Mynah

How will Models developed in MiMiC v2.x get migrated to MiMiC v3?
We will be releasing a migration utility in the second release of MiMiC v3 (late spring 2008) that will take the MiMiC v2.x files and generate a MiMiC v3 database. The migration process will be complete, but it will not change the modeling structure of the v2.x simulation. Each Tieback, Tag or Calc in v2.x will be migrated to a separate model in v3. Operator training scenarios will need to be rebuilt in the MiMiC v3 Operator Training Manager.

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How will Simulation Rentals be handled with MiMiC v3?
MYNAH will be offering software only license rentals through the Emerson LBPs and Sales and Engineering offices. When the order for the rental is placed MYNAH will send the renting office download instructions and a site validation file. Rentals are available on a monthly basis with a minimum of one month rental.

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Will the PROVOX and RS3 Drivers available on MiMiC v2.x be available also on MiMiC v3?
Not at this time. Because of technical limitations with the existing driver technology, we cannot move these drivers to MiMiC v3. We are exploring options with Austin Technology for different IO simulation methods for both RS3 and PROVOX. Customers that have a need for PROVOX or RS3 IO simulation should use MiMiC v2.8.49.

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Can I use my new MiMiC v3 license and still use my MiMiC v2.8 license?
Yes, as long as your MiMiC v3 license is current on MiMiC Software Support.

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Will MiMiC v3 support DeltaV Simulate Speedup/Slowdown capabilities?
Not in the initial release but this is a planned enhancement for 2008. We will support a speedup/slowdown factor of 10x. Because of limitations in the module execution speed in DeltaV (100 msec) and the DeltaV OPC Server update rate of 500ms, this will require review and possible modifications of the DeltaV database. We will document the changes needed to the DeltaV database in a white paper with the release of this driver.

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Does MiMiC v3 support DeltaV SIS simulation?
Yes, MiMiC v3 has a driver for DeltaV Simulate SIS. Because DeltaV Simulate SIS will not be available until the DeltaV v10.3 release we will release the MiMiC driver later this summer.

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Is a MiMiC v3 overview presentation available in MS powerpoint format?
Yes, an overview presentation and the presentation from the Emerson introduction training is available on the partner portal sites.

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Does the Virtual IO Module need to be upgraded when using MiMiC v3?
It is always a good idea to use the latest Virtual IO Module firmware. The current Virtual IO Module firmware for MiMiC v2.8.49 and MiMiC v3.0.0 is v2.2.6. The firmware is included in the MiMiC v3.0.0 software distribution and can be flashed in the MiMiC v3 Explorer under the DeltaV IO Tab.

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Does MYNAH have Bill of Materials examples for MiMiC v3 Systems?
Yes, example Bill of Materials are included in section 4 of the Emerson Price Book.

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What languages are supported by MiMiC v3?
Currently English only. We will be looking at multiple language support in 2009.

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Does MiMiC v3 with the Virtual IO Module and DeltaV Railbus Driver support ProfibusDP devices and card simulation?
Yes, MiMiC v3 with Virtual IO Module v2.2.6 supports all DeltaV IO cards including ProfibusDP Series 2 modules.

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What operating systems does MiMIC v3.0 support?
MiMiC v3.0 currently supports MS Windows XP SP2 or higher and Server 2003. We are reviewing the release of service packs and adoption of MS Vista to determine when we should support it.

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What is the largest capacity of process models that MiMiC v3 can support?
There is no limit on the number of process models in MiMiC v3. The only limit is the number of run-time Simulated IO Tags (SIO) that are licensed to the user. We offer SIO tag licenses of 1000 to 30,000 tags in 1000 tag increments.

