There are two ways to interact with the CybICS learning platform. The first and preferred method is through the physical hardware. Alternatively, you can run the platform in a virtual environment using Docker Compose.
For this setup, the hardware must be fully configured and operational. See Hardware and Software.
The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) for the CybICS platform serves as the essential backbone, orchestrating the integration of all components necessary for the platform’s operation. More than just a hardware foundation, the PCB acts as a dynamic interface that mimics the behavior of physical processes, while also simulating both sensors and actuators.
The hardware is powered through a USB-C connector, ensuring efficient and reliable power delivery. A dedicated reset button allows for easy resetting of the physical process (microcontroller). Connectivity to the testbed is established via Wi-Fi, with a button that toggles between station and access point (AP) mode. Additionally, a separate button enables switching between different display modes.
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To connect to the testbed, use the built-in Wi-Fi functionality. After powering on, the device takes approximately one minute to boot and initialize the process.
In AP mode, the CybICS platform creates a network named "cybics-XXXXXX," secured with the password 1234567890. Alternatively, in station mode, the device attempts to join an existing network named "cybics" using the same password.
First connect in AP mode to access the different applications running on the system.
As a requriement docker and docker compose needs to be setup on the system.
VS Code oder Codium is required for this method. After starting VS Code / Codium, you are asked to open the git project in a container. By selecting CybICS-Virtual, the virtual CybICS is started.
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Prepare the environment with:
.devcontainer/prepare-env.sh
Switch to the location of the docker compose file.
cd CybICS/.devcontainer/virtual
Start the containers.
sudo docker compose up
The output should look like the following:
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With CTRL+C, the containers can be stopped again.
The applications provide a webinterface for monitoring and configuration.
What | link/url |
---|---|
Physical process | http://localhost/ |
OpenPLC | http://localhost:8080/ |
FUXA HMI | http://localhost:1881/ |
Example of the virtual physical process (same represenation as the PCB).
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