ServiceLab

SOFTNET-S7 Modules

ServiceLab
SOFTNET-S7 Modules Module Description

Copyright 2003 by Siemens AG All rights reserved.

Siemens AG, ZN Ulm, Lise-Meitner-Str. 7/1

89081 Ulm, Germany

The ServiceLab program and its manuals are constantly being further developed. We reserve the right to change all specifications of the program at any time without prior notice.

SOFTNET-S7 Modules

ServiceLab

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SOFTNET-S7 Modules

Contents:
1 SOFTNET-S7 MODULES ....................................................................................... 5 1.1 1.2 1.3 REQUIREMENTS ................................................................ ..................................................................................... ..................................................... 7 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE SOFTNET-S7 MODULES ................................... ................................... 9 SOFTNET-S7 INPUT MODULE............................................................... ............................................................... 11 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.3.3 Parameters...............................................................................11 Setting the interface .................................................................12 Symbolic channel setting .........................................................13
1.3.3.1 Adapting the symbol table................................................... 13

1.4

SOFTNET-S7 SOFTNET-S7 OUTPUT MODULE ........................................................... ........................................................... 15 1.4.1 Send Mode ..............................................................................15
1.4.1.1 Send Mode Automatic......................................................... 15 1.4.1.2 Send Mode Manual ............................................................. 16

1.4.2 1.4.3 1.4.4 1.4.5 1.5

Parameters...............................................................................16 Setting the interface .................................................................18 Symbolic channel setting .........................................................18

1.4.4.1 Adapting the symbol table................................................... 18

Example of incorrect use of the module...................................19

SETTING UP THE SOFTNET-S7 DRIVER .................................................... .................................................... 21 1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3 Installing the SOFTNET-S7 software.........................................21 Configuring the PC station .......................................................21 Configuring the PC station and S7 connections........................23
1.5.3.1 Connection configuration for specified end points ............... 26 1.5.3.2 Connection configuration for unspecified end points ........... 28 1.5.3.3 Loading the configuration data onto the PC station .............. 29

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SOFTNET-S7 Modules

SOFTNET-S7 Modules
These modules enable read and write access to SIMATIC S7 controllers via Ethernet or PROFIBUS. This requires that the SOFTNET software for Ethernet or PROFIBUS has been installed and correctly set.

SOFTNET-S7 Input SOFTNET-S7 Output

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1.1

Requirements
For the SOFTNET-S7 modules to be able to exchange data with a SIMATIC S7 controller, the following conditions must be met:

The SIMATIC S7 must be configured for use via PROFIBUS or Industrial Ethernet (assign PROFIBUS or IP address, enter Ethernet CP in the hardware configuration of the SIMATIC S7, etc.). The SIMATIC NET SOFTNET-S7 software for Industrial Ethernet or PROFIBUS must be installed taking all preconditions into account (e.g. operating systems, administrator rights, etc.). The PG/PC interface must be set up correctly: 1. A suitable Industrial Ethernet / PROFIBUS communication processor (module) including device drivers and the necessary protocols must have been installed ( for Industrial Ethernet, e.g. ISO Ind. Ethernet and for PROFIBUS, e.g. CP5611 ). 2. The access point for Industrial Ethernet and/or PROFIBUS must have been created ( for Industrial Ethernet: SOFTNET IE and for PROFIBUS: SOFTNET PB ). 3. The access path for Industrial Ethernet and/or PROFIBUS must have been set up ( for Industrial Ethernet, e.g. "SOFTNET IE TCP/IP 3Com EtherConnection 10/100" and for PROFIBUS, e.g. "SOFTNET PB PROFIBUS CP5611" ).

"Configured operation" must have been set on the configuration console for all required communication processors of the PC station. The S7 "ServiceLab" application of the PC station must have been added in the Component Configurer and the station name set, if necessary. All modules and applications of the PC station must have been configured in HW Config, including networking information. All (un)specified S7 connections of the S7 "ServiceLab" application must have been configured. The configuration data must be loaded into the local PC station.