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What functionality is supported by MiMiC v2.8 and not supported by MiMiC v3.0.0?
The following MiMiC v2.8 functionality is not currently supported in MiMiC v3.0.0. Customers who have the functionality can continue to use their MiMiC v2.8 release for simulations that require it as long as they are current on MiMiC Software Support;

MiMiC v2.8 functionality not currently supported in MiMiC v3:

• PROVOX Simulation Driver Pack
• RS3 Simulation Driver Pack
• Allen-Bradley Driver Pack
• TI Driver Pack
• GE Driver Pack
• Modicon Driver Pack (Unity is support in v3.0.0)
• Distillation Application Package
• Boiler Application Package
• Simulation Objects

What is the official release of the new Virtual IO Module for redundant Industrial Ethernet installations , VIM4201?
The product was released in March 2008. It uses the same firmware as the MIM-4207. This module should only be used for redundant Modbus TCP/IP and Ethernet/IP installations only. Simplex installations and use with MiMiC should continue to use the MIM-4207.

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Does the user need to purchase and install the MS SQL server license prior to installing MiMiC v3?
No, the MiMiC v3 Installer checks for the presence of MS SQL Server before installation. If it does not find it, it installs MS SQL Server Express from the MiMiC software distribution. No additional license is required for the use of MS SQL Server Express.

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How many Soft Logic Solver 0of DeltaV SIS will one VIM simulate?
None! The Soft Logic Solver is simulated with DeltaV Simulate SIS in DeltaV v10.3. MiMiC v3 reads and writes the soft IO channels of the Soft Logic Solver using the DeltaV SIS OPC SIO Driver.

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Is MiMiC v3 compatible with all DeltaV versions?
We support use of MiMiC v3 with DeltaV v6.3 through v9.3. We are starting testing on v10 and will support it prior to the release.

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Is there a complete books online for MiMiC v3?
Yes, a complete HTML help system is built into MiMiC v3. You can also review the MiMiC v3 Help System online at http://www.mynah.com/webhelp_output/Default.htm.

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How does MiMiC v3 handle new types/models of FF devices?
The current process is the same as with MiMiC v2.8. A list of supported device is posted on the MYNAH Forum and is included in the MiMiC v3 software distribution under the Fieldbus folder. If a device you are using is not supported, send the FHX file to the MYNAH support staff and they will send back the device definition.

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What are the Emerson Industry Center positions with Mimic? Is it a standard tool?
Probably need to ask the individual engineering center but most Emerson engineering centers globally have at least one MiMiC license. Some of them like the RCIC, HEIC, EEEC, Singapore, and Rijwijk have extensive investments in MiMiC for DeltaV Software Acceptance Testing. In addition, the DeltaV Development group in Austin uses MiMiC for integrated and load testing of DeltaV releases.

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In the past, there were conversion issues with using from simulations developed for the VIM to the DeltaV Simulate OPC drivers. Has this been addressed in MiMiC v3?
Yes, in MiMiC v3 the simulations are completely portable between different simulation drivers. In MiMiC v3 the models read and write data to simulated IO tags (SIO). The SIO tag directs the read or write to the appropriate IO assignment or fully-qualified data path using the SIO bridge services. To switch a process model between simulation for direct DeltaV IO and DeltaV Simulate parameters is as simple as stopping the simulation node, and re-starting it with a different SIO definition.

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Any solution to using Virtual IO Modules with redundant DeltaV controllers on vertical carriers?
Unfortunately no. The vertical carriers are made such that only one 4-wide controller carrier can be installed and if you have redundant controllers you do not have a controller slot to install the VIM. Please see the topic posted on the MYNAH Forum at http://www.mynah.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=161 for more details.

If a customer is not using all of his SIO Tags, do they have to pay full price for Software Support?
There is no way for us to monitor the amount of SIO Tags being used on a system. MiMiC Software Support is based upon the run-time capacity of SIO Tags licensed to the end user. If the user wants to downsize their system we can allow that but if they change their mind later and want the larger size they will have to pay for the upgrade.

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Will you still need to commission foundation fieldbus devices in DeltaV with MiMiC?
Yes, we have no ability to change the DeltaV Foundation Fieldbus commissioning procedure.

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If you have an existing MiMiC system that is current on MiMiC Software Support will MYNAH upgrade the user to MiMiC v3 at no extra cost?
Yes!

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Does MiMiC v3 have a Simulated IO driver for DeltaV for Provox and RS3 I/O?
Not at this time due to technical limitations in the interfaces. We are working with Emerson Technology to look at options for simulation for DeltaV for PROVOX and RS3 IO.

