltaV controller mistakenly believe that it is communicating with real I/O, ensuring that the test results are close to the actual operating scenario; It also supports I/O automatic detection and precise testing of controller load, providing data support for system optimization.

Supporting simulation software: It needs to be used in conjunction with MYNAH's MiMiC simulation software (software needs to be purchased separately). This software can provide dynamic simulation function for DeltaV system software acceptance testing and operator training - through simulation I/O and on-site equipment, simulate the real reaction of the process to the control system output signal, and the simulation I/O driver updates are synchronized with the MiMiC software version and can be quickly upgraded through the simulation network.

（2） Powerful Ethernet I/O integration capability

High capacity device access: A single VIM2 can simulate 4 DeltaV serial cards, supporting 128 serial card datasets for 32 network devices in single-mode configuration and 16 devices in redundant configuration. Ethernet communication is efficient and stable, meeting the large-scale equipment integration requirements of factories.

Flexible network configuration: supports user-defined IP addresses and can adapt to almost all factory network architectures (requiring the same IP subnet as Ethernet I/O devices); Simultaneously supporting 1:1 redundant configuration - by adding a second VIM2 to form a redundant pair, simulating 4 pairs of redundant DeltaV serial cards, the main and backup cards automatically switch (consistent with the switching logic of DeltaV serial cards), and the operator can obtain switching notifications through the display interface or manually control the switching in DeltaV Diagnostics.

Multi protocol compatibility: Supports two mainstream industrial Ethernet protocols and adapts to different device types:

Modbus TCP/IP: As a master, it supports 9 types of function codes, including reading coil status (Code1) and writing multiple registers (Code16). It can function as both a master and slave (up to 32 slave stations or 16 master stations+16 slave stations are supported in single-mode mode; only the master station is supported in redundant mode, up to 16 slave stations are supported).

Ethernet/IP: As a scanner (initiator), it supports CIP protocol functions such as UCMM (connectionless) messages, Class 3 (connected) messages, and Class 1 (I/O) connections, and is compatible with the Ethernet/IP specifications defined by the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association.

（3） Usability and system compatibility

Seamless DeltaV Integration: The VIM2 is recognized by the DeltaV M series controller as four DeltaV serial cards. During debugging, serial dataset configuration can be completed through the DeltaV Explorer (consistent with conventional serial card configuration). Ethernet I/O signals can be directly used for the DeltaV control module, displayed on the DeltaV Operate graphical interface, or stored in the DeltaV historical database without the need for additional interface development.

Intuitive configuration tool: Comes with the VIMNet Explorer application (integrated with DeltaV v12 and above, or provided with MYNAH driver), supports "plug and play" configuration - completes VIM2 debugging, primary and backup redundancy settings, and Ethernet I/O network parameter configuration (such as IP address, subnet mask, gateway, device node address, etc.) through graphical drag and drop operations. It also supports driver firmware upgrades and type replacements (only supports loading one Ethernet I/O driver at a time).