A detailed description of the configuration of the PC station and the S7 connection is given on Page 21.

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1.2

Special functions of the SOFTNET-S7 modules

The SOFTNET-S7 modules have a number of valuable special functions that other ServiceLab modules do not have. These special functions make parameterizing the modules easier. Adding a channel: Clicking the "+" button while holding the Ctrl key pressed adds a channel. This channel has the settings of the preceding channel (copy channel). "+" button

Removing a channel: Clicking the "-" button while holding the Ctrl key pressed removes the current, green channel and the following channels move to fill the space. "-" button

Sampling rate too high: If the SOFTNET-S7 modules cannot read or write as fast as the set sampling rate, the color of the modules changes from green to red. :in the correct range :outside the correct range At the same time, "STM: XX", which appears in the header of the modules, indicates how often a deviation from the sampling rate has occurred since measurement started. STM stands for "Sample Time Message" and the number after it indicates the total number of errors that have occurred.

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1.3

SOFTNET-S7 Input module

This module is used for acquiring process variables from a SIMATIC S7-300/-400 via Ethernet or PROFIBUS with SOFTNET . In the diagram this module can acquire up to 16 different process variables of a SIMATIC S7 and pass these values on to further modules via data channels. Up to 16 modules can also be installed and edited simultaneously in the diagram. The SOFTNET-S7 module permits parallel execution of STEP7 and processing of various SIMATIC S7 controllers.

Input/output parameters
Number of input channels: Block size at the input: Block size at the output: Max. number of modules: 1 16 Number of output channels: up to 16

1.3.1

Parameters
Process variables
Type: This defines from which operand area in the RAM of a SIMATIC S7 the process variable is read. The SOFTNET-S7 module can read values of the following operand types of a SIMATIC S7: Input Output Data block (DB) Bit Memory Counter Timer Peripheral Input Format: The format defines the size of the memory area and the interpretation of the process variables to be read. The following alternatives can be selected:
Binary Value

A bit of a process variable (digital value). Binary values are scaled to TTL level at the output of the SOFTNET S7, that is, if the corresponding bit in the SOFTNET S7 is set, the value 5 is present at the output of the module, otherwise it is the value 0. 8 bit value with a value range between 0 and 255 16-bit value with a value range between 0 and 65,535 16-bit value with a value range between 0 and 999 11

Byte Word (unsigned) Word (unsigned (counter/timer)

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Word (signed) Word (BCD) Double word (unsigned) Double word (signed) Double word (BCD) Floating Point Value Timer Reading [ms]

ServiceLab
16-bit value with a value range between -32,768 and 32,767 16-bit value with a value range between -999 and 999 32-bit value with a value range between 0 and 4,294,967,295 32-bit value with a value range between 2,147,483,648 and 2,147,483,647 32-bit value with a value range between 9,999,999 and 9,999,999 32-bit floating-point variable in IEEE 754 format 32-bit value with a value range between 0 and 9990000 .

Data Block: This selection window is only available if the operand type of the variable to be read is a data block. Select the number of the data block in which the variable is located here. Byte Address: This entry defines the address of the variable to be read within an operand area. If the operand type is a data block, you must enter the number of the variables to be read (e.g. a data byte or data word) here. Bit: This selection window is only available if the operand format of the variable is a binary value. Select the required bit (0 to 7) here.

Selection:
This field cannot be edited. It is for information about the selected variable in STEP7 notation.

Value Range / Scaling

Minimum: and Maximum: determine the value range of the process variables. For the floating-point format, Maximum: and Minimum: cannot be edited. In all other cases, linear scaling is performed, if the default setting in Minimum: or Maximum: is changed.

1.3.2

Setting the interface

The interface via which the PG or PC is coupled with the SIMATIC S7 is defined in the two selection windows "Access Point:" and "Connection:". The selected settings are then valid for only one SOFTNET-S7 Input module in ServiceLab.