How is OPC communication configured, with DeltaV Simulate and other off-line automation system simulation packages? Master or slave, do you need OPC mirror?
The MiMiC v3 OPC SIO Bridge is an OPC Client that talks to the DeltaV Simulate OPC Server or other off-line automation system simulation systems that have an OPC Server. No OPC Mirror required.

Are SIO tags used to define inputs and outputs of the simulation model and are different definition files used to connect SIO tags to external data structure?
Yes, the simulation models reference and read/write from the SIO Tags. The SIO system converts the signals to the IO definition or the fully-qualified path of the data.

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What DeltaV IO Modules are supported with the DeltaV Railbus SIO Driver in MiMiC v3?
All current DeltaV IO Modules including Foundation Fieldbus, ProfibusDP, DeviceNet, Asibus, and Serial IO.

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Is there documentation about the Simulation Function Blocks?
Yes, the MiMiC On-line Help in the MiMiC Software Media has definition of all MiMiC Modeling Blocks. You can also review the MiMiC v3 Help System online at http://www.mynah.com/webhelp_output/Default.htm.

Is there are limitation of the number of columns that can be simulated using the MiMiC Distillation Modeling Application Package?
No.

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If MiMiC if used for Operator Training with DeltaV Simulate and the actual system has Fieldbus, should the user run the DeltaV Simulate Convert utility before exporting the FHX file for the MiMiC v3 Database Generator?
No, with MiMiC v3 we recommend running the utility on the production database. The DeltaV Database Generator Utility will generate an SIO definition for the VIM and one with the fully-qualified OPC paths. Once you have done that you can copy the DeltaV database and prepare it to run in DeltaV Simulate, including running the Simulate Convert Utility.

How are SIO Tags counted in MiMiC v3?
An SIO Tag is a data value link between the simulation models in the MiMiC Nodes and the off-line automation system. SIO Tags are consumed when Nodes are started and they are released when Nodes are stopped. Many digital bus IO functions may be handled in the DeltaV VIM Bridge and not count as SIO Tags. When a Node is generated from DeltaV using the DeltaV Database Generator the amount of SIO Tags are viewable in the MiMiC Explorer. In general, DST count is a good indication of SIO Tag requirements.

In MiMiC v2.8, OPC parameters can be simulated using the /OPC designation in the Tag name. Can the user simulate OPC parameters in MiMiC v3 and do they consume SIO tags?
In MiMiC v3, the SIO Tag has a fully-qualified OPC path for each Tag. Each OPC read or write consumes a SIO Tag. Adding new values of interest is very easy. The user can name the tag and then browse to the OPC data parameter of interest.

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Will the user who is using MiMiC v3.0.0 be able to upgrade to future releases of MiMiC v3?
Yes, as long as the system is current on MiMiC Software Support all revision upgrades are provided at no additional charge.

Should we continue to use a complete DeltaV database export to generate the MiMiC Simulation database or will the utility accept partial exports?
For the initial MiMiC database generation, the user should do a total DeltaV database export. After that initial database generation, the user can do partial exports of the components in DeltaV that changed, convert them to XML using the MiMiC Database Generator Utility and then import the changes into MiMiC.

Is there a utility for bulk loading MiMiC Simulation as opposed to generating from the DeltaV fhx file?
In MiMiC v3.0.0 you can bulk load XML files into MiMiC to build any part of the simulation definition. We are considering the development of off-line simulation development utilities in the future that use the XML standard (like Excel 2007).

How many SIO Tags are included in the base version of MiMIC v3?
The smallest license for MiMiC v3 is 1000 SIO Tags.

Is it possible to have redundant Virtual IO Modules for simulation for redundant controllers?
No, but with one Virtual IO Module and MiMiC you can simulate all 64 IO cards including redundant DeltaV IO cards.

Can the user have a mix of real IO modules and simulated IO with MiMiC and the Virtual IO Module on the same controller?
Yes, as long as the real IO and simulated IO are not addressed to the same DeltaV IO positions.

How will MiMiC v2.x licenses be converted to MiMiC v3 licenses?
Please see the topic on the MYNAH Forum at http://www.mynah.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=252.

