eplan p8 simatic s7 plc

31.07.2008

Application Example

PLC / Bus Data Exchange with "SIMATIC STEP 7"

Valid for version 1.9.6 and higher

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Copyright 2008 EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.

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Table of Contents

The PLC / Bus Data Exchange with "SIMATIC STEP 7" by Siemens ............................................................................................. 4

Preconditions ............................................................................................. 5

General Notes for the Data Exchange Process......................................... 6

What You Need to Know in Advance......................................................... 7

Selecting Settings at PLC Connection Points............................... 12

Basic Settings .......................................................................................... 12

Meaning of the Function Properties ......................................................... 13

Selecting Settings on PLC cards ................................................... 20


Creating Rack Assignments........................................................... 34

Creating Rack Assignments in the Demo Sample Project....................... 36

Creating a Bus Structure ................................................................ 41


Exporting PLC data ......................................................................... 49

Exporting Data from EPLAN .................................................................... 49

Importing Data into "SIMATIC STEP 7" ................................................... 50

Importing PLC Data......................................................................... 55

Exporting Data from "SIMATIC STEP 7" ................................................. 55

Importing data into EPLAN ...................................................................... 56

Special Considerations after a Data Import ............................................. 58

Appendix: Modification History...................................................... 63

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The PLC / Bus Data Exchange with "SIMATIC STEP 7" by Siemens

EPLAN provides the option to manage the hardware configuration data for your PLC / bus systems and to document it in your EPLAN project.

EPLAN provides an interface for data exchange with PLC configuration-programs of other manufacturers, like "SIMATIC STEP 7", so that you will not have to duplicate these efforts. This allows you the user to decide whether the project design is started in "SIMATIC STEP 7" or in EPLAN.

If you are starting in "SIMATIC STEP 7", you will generate unplaced functions during the import into your new EPLAN Project; these may then be arranged and completed by placing them in the schematic.

If you are starting in EPLAN, you must pay attention to certain rules so that the data arrives at the correct places in "SIMATIC STEP 7". This document is designed to assist you with that task.

The settings made in EPLAN and the settings in the "SIMATIC STEP 7" software will be compared in this application example, so that it can be seen with just a glance which EPLAN settings apply to which settings in "SIMATIC STEP 7".

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Preconditions

The example used in this document was created and tested with "SIMATIC STEP 7" Version 5.4 + SP3, edition K5.4.3.0.

All illustrations and operating sequences of "SIMATIC STEP 7" described in this document relate to this version.

You will need the following to recreate this example:

• The appropriate "EPLAN – PLC & Bus-Extension" license scope in EPLAN

• The "SIMATIC STEP 7" software, which is not part of the delivery scope of EPLAN or of this application example You may obtain this software from your Siemens representative. We also assume basic knowledge of the operation of the "SIMATIC STEP 7" software.

A prerequisite to reconstructing the following steps is that you have opened the EPLAN-DEMO demo project.

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General Notes for the Data Exchange Process

EPLAN and "SIMATIC STEP 7" view PLC data differently.

While EPLAN shows all electrical engineering data, "SIMATIC STEP 7" needs only a depiction of the logical relationships of all components.

For instance, there are PLC connection points in EPLAN that are dedicated to the power supply; these are not necessary in "SIMATIC STEP 7".

And then there is interface information in "SIMATIC STEP 7", such as baud rate settings, that is not necessary in EPLAN.

The program does write all relevant data from "SIMATIC STEP 7" into the exchange file during its export process, but EPLAN ignores information not crucial to its needs during the import.

Data that cannot be written by EPLAN during an export for "SIMATIC STEP 7" because it is not familiar data will be completed with default values during import into "SIMATIC STEP 7".

Warning:

Not all properties (e.g., connection configurations) will be exported from "SIMATIC STEP 7" for some assemblies (e.g., analog assemblies). These settings will be populated with default values after a (re)import into "SIMATIC STEP 7", meaning that the previous settings will be lost. Please check these settings and reset them if necessary.

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What You Need to Know in Advance

What Is the PLC Navigator?

The PLC- <Project name> dialog (accessible via Project data > PLC > Navigator) displays all PLC data (PLC boxes, PLC connection points) in the project.

Here, you can edit all the data for an entire PLC or single PLC cards. Every card is listed with the card data, the power supply connection points, the addresses (channels), and the connection points belonging to the addresses. PLC boxes and connection points can also be created.

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What Is the PLC / Bus Configuration Navigator?

The Bus configuration - <Project name> dialog (which can be reached via Project data > PLC > Bus configuration navigator) displays the bus hierarchy. Meaning, this is where the assignment of bus nodes and racks as well as the assignment of modules to assemblies are displayed.

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Explanation of the icons in the PLC navigators:

Identifies the configuration project

Identifies a "bundle / network ID"

Identifies a bus master

Identifies a bus slave

Identifies a bus coupler

Identifies a rack

Identifies a module on a rack

Identifies a module with the same name as the rack

Identifies unassigned racks or bus nodes

What Is a Configuration Project?

The "Configuration project" entry is a grouping element. This function property is a component of each PLC box as well as each communication unit of a PLC card. There are 0 to n configuration projects in a schematic project.