Access Point:
Select an access point here that will be entered in the standard dialog box of the "Set PG/PC interface" and is suitable for a SOFTNET connection. If there is no such access, the list will only contain the entry "<unspecified>". The following must apply before an access point can be selected in this field:

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SOFTNET-S7 Modules The SIMATIC NET SOFTNET-S7 software for Industrial Ethernet or PROFIBUS must be installed taking all preconditions into account (e.g. operating systems, administrator rights, etc.). "Configured operation" must have been set on the configuration console for all required communication processors of the PC station. The S7 "ServiceLab" application of the PC station must have been added in the Component Configurer and the station name set, if necessary. All modules and applications of the PC station must have been configured in HW Config, including networking information. All (un)specified S7 connections of the S7 "ServiceLab" application must have been configured. The configuration data must be loaded into the local PC station.

1.3.3

Symbolic channel setting

It is also possible to select the variables in the SOFTNET-S7 Input module by clicking a symbol from a STEP7 symbol table. This is only possible if the symbol table is available in SDF format (e.g. "filename.sdf").

Symbolic Channel Definition...

Clicking the "Symbolic Channel Definition..." button opens a dialog box. A symbol table is selected and loaded by clicking the "Load Symbol Table..." button in this dialog box. If a symbol table is loaded in this dialog box, a symbol or variable can be assigned to the active, green channel by clicking a line of the symbol table. The STEP7 symbol then becomes the name of the channel.

1.3.3.1

Adapting the symbol table

Display of the symbol table can be adapted as required. Adapting the column width The column width of the symbol table can be enlarged or reduced by moving the mouse pointer onto the line separating the two columns (e.g. between the Type and Address columns; the mouse pointer changes shape) and then by changing the width of a column (and also the adjacent column) while holding the left mouse button down.

Adapting the order of columns The order of the columns can be changed by moving the mouse pointer onto a column and moving this column to any point in the row while holding the left mouse button down.

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Restriction on symbols displayed The symbol table displayed can be restricted by selecting an entry in the "Display Operand:" selection field:
All Input Output Bit Memory Counter Timer Peripheral Input

All operands of the symbol table are displayed Only inputs are displayed Only outputs are displayed Only bit memories are displayed Only counters are displayed Only timer variables are displayed Only I/O inputs are displayed

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1.4

SOFTNET-S7 Output module

This module is used for writing values from ServiceLab into a SIMATIC S7-300/400 via Ethernet or PROFIBUS with SOFTNET. Warning: If used incorrectly, this function can stop and/or damage the plant/machine! See example on Page 19. Depending on the function type, this module writes values automatically or manually (i.e. on mouse click) into a data area (e.g. output or bit memory) of a SIMATIC S7-300/-400. This requires that the SOFTNET software for Ethernet or PROFIBUS has been installed and an appropriate PC station has been set up under STEP7. Up to 16 modules can be installed and processed simultaneously in the diagram. The SOFTNET S7 module permits parallel execution of STEP7 and processing of various SIMATIC S7 controllers.

Input/output parameters
Number of input channels: up to 16 Block size at the input: Block size at the output: Max. number of modules: 1 16 Number of output channels:

1.4.1

Send Mode
When installing the "SOFTNET-S7 Output" module on the ServiceLab user interface, transmit mode must be defined for this module. The following are available: Automatic (with Input Channels) Ideally, the values at the inputs are transmitted to a SIMATIC S7 at the sampling rate. Manual (without Input Channels) Values can be entered in input fields via the keyboard and transmitted once to a SIMATIC S7 with a mouse click on buttons specially for that purpose.

1.4.1.1

Send Mode Automatic

In this mode, the "Send Mode:" selection field offers three settings: <unspecified> If "<unspecified>" is selected, this module does not transmit values/data to a SIMATIC S7 and therefore has no function. Send input data continuously If "Send input data continuously" is selected, this module attempts to transmit the values pending at the input to a SIMATIC S7 at the sampling rate. Send input data on change If "Send input data on change" is selected, values are only transmitted once to a SIMATIC S7 if the values have changed at the input.