Is the same Virtual IO Module hardware used for MiMiC simulation also used for the DeltaV Virtual IO Module Network Gateway?
Yes, the only difference is the software license and the firmware flash.

Will MiMiC v2.x Calc Expressions be migrated to MiMiC v3?
Yes, the v2.x to v3 simulation migration utility will migrate each v2.x Calc object into a Model in MiMiC v3 that has a CALC Modeling Block duplicating the expression that runs in the v2.x object.

Does the MiMiC v3 Delta Database Generator work with the databases that use encrypted class-based modules?
Yes, please see the instructions in the MiMiC v3 Online Help at http://www.mynah.com/webhelp_output/Default.htm.

Some field devices uses 0 - 4 mA as a range to indicate fault and maintenance conditions. Does MiMiC v3 support negative EU ranges?
Yes, you can specify negative EU in MiMiC v3.

Is it possible to sort and search tags in MiMiC v3. For a small system it is not necessary but for big system it is very difficult to find specific tag?
Yes, advanced search and sorting capabilities are built into MiMiC Explorer and MView application in MiMiC v3.

Does MIMiC support simulation for DeltaV Zone 1 and Zone 2 Remote I/O?
Zone 2 IO cards and signals can be simulated using the VIM. There is no simulation solution for Zone 1 IO. Because Zone 1 and 2 IO is classic style IO, we are recommending that users re-assign the modules to the workstation and use the DeltaV Simulate OPC Client Driver to test their DeltaV application software. This is not an ideal solution, but discussions with marketing to develop a better simulation interface to Zone 1 or Zone 2 IO were stopped.

Can MiMiC v3 simulate serial and digital bus IO data at the bit level?
Yes, please see the MYNAH Forum topic on serial and bit level simulation at

Can you monitor output and input values at the same window or in a split window?
Yes, in MiMiC v3, you can define a MView that shows IO values from input and outputs SIO tags or modeling blocks in a split window.

Can an entire simulation system be launched from a one command?
Yes, in the MiMiC Explorer, select Edit, Preferences, Use Auto-Start Node Settings. This setting saves the last state of the simulation and allows the user to start all nodes at their last state by starting the MiMiC Explorer.

Is there a runtime version that is sold separate from the development version?
Not at this time. Any MiMiC system can be used to develop any size simulation while the run-time is limited by the SIO tag count. The smallest MiMiC system (1000 SIO Tag) gives the ability for unlimited development and 1000 SIO Tags in runtime.

Are there any modifiers that can be configured within the tieback blocks?
Yes, the Loop Tieback (LTB) and Discrete Tieback (DTB) have many parameters that can be modified to affect the performance of the tieback. Please refer to the Modeling Block Reference in the online help for a complete list of parameters.

Is the MiMIC v3 calculation block expression syntax limited to Mimic v2.x syntax, or are there be additional functions and data types?
There are additions to the calc block expressions not available in MiMiC v2.x. In addition, you can add comments into the Calc Modeling Blocks expression in MiMiC v3. MiMiC v3 also has global registers that allow transfer of data between models or simulation Nodes.

Are logic function blocks such as AND, OR, etc. available for the simulation diagrams? Are there simpler ways to do flow paths in MiMiC v3 than writing a Calc?
Yes. There are additions to the calc block expressions and MiMiC function blocks that are not available in MiMiC v2. These will include the logical blocks like AND and OR. In addition, there is a new conditional Block (CND) that is designed to quickly define a flow path.

Is commenting of FB diagrams & Calc expressions available in MiMiC v3?
Yes, comments can be added to FB diagrams and Calc expressions.

Does the user have to sync off-line and on-line databases in MiMiC v3?
Changes made on-line are added to the off-line database by saving the model either during viewing and changing on-line or when exiting Simulation Studio. Moving between the off-line model construction and on-line model execution viewing are a fast one-button operation.

Is the user able to modify the run-time models during operation?
Yes, run-time modifications can be made in Simulation Studio and with partial updates back into the MiMiC Simulation Engine and database.

