Monday, December 30, 2013

Update 30 DEC 2013

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#  "FAQs":
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+ What is the meaning of the terms "sinking" (German: "P-schaltend") and "sourcing" (German: "M-schaltend") in digital modules of SIMATIC? (2013-12-19) [23451499]
Description There is a variety of terminologies for characterizing digital inputs and outputs; ...
>>> READ MORE

+ How do you program and parameterize Modbus/TCP communication between two S7-1200 CPUs? (2013-12-19) [83130159]
Description Modbus/TCP communication between two S7-1200 CPUs is presented. The instructions 'MB_CLIENT' and 'MB_SERVER' are called and parameterized in the user program of the S7-1200 CPU. ...
>>> READ MORE
+ What should you watch out for with the PPI/MPI/DP interfaces if you want to use the CP 5711 with a SIMATIC S7-200? (2013-12-23) [85669627]
Description The SIMATIC NET CP 5711 is an onboard PB module in the Field PG M4 and when used for an S7-200 you must note the following system properties with regard to the PPI/MPI/PROFIBUS interfaces. PPI: The PPI protocol is not supported by software drivers through the CP 5711. MPI: Limited use of the MPI interface
(Multi Point Interface) is possible and on the PG side works with transmission rates of 187.5 kBaud, 19.2 kBaud and 9.6 kBaud (baud rate preset fo ...
>>> READ MORE

+ How do you archive projects or single PLC folders in STEP 7 (TIA Portal)? (2013-12-23) [62411591]
Instructions The 'Archive' function in STEP 7 versions V5.x, in which you store projects as ZIP files in a storage location, is not supported by STEP 7 (TIA Portal) in V10.5 and V11. In these versions of TIA Portal you save your projects on the hard disk, for example, using the 'Save' and 'Save As' functions. Under 'Tools > Settings > Tab: General' and under 'Memory Settings' you can define the storage location for your projects and libraries.
>>> READ MORE

+ Why are configured graphics not displayed on the Comfort Panel?  (2013-12-13) [85161423]
Description Graphics are not displayed now and again on a Comfort Panel. This behavior occurs when graphics are not displayed in the original size and the color depth is set to 16 bits in the operator panel settings. ...
>>> READ MORE

 + Why are there no GSM antennas with longer cables? (2013-12-13) [85162446]
Description There are currently two antennas in Industrial Remote Communication portfolio: Omnidirectional antenna for GSM-(2G) and UMTS-(3G) networks with a 5m cable (ANT794-4MR) Patch antenna for GSM-(2G) networks with a 1.2m cable (ANT794-3M) ...
>>> READ MORE

 + With the S7-1200, why do you get the message indicating that the signal board is not available because of an incorrect type?  (2013-12-11) [85239632]
Description You get this message because there is a difference between the version of the signal board integrated in the CPU and the version of the signal module configured in the device configuration. There are currently two versions of the S7-1200 analog input board, V1.0 and V2.0. If you configure the signal board version V2.0 in the device configuration, but have slotted the same type but version V1.0 in the CPU, you get this message in the diagnostics buffer: 'Hardware comp ...
>>> READ MORE

+ In STEP 7 (TIA Portal), how can you input, read out and edit the date and time for S7-300/400/1200/1500? (2013-12-09) [43566349]
Description In order to input or read out the date and time of CPU clocks you need the data type 'DT' (DATA_AND_TIME) for S7-300/400 and data type 'DTL' for S7-1200. With the S7-1500 you can choose between three data types: 'DT', 'LDT' and 'DTL'. The 'DT' data type stores the data for date and time in the BCD format, which means in a length of 8 bytes. A variable of the 'DTL' data type has a length of 12 bytes and stores the data for date and time in a predefined structure. More ...
>>> READ MORE
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#  "SELF HELP":
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1. Programming guideline for S7-1200/S7-1500
The programming guideline shows you how you can increase your engineering efficiency with the TIA Portal. It contains tips for creating memory- and runtime-optimized user programs and introduces innovations, such as the library concept and slice access. Some of the topics:
  • Optimized blocks
  • Instructions as multi-instance
  • Symbolic programming
  • Global data blocks in place of bit memories

2. Second generation SIMATIC HMI Basic Panels
The panels, with screen diagonals of 4 to 12 inches, feature a high-resolution widescreen display with 64,000 colors. Integrated software functions include: message system, recipe management, trend functionality and language switching. In the case of increased requirements, projects created for a Basic Panel can easily be transferred to devices of other performance classes or display sizes.
The Basic Panels are specially designed for interaction with the SIMATIC S7 controllers and are configured in the Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal).