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Example:
Point in time Value at the input of the module Value that is written to the SIMATIC S7 on: < unspecified > Send input data continuously Send input data on change 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.3 4.0 4.2 4.3 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.3

1.4.1.2

Send Mode Manual

In this mode, the values are transmitted to a SIMATIC S7 with a mouse click on the relevant buttons. In manual mode, this module provides an operating window for this purpose.

Analog values For analog values, the operating window contains an input field and a "Send" button. Input field It is possible to enter a decimal number in this field on the keyboard. Transmit A mouse click on the "Send" button causes the decimal number in the input field to be transmitted once to a SIMATIC S7. The "Send" button is only active if a valid number is entered in the associated input field. Digital values For digital values, the operating window contains a "Low" and a "High" button. Low A mouse click on the "Low" button causes a low signal (digital value 0) to be transmitted once to a SIMATIC S7. High A mouse click on the "High" button causes a high signal (digital value 1) to be transmitted once to a SIMATIC S7.

1.4.2

Parameters
Process variables
Type: This defines to which operand area in the RAM of a SIMATIC S7 the process variable is written. The SOFTNET S7 module can write values to the following operand areas in a SIMATIC S7: Output Data block (DB)

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Bit Memory Counter Timer Peripheral Output

SOFTNET-S7 Modules

Format: The format defines the size of the memory range and the interpretation of the process variables to be written. The following alternatives can be selected:
Binary Value Byte Word (unsigned) Word (unsigned) (counter) Word (signed) Word (BCD) Double word (unsigned) Double word (signed) Double word (BCD) Floating Point Value Timer Reading [ms]

A bit of a process variable (digital value) with the value 0 or 1. 8 bit value with a value range between 0 and 255 16-bit value with a value range between 0 and 65,535 16-bit value with a value range between 0 and 999 16-bit value with a value range between 32,768 and 32,767 16-bit value with a value range between -999 and 999 32-bit value with a value range between 0 and 4,294,967,295 32-bit value with a value range between 2,147,483,648 and 2,147,483,647 32-bit value with a value range between 9,999,999 and 9,999,999 32-bit floating-point variable in IEEE 754 format 32-bit value with a value range between 0 and 9990000 .

Data Block: This selection window is only available if the operand type of the variable to be written is a data block. Select the number of the data block in which the variable is located here. Byte Address: This entry defines the address of the variable to be written within an operand area. If the operand type is a data block, you must enter the number of the variables to be written (e.g. a data byte or data word) here. Bit: This selection window is only available if the operand format of the variable is a binary value. Select the requried bit (0 to 7) here.

Selection:
This field cannot be edited. It is for information about the selected variable in STEP7 notation.

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Value Range / Scaling

Minimum: and Maximum: determine the value range of the process variables. For the floating-point format, Maximum: and Minimum: cannot be edited. In all other cases, linear scaling is performed, if the default setting in Minimum: or Maximum: is changed.

1.4.3

Setting the interface

The interface via which the PG or PC is coupled with the SIMATIC S7 is defined in the two selection windows "Access Point:" and "Connection:". The selected settings are then valid for only one SOFTNET-S7 Output module in ServiceLab.

Access Point:
Select an access point here that will be entered in the standard dialog box of the "Set PG/PC interface" and is suitable for a SOFTNET connection. If there is no such access, the list will only contain the entry "<unspecified>". The following must apply before an access point can be selected in this field:

1.4.4

The SIMATIC NET SOFTNET-S7 software for Industrial Ethernet or PROFIBUS must be installed taking all preconditions into account (e.g. operating systems, administrator rights, etc.). "Configured operation" must have been set on the configuration console for all required communication processors of the PC station. The S7 "ServiceLab" application of the PC station must have been added in the Component Configurer and a station name set, if necessary. All modules and applications of the PC station must have been configured in HW Config, including networking information. All (un)specified S7 connections of the S7 "ServiceLab" application must have been configured. The configuration data must be loaded into the local PC station.