Is there a user interface to view the SIO Tags only?
An MView display can be defined to view the SIO Tags. The user can customize this view like any of the data views.

Does MiMiC v3 have online help and context-sensitive help?
Yes, there is an HTML help system for MiMiC v3 that is part of the MiMiC distribution and can also be viewed on the MYNAH web site. Text tools and what’s this are also integrated into all modeling blocks and applications.

Does MiMiC v3 require server type machines? Does it run also on workstations?
MiMiC v3 will run on Win XP SP2 and Server 2003. We will also support Vista in a future release. Server2003 or server machines are not required but in order to have multiple users working with the same MiMiC Server it must be installed on the Server 2003 operating system.

Any thought to having a live link between DeltaV and MiMic so that if parameters are changed in DeltaV they will automatically be updated in MiMiC?
It is a great idea and something we have talked to Emerson about for future DeltaV product enhancements. We are working on the first step of this capability with the Web Services interface available in DeltaV v10.3.

When is support for DeltaV SIS planned?
Support for DeltaV SIS is dependent upon DeltaV SiS Simulate available in v10.3. We will release our SIO Driver for MiMiC v3 before Emerson’s release of this product.

Are there any plans to emulate more of the AMS functions of Foundation Fieldbus devices? Have scenarios where operators need to use AMS to standardize probes from DeltaV Operator using AMS menu's. It would be nice to emulate this in simulation.
MiMiC v3 does not support device specific function simulation of FF and focused on the open function blocks. We have talked about methods where the user could trigger signals that appear in AMS but we do not have any current development in place.

When the user purchases a MiMiC system, what do they receive from MYNAH?
MiMiC purchases from MYNAH include simulation software licenses and simulation hardware, like the DeltaV Virtual IO Module. All commercial off-the-shelf hardware like PCs can be provided by the end user of local office. Installing and setting up MiMiC on the PC is simple and fast.

When the user rents a MiMiC system, what do they receive from MYNAH?
MiMiC rental from MYNAH include a time-based simulation software license only. MiMiC software licenses can be rented in one month periods. All simulation hardware, like the DeltaV Virtual IO Module, PC and network hardware should be provided by the local office. Installing and setting up MiMiC on the PC is simple and fast.

Is it possible for multiple users to be working on MiMiC v3 from separate remote desktop stations?
Yes, MiMiC v3 is fully compatible with Win XP Remote Desktop and Server 2003 Remote Terminal Services. In order to support up to 10 Remote Terminal Sessions from one machine MiMiC will need to be loaded on Server 2003 and the customer will need to purchase the MiMiC Server license.

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What is the execution rate of a MiMiC v3 simulation model to read a channel, tieback, calc, write value back to I/O system?
V3.0.0 release of MiMiC v3 supports total model execution time of 1 sec. In future releases it will support 250 msec total model execution time. Model execution time can be seen in MiMiC Diagnostics.

What DeltaV IO cards does MiMiC v3 support with the Delta Railbus SIO Driver and the Virtual IO Module?
All DeltaV IO cards available in DeltaV v9.3.

Is it possible to use DeltaV DST name as the name for the SIO tag?
Yes, the SIO tag can be named to match the DeltaV DST or any other name. The DeltaV Database Generator uses the DST name for the SIO tag name when generating the SIO tags.

Are there plans to improve the performance of the DeltaV FHX Utility?
The DeltaV Database Generator in MiMiC v3 has been optimized further. Moving to the SQL Server Express database has helped performance a lot. We are working on a different approach to simulation generation that will use the Web Services capabilities in DeltaV v10. We are optimistic that interface will also improve simulation generation performance significantly.

Is it possible to get FF devices to show up commissioned without having to individually commission each device?
We can’t do this without major changes in the way DeltaV handles FF devices. There are projects being considered by Emerson for optimizing FF commissioning.

Is it possible to add a utility to decommission all FF devices in the end FAT?
We could do this in MiMiC but DeltaV would still require you to decommission all devices via DeltaV Explorer.

Does MiMiC v3 support speedup / slowdown capabilities of the simulation engine and models?
Speedup / slowdown 10x is designed into the simulation engine, and will be released in 2008.