All objects assigned to the same configuration project belong together and represent the rack and bus configuration. All elements of a configuration project are exported or imported during a data exchange (export or import).

The PLC / bus configuration navigator display will always show the configuration project as a main level of the tree view.

Notes:

• A data export is only possible if at least one configuration project has been used.

• Please be sure to assign the related configuration project to each PLC box and each communication unit, since the data exchange will be invalid otherwise.

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What Is a Communication Unit?

The "Communication unit" object has been set up in EPLAN for the display of the bus hierarchy. A communication unit represents a bus interface and describes the relationship of the individual assemblies on the bus level.

Each communication unit can be either a master or a slave or a master and slave for a bus bundle. A PLC box can, but does not have to, have a communication unit and therefore contains 0 to n communication units.

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The Bus master / Bus coupler or Slave to bus master / bus coupler ID function properties serve to link the individual communication units with each other. The result of this link will be displayed directly in the upper portion of the PLC / bus configuration navigator.

All settings for the communication units are performed in the properties of the PLC boxes on the Bus data tab. The Bus data tab is only available in the main function (PLC box).

Please select an entry from the Communication units list; this displays the data of the corresponding communication unit in the other fields, where they may be edited.

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Selecting Settings at PLC Connection Points

Basic Settings

All PLC inputs and outputs associated with the configuration project are written to the exchange file or read from the exchange file during the data exchange.

It is therefore necessary to set the correct data format for the PLC connection points:

1. Select the menu items Project data > PLC > Settings.

2. From the PLC-specific settings list box, select – "SIMATIC S7 (E/A)", if you have labeled the input and output with "E" and "A" or – "SIMATIC S7 (I/O)", if you have labeled the input and outputs with "I" and "O".

3. Click [OK].

� The settings are now saved.

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Note:

When assigning addresses in the schematic, be sure to maintain the format you have set here; otherwise the information will be exported to the PLC connection point incorrectly or not at all.

Meaning of the Function Properties

Additional information needs to be entered at the PLC connection point in order to be able to export all data necessary for a PLC connection point.

Connection point designation / Connection point description:

Enter the connection point designations and connection point descriptions for the PLC connection point here, or select the data from the drop-down lists.

You also need to enter the plug DT in order to distinguish all identical connection point designations within a PLC card (this distinction is made according to the DT of the card, plug DT, and the connection point designation). The connection point designation is identifying for the PLC connection point.

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Plug DT:

Enter the DT of the plug on which the connection point is located here. As for terminals, the DT can be adopted from the left (or above).

The plug of a PLC card is not shown as an independent object in the navigator. These are only information about PLC connection points or channels which are taken into account when identifying an individual PLC connection point and when building cross references.

Function text:

Here you enter the function text for the function / device.

Please note that only function texts that are allowable in "SIMATIC STEP 7" may be entered. For instance, character length must not exceed 80 characters, and quotation marks (") are not permitted.

Apart from the manual function text entered here, there is additional (automatically determined) function text, which you can find in the property table in the "Data" category:

• Function text (automatic): Shows the content of the manually entered function text or, when that is empty, the path function text. If no path function text is found at a PLC connection point, then the Function text (automatic) of the connected sensor or actuator is displayed. When you edit this function text in the Properties (global) editing mode, the contents are transferred back to the function where the function text was originally entered.

• Function text (common): Shows the (automatic) function text of the function or, when that is empty, the (automatic) function text of the associated main function.

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The function text is written to the Comment field with the data export from "SIMATIC STEP 7" and read during data import from the Comment field. The comment length in "SIMATIC STEP 7" is limited to 80 characters; longer comments will be truncated by "SIMATIC STEP 7" during import.

Display of the function text in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

Address:

The address can be entered manually or assigned automatically. It is not identifying for the PLC connection point. The address must be unique within a CPU.

Display of the address in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Symbolic Address:

Enter the symbolic address for the PLC connection point here.

Please note that only names that are allowed in "SIMATIC STEP 7" may be entered. This means that the character length may not exceed 24 characters, and quotation marks (") are not allowed. Furthermore symbolic addresses must be unique within a CPU.

Apart from the symbolic address entered here, there are additional (automatically determined) properties, which can be found in the property table in the "PLC data" category:

• Symbolic address (determined): Using target tracking, the connected sensor (for inputs) or actuator (for outputs) is found, and its DT is automatically entered as the symbolic address. If no sensor / actuator is found, then the DT of the last connected function found before the search was abandoned is entered. For the determined symbolic address, information from the connection logic is used to decide which connection is to be followed in the search for a sensor / actuator.

• Symbolic address (automatic): Shows the content of the manually entered symbolic address or, when that is empty, the automatically determined symbolic address.

Display of the symbolic address in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Channel:

The channel designation can be manually or automatically assigned. A channel must be unique within a PLC card. For power supply connection points, the assignment is usually graphical. You must only manually enter the channel designation for supply connection points when no graphical assignment is possible. The table of properties contains the Channel (automatic) property, which contains the automatically determined designation.