Symbolic channel setting

It is also possible to select the variables in the SOFTNET-S7 Output module by clicking a symbol from a STEP7 symbol table. This is only possible if the symbol table is available in SDF format (e.g. "filename.sdf").

Symbolic Channel Definition...

Clicking the "Symbolic Channel Definition..." button opens a dialog box. A symbol table is selected and loaded by clicking the "Load Symbol Table..." button in this dialog box. If a symbol table is loaded in this dialog box, a symbol or variable can be assigned to the active, green channel by clicking on a line of the symbol table. The STEP7 symbol then becomes the name of the channel.

1.4.4.1

Adapting the symbol table

Display of the symbol table can be adapted as required. Adapting the column width The column width can be enlarged or reduced by moving the mouse pointer onto the line separating the two columns (e.g. between the Type

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SOFTNET-S7 Modules and Address columns; the mouse pointer changes shape) and then by changing the width of a column (and also the adjacent column) while holding the left mouse button down.

Adapting the order of columns The order of the columns can be changed by moving the mouse pointer onto a column and moving this column to any point in the row while holding the left mouse button down.

Restriction on symbols displayed The symbol table displayed can be restricted by selecting an entry in the "Display operand:" selection field:
All Output Bit Memory Counter Timer Peripheral Output

All variables of the symbol table are displayed Only outputs are displayed Only markers are displayed Only counters are displayed Only timer variables are displayed Only I/O outputs are displayed

1.4.5

Example of incorrect use of the module

Maintenance work is to be performed on a part press. To do that a person has to enter the hazardous area of the plant. To ensure that this person is allowed to work without danger, an "enable bit" in a data block is set to "0". As long as this bit is set to "0" the tools are prevented from closing, for example. Only when the bit is set to "1" is closing of the tools again enabled. If this bit is now set to "1" with the ServiceLab SOFTNET-S7 output module, either due to carelessness or incorrect operation, closing of the tools is enabled. If a person is present in the hazardous area of the part press during this time serious injury can occur. That is why this ServiceLab SOFTNET-S7 output module should only be handled by competent personnel trained in the programming of the controller and handling of the plant.

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1.5
1.5.1

Setting up the SOFTNET-S7 driver

Installing the SOFTNET-S7 software
SOFTNET-S7 software must be installed for the SOFTNET S7 modules to be able to exchange data with a SIMATIC S7 controller.

The following products are necessary for data exchange via: PROFIBUS
PROFIBUS SOFTNET-S7 / Windows V6.0.4 (6GK1704-1CW32-3AA0)

Ethernet Industrial Ethernet SOFTNET-S7 / Windows V6.0.4 (6GK1704-1CW603AA0)

1.5.2

Configuring the PC station

The SIMATIC PC station (called "PC station" in this document) represents a PC/PG containing SIMATIC components, such as applications, slot or soft PLCs for automation tasks. These components are configured within the PC station or can be the end point of a connection. The configuration console "Set PC station" (see Fig. 1.5.2-1 ) is used for Configuration, Start-up, Diagnostics of the communication system of a SIMATIC PC station. With it, you can display or change properties of applications, modules, or access points. All modules to be used for S7 communication must be running in "configured operation" mode. In this mode, all parameters of the module are defined in the configuration of the automation plant and transferred to the module. After that, it is possible to use all protocols provided by SIMATIC NET with the module and the OPC server. The mode is set via the configuration console by selecting submenu item "General" of the relevant module. The dialog box shown in Fig. 1.5.2-1 appears containing a selection list of modes. For communication between components within the PC station and for receiving configuration data, each module has a unique ID number. The ID number for the modules in a PC station is the Index. Like a module slot in a S7 controller, this index corresponds to a virtual slot in a PC station. Within a PC station, the index must be unique. The index is only considered in "configured operation" mode and should be ascending without gaps.

