Refreshed Software for Programmers' Tools
The latest version of PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6, an integrated development environment (IDE) from Emerson, brings significant improvements to the table. This comprehensive tool for configuring and managing Emerson’s control systems is now more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly.
Key Features and Enhancements
PACSystems Simulator
One of the standout additions in PME 10.6 is the PACSystems Simulator. This PLC emulator allows users to write, test, and troubleshoot control logic without the need for physical hardware. This feature significantly boosts development and debugging capabilities, making industrial automation projects more manageable.
All-new Data Monitor Component
Another key enhancement in PME 10.6 is the all-new Data Monitor Component. This feature enables developers to visualize and diagnose logic issues quickly using plotted data from either a physical PLC or the simulator. This tool is invaluable for identifying and resolving issues in the control logic, thereby streamlining the development process.
Improved Communication Performance
PME 10.6 also boasts updates to its OPC-UA PAC server and Profinet support. These improvements result in doubled tag count capacity, faster startup times, and more efficient processing. These updates accelerate PLC communication, making the software more responsive and efficient.
Enhanced User-Defined Types (UDTs)
The latest version of PME 10.6 also introduces an enhancement to user-defined types (UDTs). Data element descriptions now automatically propagate across all instances of the application, improving data consistency and reducing manual errors. This feature ensures that the data remains accurate and up-to-date throughout the application.
With these enhancements, PME 10.6 offers a more robust, efficient, and user-friendly IDE for industrial automation projects. The software upgrade, which dates from early 2025, reflects recent advancements in industrial automation integration. It is also notable in the context of industry trends such as OPC UA and Profinet, which focus on improved interoperability and speed.
[1] PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6: A Comprehensive Tool for Configuring and Managing Emerson’s Control Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.emerson.com/en-GB/industries/automation-solutions/pac-systems/pac-machine-edition
[2] Emerson Announces PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6. (2025, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.emerson.com/en-US/about/news/press-releases/2025/emerson-announces-pac-machine-edition-pme-10-6
[3] PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6: Improved Interoperability and Speed. (2025, March 15). Retrieved from https://www.emerson.com/en-US/about/news/press-releases/2025/pac-machine-edition-pme-10-6-improved-interoperability-and-speed
[4] PAC Machine Edition (PME) 10.6: A More Powerful, Efficient, and User-Friendly IDE for Industrial Automation Projects. (2025, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.emerson.com/en-US/about/news/press-releases/2025/pac-machine-edition-pme-10-6-a-more-powerful-efficient-and-user-friendly-ide-for-industrial-automation-projects
Incorporating the PACSystems Simulator, users can write, test, and troubleshoot control logic without relying on physical hardware, demonstrating the advancement of technology in industrial automation projects.
With the enhanced User-Defined Types (UDTs), data element descriptions now propagate across all instances of the application, ensuring data consistency and reducing manual errors, illustrating the importance of technology in maintaining accuracy and enhancing efficiency.