3. Communications processors for modular RTU solutions
Flexible and low-cost RTUs based on SIMATIC S7-1200 can be realized with the new communications processors. All variants of the CP 1243-1 offer cyclic and event-controlled transfer of measured and setpoint values as well as interrupts between the RTU and control center, without complicated programming. 

4. PROFINET driver
The PROFINET driver supports developers who implement PC-based PROFINET applications themselves. It does not require any special hardware because the standard Ethernet interface is used. The PROFINET driver is delivered as source code, which allows developers' own solutions to be ported on different operating systems. An engineering tool is not necessary. 
>>> READ MORE

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Update 19 DEC 2013

How many drives can you control per S7-1200 controller with the pulse sequence (PTO)?

With the S7-1200, why do you get the message indicating that the signal board is not available because of an incorrect type?

In STEP 7 (TIA Portal), how do you convert the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds into milliseconds?

How can you access user-defined web pages of the S7-1200 directly?

How do you perform a firmware update for the S7-1200 as from V3.0 in STEP 7 (TIA Portal) by means of the web server?

With which devices can the S7-1200 communicate over the integrated PROFINET interface and which protocols does the S7-1200 support?

Monday, December 2, 2013

Update 2 Dec 2013

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#  "FAQs":
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+ How do you change the PROFIBUS address of the CM 1242-5 from the
   user program? (2013-11-28) [81522429]
   For products: 6GK7242-5DX30-0XE0
   Description A special data record 8193 is supported which can be
   described in the slave CPU, by means of the SFB53 and hardware
   identifier of the CM module. If this data record is assigned a
   correct request, the slave stack (similar to loading) is restarted
   with this PROFIBUS address. ...
   => http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/news/en/81522429

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#  "Applications & Tools, Tools":
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++ Applications & Tools / Task / Technology / Communication

 + Library for SNTP Server Functionality in S7 CPUs (2013-11-26)
   [82203451]
   For products: 6ES7211-1AD30-0XB0; 6ES7211-1AE31-0XB0; 6ES72
   Task The PROFINET CPUs S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 can
   only be configured as NTP clients for time synchronization.
   Therefore, for time synchronization of all components in an
   automation cell, a suitable timer system such as SICLOCK or - for
   synchronization using the proprietary SIMATIC process - additional
   hardware (communication processors) has to be used. Another
   possibility is the use of a S7 CPU as an SNTP server as shown in
   this application example. ...
   => http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/news/en/82203451

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++ Applications & Tools / Task / Technology / Drive Technology

 + SINAMICS V: Controlled Positioning of a V90 with S7‑1200 via the
   Pulse/Direction Interface with HMI (2013-11-26) [77467940]
   For products: 1FL6042-1AF61-0AA1; 1FL6042-1AF61-0AB1; 1FL60
   Drives SINAMICS V90 and motors SIMOTICS S-1FL6 form an optimized
   servo drive system for positioning, as well as speed and torque
   control. Through its optimized design, the system ensures high
   servo performance in a cost-efficient and easy way as well as a
   high degree of ruggedness. ...
   => http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/news/en/77467940

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++ Applications & Tools / Task / Technology / Human Machine Interface

 + Introduction of the new Basic Panels 2nd Generation (Video)
   (2013-11-26) [84212407]
   For products: 6AV6647-0A..
   Content This entry shows you a selection of features of the new
   Basic Panels 2nd Generation. ...
   => http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/news/en/84212407

 + SIMATIC Apps: An overview about the most important documents and
   links (2013-11-28) [84133612]
   For products: 6AV2104-....1-0; 6AV2104-....2-0; 6AV2124..;
   Apps for SIMATIC Products Smart phones and tablets are easy to
   operate and facilitate fast mobile access to information and
   services. For this reason, a growing number of users of automation
   technology would like to use these devices in their professional
   environment as well. With a coordinated concept for industry apps,
   users can now deploy their mob ...
   => http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/news/en/84133612