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Fig. 1.5.2-1 : Configuration console "Set PC station" After all required CP modules have been registered for configured operation, the PC station must be completed in the Component Configurer (see Fig. 1.5.2-2). It permits access to the station manager as the central administration instance for the components of the PC station. The components are: the modules and the applications involved in communication. The station manager is the central administration instance for the components of a PC station. The Component Configurer is the operable user interface of the station manager. It permits access to component administration of the PC station. The Component Configurer can also be used for diagnostic purposes. First of all the PC station can be assigned a station name here. To be able to identify a configuration that has already been loaded locally, the name must match the name here that is assigned later in communication configuration with NCM PC / STEP 7 for the PC station. If the name does not match, a check is made to see if access to a networked PC station is possible. In this case, the computer name of the PC/PG, also used for identification in the computer LAN, has been used. To enable ServiceLab to access the PC station, a new "Application" component must also be added to the next free virtual slot (index). The index must later match the slot number selected in "STEP 7 HW Config". If the selected index conflicts with the slot number configured in "STEP 7 HW Config", loading the configuration is rejected. The name of the application must be set on "ServiceLab". The precise notation must be used (exactly ten characters with this upper/lower case), otherwise the component is not recognized by the SOFTNET modules!

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Fig. 1.5.2-2: Completion of the PC station in the Component Configurer After the station name has been set and all components have been inserted, all modules are given a preset configuration. The "ServiceLab" application is not configured. This is displayed by the status icons of the individual components (see Fig. 1.5.2-3). Without valid configuration, the PC station cannot be used. Therefore a "SIMATIC PC station" must be configured with all S7 connections with the NCM PC or STEP 7 tool.

Fig. 1.5.2-3: Unconfigured components of the PC station in the component conifgurer (cf. Fig. 1.5.3-7 on Page 25 )

1.5.3

Configuring the PC station and S7 connections

With station type "SIMATIC PC station" a PC station is configured completely. The components configured there are then also available for configuring connections. The following components can be configured in a SIMATIC PC station: PLC WinLC software Slot PLC CPU 41x-2 PCI (WinAC Slot 412 and WinAC Slot 416)

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ServiceLab

First of all, a project must be created with a "SIMATIC PC station" with the NCM PC or STEP 7 tool. This must keep the same station name as was assigned in the Component Configurer, in this example "IAI8290". That is followed by hardware configuration of this PC station (see Fig. 1.5.3-1). In this step, all CP modules and applications are set to the same virtual slots that were also assigned in the Component Configurer. The "ServiceLab" application must therefore be entered again on slot 3 and be given a precise name (exactly ten characters with upper/lower case). All modules must be configured and assigned to a network. In the example, the following networking was been implemented: 3Com EtherConnection XL with IP address 141.76.82.90 in the "Ethernet" subnet CP5611 with PB address 0 in the "PROFIBUS" subnet

After all components have been entered, renamed if necessary, and networked accordingly, the hardware configuration must be saved and compiled without error. These steps only have to be performed once for the PG/PC to be used for measuring tasks with ServiceLab, as long as neither the hardware expansion nor the parameterization (e.g. IP addresses) are changed. For further descriptions, a created and configured "SIMATIC 300-Station" has been inserted into the project.

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Fig. 1.5.3-1: Hardware configuration of the PC station After all individual stations of a project have been configured, the NetPro tool can be used to set up the automation network. Fig. 1.5.3-2 shows the following elements of the project: SIMATIC 300 station with CPU 315-2 DP and corresponding communication processors SIMATIC PC station "IAI8290" with corresponding CPs and application "ServiceLab" Network type Ethernet Network type PROFIBUS Network type MPI All S7 connections that can be used with ServiceLab must first be configured with NetPro for the "ServiceLab" application. This is done by selecting these components in the SIMATIC PC station and selecting the "Insert new connection" item of the context menu. The further procedure depends on whether connections are to be configured to controllers inside or outside the current project.

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Fig. 1.5.3-2: Configuration of the automation network with NetPro

1.5.3.1

Connection configuration for specified end points

If S7 connections with the SIMATIC 300/400 stations are to be configured that are configured inside the current project, the station and the required target module can be selected directly from the list of connection partners (see Fig. 1.5.3-3).