Is there limitation in the number of characters in the fully-qualified OPC data path?
The field for the fully qualified OPC data path in the SIO tag is 256 characters.

Is there any way to automate the generation of FF definitions for new devices?
The current version of the DeltaV Database Generator does not support automatic generation of new devices. We are planning on an enhancement of this utility that will create new Foundation Fieldbus devices automatically.

Is the engineering unit conversion of the streams automatic?
Yes, the engineering unit conversions automatic in MiMiC v3. Our simulation consultants claim this feature will save 10% of the time and cost associated with developing and maintaining process simulations.

How is filtering and sorting handled in the MView Data View?
The user can select the tags or data that he would like to display in the edit view window. The data displayed can be filtered by Model Name, Node Name, and Model block type. The parameters displayed can be also selected in the window. The user can sort be selecting the column (similar to Excel).

Is the trend data in MiMiC Data Monitor historical? Or once the value scrolls off the trend is it lost?
The trend data from the MiMiC Data Monitor can be saved to a SQL table on the MiMiC server. The historical data collection is only active as the Data Monitor View window is open and active.

In MiMiC Component Studio is there a graphical control that supports scripting or a macro? For example: one button that will initialize all the levels of the raw material tanks?
This can be done be making a script in a Calc block within a model or as a step of a training scenario. Adding a button to enable either scripts is available in the Component Studio editor.

Is it possible to filter on whether or not the channels are enabled?
Not exactly. You can browse for specific SIO tags but if the channels are enabled in DeltaV is not visible to MiMiC. SIO tags by definition usually refer to enabled channels only.

In the Data Monitor Trend view is the time recorded for the trend value synchronized with the MIMIC simulation rate? For example: if the simulation rate is x2 the trend recording is also x2?
The Data Monitor Trend View time record is captured based upon the sample rate configured in the Trend View dialog. Samples can be captured as fast as 200 msec.

Does the 10X speedup/slowdown work DeltaV Simulate? How will it work with DeltaV OPC updates of only 500 ms?
Yes, the speedup / slowdown controls planned for the third release of MiMiC v3 will only work with the DeltaV Simulate OPC driver. The DeltaV SimulatePro controls changes the execution time of the module to make it as fast as 100 msec. In MiMiC we will need to update our model execution time accordingly. We planned for this in v3 and can support it. DeltaV users will need to review their module executions to make sure that the fastest module does not run faster than 1 sec. We will be publishing an application paper on how to engineer the DeltaV database when we release this capability.

Can I use the new Virtual IO Module for Redundant applications, VIM-4201, with the DeltaV Railbus SIO Driver and MiMiC?
No, we have not tested this product with MiMiC. We recommend the MIM-4207 Virtual IO Module for use with MiMiC at this time.

Is MiMiC Software Support included with the MiMiC Base License Purchase?
Yes, one year of MiMiC Software Support from date of initial shipment is included in the MiMiC Base Software License purchase.

How can I find out when my MiMiC Software Support expires?
The expiration date for the MiMiC Software Support renewal is shown on the bottom right hand border of the MiMiC Explorer.

How can I know my MiMiC Site ID?
The MiMiC Site ID is shown on the bottom left hand border of the MiMiC Explorer.

How can I know what software licenses I own?
The MiMiC Software License certificate that ships with the initial MiMiC system purchase shows the software options licensed. In the MiMiC Explorer the user can also view the licenses by selecting Tools, Check Licensing.

When do I have to quit using my MiMiC v2.8 license once I receive my MiMiC v3 media pack?
The user can continue to use MiMiC v2.8 and the new MiMiC v3 license as long as they are current on MiMiC Software Support.

Are there any new enhancements planned for MiMiC v2.x?
No, the final release of MiMiC v2.x is v2.8.49. There are no planned releases of MiMiC v2.x after this release. MiMiC v2.x is now at a MATURE status.

How long will MYNAH continue to support MiMiC v2.x?
MiMiC v2.x went to MATURE status in March 2008. We will continue to support MiMiC v2.8.49 until March 2018 for those customers that are current on MiMiC Software Support.