The brain of the operation remains the PLC. Whether using a physical controller (S7-1500) or a "Software Controller" running on an industrial PC, the code is written in TIA Portal using standard languages like LAD, FBD, or SCL. The Virtual Client connects to this controller via standard industrial protocols like PROFINET, creating a seamless handshake between the logic and the simulation.
Unlike traditional thick clients (powerful local PCs running Windows), the SVC operates on a "central compute, local display" model. The processing power resides in a data center or server room, while the client device merely renders the user interface. siemens virtual client
A global automotive manufacturer has engineering teams in Germany, China, and Mexico. Instead of replicating TIA Portal licenses across three continents, they host a central VM farm in Germany. Engineers in Mexico use SVC endpoints to access the German-hosted TIA Portal with sub-150ms latency, thanks to WAN optimization protocols. The brain of the operation remains the PLC