Fig. 1.5.3-3: Connection configuration with specified end points (1) The connection type must be set to "S7 connection" and the extended property dialog box must appear (see Fig. 1.5.3-4).

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Fig. 1.5.3-4: Connection configuration with specified end points (2)

The following properties of the S7 connection must then be considered:

The name entered under "Local ID" is used to identify the connection in the connection list of the SOFTNET modules. This name must be unique and should be assigned so that the connection is quickly and reliably recognized for subsequent measurement tasks. In item "VFD name", the name "ServiceLab" must be entered so that this S7 connection is assigned to the application and therefore usable for the ServiceLab diagnostic tool. A VFD (Virtual Field Device) is a mapping of an automation system into a device-neutral description. The date and behavior of the automation system are described from the point of view of a communication partner. The local connection end point (PC/PG) is described completely by the configuration data of the current project. By selecting the "Interface:" the operator can decide which network card (and therefore which network type) will be used for the connection. The remote connection partner (SIMATIC S7) is also completely described by the configuration data of the current project. In item "Interface:" all CPs are offered that are suitable for a connection of the specified LAN type (IE or PB).

In this example, a S7 connection "S7 315-2 DP (100M-IE)" via Industrial Ethernet from the local PC station to the SIMATIC 300 station S7 315-2 DP has been configured on the CP 343-1 (100-Mbit connection).

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1.5.3.2

Connection configuration for unspecified end points

If S7 connections with the SIMATIC 300/400 stations are to be configured that are configured outside the current project, the station must be selected as "(unspecified)" from the list of connection partners (see Fig. 1.5.3-5). The connection type must be set to "S7 connection" and the extended property dialog box must appear.

Fig. 1.5.3-5: Connection configuration with unspecified end points (1) The following properties of the S7 connection must then be considered (see Fig. 1.5.3-6):

The name entered under "Local ID" is used to identify the connection in the connection list of the SOFTNET modules. This name must be unique and should be assigned so that the connection is quickly and reliably recognized for subsequent measurement tasks. In item "VFD name", the name "ServiceLab" must be entered so that this S7 connection is assigned to the application and therefore usable for the ServiceLab diagnostic tool. A VFD (Virtual Field Device) is a mapping of an automation system into a device-neutral description. The date and behavior of the automation system are described from the point of view of a communication partner. The local connection end point (PC/PG) is described completely by the configuration data of the current project. By selecting the "Interface" the operator can decide which network card (and therefore which network type) will be used for the connection. There are no configuration data about the remote connection partner (SIMATIC S7) in the current project. The end point can optionally be described by a name, which is then no longer required. Depending on the specified LAN type (IE: Industrial Ethernet or PB: PROFIBUS), a IP or PB address can be entered in the "Address" field at which the module can be contacted. With the "Address details..." button, a lowerlevel dialog box is opened in which the rack and slot number of the central module must be stated, otherwise it may not be possible to establish the S7 connection later.

In this example, a S7 connection "Fast Ethernet" via Industrial Ethernet from the local PC station to the "S7-300" station has been configured that

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can be contacted via IP address 141.76.82.79. This connection is equivalent to the one created in Section 1.5.3.1. Any number of such unspecified connections can be created if the configuration data of the destination controllers are not available.

Fig. 1.5.3-6 : Connection configuration with unspecified end points (2)

1.5.3.3

Loading the configuration data onto the PC station

After all S7 connections have been configured (see Fig. 1.5.3-8), all configuration data can be stored and compiled without error. For the PC station to be able to work with these data, they must be loaded onto the station. For this purpose, the following access channel is set in the PG/PC interface:

S7ONLINE (STEP7) PC internal (local)

After successful loading of all configuration data, all components of the PC station have a valid configuration (see Fig. 1.5.3-7) and are therefore ready for use of the S7 variable services by the SOFTNET modules within ServiceLab.

Fig. 1.5.3-7: Configured components of the PC station in the Component Configurer

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SOFTNET-S7 Modules

ServiceLab

Fig. 1.5.3-8: Configured S7 connections of an application with NetPro

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