PLC Programming with SIMATIC STEP7
Innovative engineering for both proven and new SIMATIC controllers
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) continues the success story of SIMATIC STEP 7. With SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal), you can configure, program, test, and diagnose the Basic, Advanced and Distributed Controllers of all generations, whether PLC- or PC-based, including software controllers.
STEP 7 (TIA Portal) helps you perform your engineering tasks intuitively and efficiently. Thanks to its integration in TIA Portal, STEP 7 offers transparency, intelligent user navigation, and straightforward workflows in every work and programming step. Functions such as drag & drop, copy & paste, and Auto Complete make work much quicker and easier.
SIMATIC STEP 7 offers maximum user-friendliness, regardless of whether you‘re a beginner in the engineering field or already have many years of experience. For new users, the engineering is easy to learn and apply, whereas for experts, it’s fast and efficient.
SIMATIC STEP 7 in TIA Portal is the comprehensive engineering tool for configuring and programming SIMATIC controllers, whether PLC- or PC-based.
SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional (TIA Portal) can be used to configure, program, test, and diagnose all generations of SIMATIC controllers.
SIMATIC STEP 7 Basic (TIA Portal) is the price-optimized subset of STEP 7 Professional software that can be used both for engineering the SIMATIC S7-1200 Basic Controllers and for configuring the SIMATIC HMI Basic Panels, because WinCC Basic is part of the software package.
The central editor for configuring hardware and networks
You can configure an entire plant using a single graphical editor. The editor offers three views to ensure clear division of tasks. The network view shows graphical connections between devices, the device view shows the parameterization and configuration of the individual devices, and the topology view shows the actual interconnection of PROFINET devices.
Powerful programming editors for efficient engineering
SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) provides powerful programming editors for programming SIMATIC S7 controllers. These editors offer functions such as drag & drop, project-wide cross-reference lists, Auto Complete, etc., and enable the efficient creation of user programs.
Programming editors adapted to tasks and workflows provide the basis for the intuitive STEP 7 (TIA Portal) operating concept. Embedding the different editors in a common working environment ensures that all the data is available to users on a consistent basis and guarantees an overview of the project data at all times.
GRAPH (SFC)
Programming of sequencers*
Sequential Function Chart (SFC) is used for describing procedures with alternative or parallel sequencers. The sequencers are configured and programmed quickly and clearly in a standardized display mode (according to IEC 61131-3, DIN EN 61131). The process is described graphically and divided into individual steps with a manageable range of functions. Thanks to numerous convenience functions, sequencers can be easily and flexibly structured. In addition, online functions provide considerable time savings, particularly during the commissioning phase.
*(No support for STEP 7 Basic.)
Efficient error analysis, fast commissioning, and reduced downtimes
System diagnostics is an integral part of STEP 7 and does not require an additional license. In the engineering phase, diagnostics is conveniently activated with just one click. When new hardware components are introduced, the diagnostic information is updated automatically via the engineering system (HWCN).
Thanks to a real-time trace function, all user programs can be precisely diagnosed and optimized and, with the aid of online functions, a great deal of information can be retrieved and exchanged and projects updated.
Integrated real-time trace functions
The real-time trace functions for SIMATIC controllers enable precise diagnosis and optimization for all user programs. You can easily identify sporadic events in the system during commissioning and maintenance by visualizing the entire process using a real-time trace.
The trace functionality offers:
- Recording of up to 16 different signals
- Up to 4 independent trace jobs simultaneously
- Various trigger options
- Two windows: analog and binary signals (logic analyzer)
- Versatile zoom, cursor, and measuring functions
- Export of measurements (e.g. for user-specific processing)
Online functions
STEP 7 (TIA Portal) supports numerous online functions:
- Online with just one click: display of operating status, diagnostic overview in the project tree, and online/offline comparison on the 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 with hardware detect
- Complete software project upload to empty PG
- Rapid service without an existing project (with hardware detect and software upload)
The intelligent solution for technology tasks
Together with TIA Portal, integrated and scalable SIMATIC Technology automation solutions save valuable engineering time and guarantee maximum efficiency and flexibility.
Motion Control for S7-1500
The scalable and flexible motion functionality integrated in the SIMATIC S7-1500 supports the control of centrally or decentrally connected drives (analog and digital). PLCopen blocks are available for programming.
Motion control technology objects (TOs) can be used for programming typical functions such as positioning (absolute and relative), speed control, referencing, and support for absolute encoders, and for testing and reusing them as often as desired. In addition to the control tasks, these technology objects include the communication with the converter and its parameterization.
High-speed counter – for SIMATIC S7-1500 controllers
Integrated PID control – for all SIMATIC controllers
The following functions are available in STEP 7 (TIA Portal) for implementing continuous, discrete (pulse width modulation), and step controllers and for easy commissioning, thanks to automatic controller setting:
PID Compact (S7-1200/1500)
Continuous PID controller with analog or pulse width-modulated output and automatic tuningPID 3-Step (S7-1200/1500)
Specialized step controller for integrating actuators (e.g. valves) with automatic tuningPID Basisfunktionen (S7-1500, S7-300/400, WinAC)
Straightforward PID statement for continuous or discrete control tasks (CONT_C, CONT_S, etc.).
Hardware requirements
Siemens recommends SIMATIC Field PG programming devices as a powerful and rugged platform for STEP 7 Engineering Software, especially when an engineering station is also used for the commissioning, servicing, and maintenance of the automation system.
However, any PC that meets the following requirements can be used.
Supported Operating systems (64 Bit only)
*only for Basic Edition
**not for "STEP 7 Basic/Professional and WinCC Professional"
Compatibility Tool
The Compatibility Tool is a function provided by the Siemens Industry Online Support with which you can select compatible software products or check the compatibility of existing configurations.
All configuration and programming tools required for generating a safety-oriented program are integrated into the STEP 7 user interface and use a common project structure. Using the SIMATIC STEP 7 Safety Basic or STEP 7 Safety Advanced (TIA Portal) option, you can also take advantage of all the benefits of the TIA Portal for your fail-safe automation. To use this option package, a valid SIMATIC STEP 7 Basic or STEP 7 Professional license is required.
STEP 7 Safety is the seamless integration of safety in TIA Portal. However, safety-oriented programs can still be generated using STEP 7 and Distributed Safety. Programs created with STEP 7 Distributed Safety can be migrated to TIA Portal at any time.
Get started now with SIMATIC STEP 7
Application-oriented licensing
Today’s automation solutions must overcome a variety of challenges. To do this, they require high-performance software that is as efficient, flexible, and reliable as possible, both now and in the future. By choosing the right license for your individual application, you’ll keep your software cost-effectively up to date.
At siemens.com/simatic-licenses, you’ll find further information on topics like the Software Update Service (SUS) and Online Software Delivery (OSD), as well as on types of licenses and the administration of your software licenses using the Automatic License Manager
Special tasks require tailored solutions
STEP 7 (TIA Portal) is already characterized by a comprehensive range of integrated functions. But for tasks beyond standard automation requirements, these functions can be expanded by using tailored options that can be seamlessly integrated into STEP 7 and TIA Portal, such as failsafe applications or technological tasks.
