SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional (TIA Portal)

The network view enables configuration of plant communication. The communication links between individual stations are displayed here graphically and very clearly.

• Combined view of all network resources and network components

• Fully graphical configuration of the individual stations

• Resources are networked by linking communication interfaces using drag&drop

• Multiple controllers, peripherals, HMI devices, SCADA stations, PC stations and drives possible in a single project

• Procedure for integrating AS-i devices identical to PROFIBUS/PROFINET

• Zoom and page navigation

• Copying/pasting entire stations, incl. configuration, or individual hardware modules

The configuration of racks and assigning of addresses etc is performed in device view. All devices are represented in a photo-realistic way.

• Buffering of configured hardware modules and reuse with module clipboard

• When zoomed to at least 200%, I/Os are displayed with the symbolic names / addresses..

• Automatic readout of available hardware with hardware detect

• Full text search in the hardware catalogue

• Option of filtering the hardware catalogue to show modules that can currently be used

• All parameters and configuration data are displayed on a hierarchical and context-sensitive basis

Decentralised peripherals on PROFINET are configured in network view. The controllers and the decentralised peripherals assigned to them can be shown graphically. During ongoing operation, however, it is not possible to see which ports are actually connected and communicating with each other.

Yet this is precisely what is often important for diagnostics. For PROFINET networks, the topology view enables this information to be displayed quickly and easily. An offline/online comparison identifies the communicating ports. By detecting, presenting and monitoring the physical connections between devices on PROFINET IO, the administrator can easily monitor and maintain even complex networks.

With STEP 7 (TIA Portal) , graphic programming languages are supported by new, high-performance compilers. Powerful tools and integrated functionality, such as indirect programming, boost engineering efficiency when creating programs.

The user-friendly, fully graphical LAD and FBD editors offer excellent clarity and fast navigation in the block editor thanks to

• opening and closing entire networks

• showing and hiding symbols and addresses

• direct zooming and saving of layouts

• a host of keyboard shortcuts

• lasso function, copying and pasting for individual commands and command structures

• comments

• CalculateBox permits the direct input of formulas for the S7-1200 and
  S7-1500

The Structured Control Language (SCL) corresponds to the textual high-level language ST (Structured Text) defined in the standard IEC 61131-3 and fulfills base level and reusability level requirements according to PLC open. SCL is particularly suitable for the high-speed programming of complex algorithms and arithmetic functions and for tasks in data processing. The SCL code is simpler, shorter and clearer to produce and handle. Programming efficiency is enhanced using new, high-performance SCL compilers.

S7-SCL Editor offers the following functionalities

• Complete areas of program code can be activated/deactivated with just one click

• Loops and multi-line comments can be expanded and collapsed

• Export of SCL code

• Fast access to tag parts (bit, byte, word...) with "slicing"“

• The values of all tags are displayed clearly online

• SCL blocks can be used in other STEP 7 languages

• Ideal for user-defined function blocks for libraries

• SCL-blocks form the basis for sharing program code between S7-1200, S7-300, S7-400 and WinAC

• Considerable time savings compared to programming in LAD/FBD/STL

The statement list (STL) textual programming language enables the creation of hardware-level runtime and memory-optimized user programs. .

It supports the user with a host of new user-friendly editing functions

• Intelligent selection of symbols from PLC tags, DBs, local tags

• Clear presentation even of complex program code

• Code can be activated/deactivated with  just one click

• Option of adding display of absolute addresses

• Breakpoints can be set directly

• Clear online presentation

Sequential Function Chart (SFC) is used for describing procedures with alternative or parallel sequencers. .

The sequencers are configured and programmed clearly and quickly in a standardized display mode (in line with IEC 61131-3, DIN EN 61131).

The process is described graphically and divided into individual steps with a manageable scope of functions..

Basic functions

• Flexible sequencer structure:
  Simultaneous and alternative branches, jumps within the sequencers, step activation and deactivation.

• Selective processing of steps
  The processing time of a sequencer is thus independent of the number of steps

• Synchronisation of automatic and manual mode:
  The process is no longer synchronous if it was put into a different state manually. GRAPH supports the locating of synchronization points for restarting automatic operation. The relevant steps are marked for this purpose. Transitions or interlocks can be defined as criteria

• Single-step presentation shows all details of a step at a glance

• Considerable time savings compared to programming in LAD/FBD/STL

Test- and diagnostics functions

Online functions: The online functions can result in considerable time savings, particularly during the commissioning phase. For example, active steps, the status of the interlocking, monitoring and step enabling conditions, and past actions can all be displayed online.

The real-time trace function for the SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers enables precise diagnosis and optimisation for all user programs. Sporadic events can be easily identified in the system during the commissioning and service phases by visualising the entire process with the real-time trace.

Trace functionality offers:

• Recording of up to 16 different signals

• Up to 4 independent trace jobs at the same time

• Various trigger options

• Two windows: Analogue and binary signals (logic analyser)

• Versatile zoom, cursor measuring functions

• Export of measurements (e.g. for user-specific processing)

STEP 7 (TIA Portal) supports numerous online functions

• With just one click online: Display of operating status, diagnostic overview in project tree and online/offline comparison on block level

• Rapid transmission of all changes in the program with consistent download

• Offline/offline – project comparison

• Download in RUN

• Upload of hardware configuration from existing controllers – hardware detect

• Complete software project upload to empty PG

• Rapid service without existing project (with hardware detect and software upload)

The scalable and flexible motion functionality integrated in the SIMATIC S7-1500 supports the control of centrally or decentrally connected drives (analogue and digital).
PLCopen blocks are available for programming.
Motion Control technology objects (TO) can be used for programming typical sequences of movements and for testing and reusing them as often as desired. In addition to the control tasks, technology objects include the communication to the converter and its parameter assignment. This means Motion Control contributes significantly to reduce engineering and maintenance time.

Motion Control functionality supported for S7-1500 controllers

• Positioning (absolute and relative)

• Speed control

• Referencing

• Support for absolute encoders

The following functions are available in STEP 7 (TIA Portal) for producing continuous, discrete (pulse width modulation) and step controllers and for easy commissioning thanks to automatic controller setting:

• PID basic functions (S7-1500, S7-300/400, WinAC)
  Straightforward PID statement for continuous or discrete control tasks (CONT_C, CONT_S,…)
• PID Compact  (S7-1200/1500)
  continuous PID controller with analogue or pulse width-modulated output and automatic tuning
• PID 3-Step (S7-1200/1500)
  special step controller for integrating actuators (e.g. valves) with automatic tuning