PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLER

In summary, the invention relates to a programmable logic controller (SPS) particularly for controlling a system (A). The programmable logic controller (SPS) is supplemented by a simulation program (13), wherein the simulation program (13) runs on a computing unit (1) if applicable, the programmable logic controller (SPS) and the computing unit (1) communicating via a technical data link (5). Process images (PAsystem, PAAsystem, PAEsystem) are converted in the programmable logic controller (SPS) into extended process images (c-PAext, c-PAAext_i, c-PAEext_i) and are stored in the memory (7) of the programmable logic controller (SPS). The simulation program (13) additionally has access to the memory (7) via the operating system (OS) of the programmable logic controller (SPS) and writes the virtual sensor system (VS) into the memory (7). The virtual sensor system (VS) is advantageously used for adapting a program of the programmable logic controller (SPS) and thus for controlling and/or regulating the system (A).