Enter the channel designations for "SIMATIC STEP 7" as follows:

• For digital or analog inputs "Inx"

• For digital or analog outputs "Outx"

The "x" stands for the consecutive number of the PLC connection point. Start with "0" and number the connection points consecutively. Start over with the value "0" for each PLC card.

Function definition:

The currently selected function definition is displayed in this field; click [...] to open the Function definitions dialog to select a different function definition if required.

The function definitions for PLC connection points are split into different groups:

• PLC connection point, power supply: for the power supply of sensors and actuators, sorted by potential type.

• PLC connection point, bus cable: for the connection point of bus nodes.

• PLC connection point, I / O: for analog or digital inputs and outputs.

• PLC connection point, card power supply: for the power supply of the PLC card, sorted by potential type.

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Note:

Only PLC connection points with the PLC connection point, I / O function definition will be considered for a data exchange, since all no other PLC connection points used in the "SIMATIC STEP 7" software.

Data type:

Enter the data type manually or select a value from the drop-down list. Depending on the chosen PLC type, this list offers different data types. By changing the PLC type set on the project, the data type set for an address is not changed.

Display of the data type in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

Tip:

The settings on the PLC connection points of a card can also easily be applied from the Parts management. To do so, you must enter the corresponding data in the parts management of the individual parts beforehand (additional information about parts management can also be found in the EPLAN Help section, keyword "Tab Function template"):

1. Select the menu items Utilities > Parts > Management.

2. Open the parts tree under Electrical engineering > Component > PLC in the Parts management <...> dialog.

3. Select the desired element.

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4. Select the Function template tab.

5. Enter data into the input fields (for input field definitions, refer to "Meaning of the Function Properties" above). Observe the sequence of the templates in accordance with the addressing. During an import from "SIMATIC STEP 7", the connection point designation is determined based on the sequence, since this designation is not included in the import file.

6. Click [OK]. � The settings are now saved.

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Selecting Settings on PLC cards

In addition to the settings for the rack assignments, other information must be specified on the PLC cards in the Properties group box:

Tip:

If function properties are not visible, you can add them to the view:

1. Open the =EBS+EB3/1 page of the EPLAN-DEMO demo project.

2. Mark the +ET1-A1 PLC box and select the menu items Edit >

Properties.

3. In the Properties <...> dialog, select the PLC box tab.

4. In the Properties group box, select the PLC-Data Category.

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5. Add the desired function properties to the view. Click the (New) button and select the appropriate function properties in the Property selection dialog.

6. Click [OK]. � The properties will now display in the table view.


Station ID:

The "SIMATIC STEP 7" program allows you to create several stations in the same project. Specification of the station ID is required for the correct association of the PLC boxes during data exchange. Therefore make sure to assign the same station ID to all PLC boxes of a station. The data export creates a file for each station.

Display of the station ID in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Workstation type:

This is where you enter the SIMATIC system platform used. Currently "SIMATIC STEP 7" uses the following values:

SIMATIC system platform Station type

SIMATIC 300 station S7300

SIMATIC 400 station S7400

SIMATIC H station S7400H

SIMATIC PC station PC_BASED

SIMATIC HMI HMI_BASED Designating the station type is only necessary for a PLC box that represents a CPU.

Device ID / GSD file name:

If a GSD or GSDML file is needed for a PLC box, enter the appropriate file name here without a path, but with a file extension. The PLC type designation property has to stay blank in this case.

A GSD file contains device information that is not listed in the standard hardware catalog of "SIMATIC STEP 7".

You obtain these GSD files from the manufacturers of the individual components.

This field will be populated from the Device ID / GSD file name field in parts management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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In order to have "SIMATIC STEP 7" find and assign device information during the import, this device information must first be installed in the hardware catalog of "SIMATIC STEP 7":

1. Select the Hardware PLC box in your project in the "SIMATIC STEP

7" program.

2. Select the menu items Edit > Open object. � The "HW Config" program will start.

3. Select the menu items Options > Install GSD files in the "HW Config" program.

4. In the Install GSD files dialog, select the GSD files that are to be installed.

Note:

Once GSD files have been installed, they will be available for all SIMATIC projects.

PLC type designation:

Enter the original order number of the SIMATIC component, making sure to pay attention to the position of any blank spaces. A synchronization with parts management will be run during the import from "SIMATIC STEP 7" using the PLC type designation as a search criterion.

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Display of the PLC type designation in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

This field will be populated from the PLC type designation field in parts management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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Special conditions apply to the PLC type designation when Profibus components are used: The PLC type designation is used by "SIMATIC STEP 7" to find the given component within GSD files.

Note:

If you carried over the PLC box via the parts selection from the Part management, you will usually find the original PLC type designation in this field, which is not available in the GSD file this way. Please correct this entry in order to make the PLC box locatable during the import into "SIMATIC STEP 7".

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Object description:

Here, enter the object designation under which the object is created in "SIMATIC STEP 7".

Display of the object description in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

This field will be populated from the Object description field in parts management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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When using Profibus components, the Object description appears within "SIMATIC STEP 7" in the DP ID column and is determined there from the GSD file:

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Address range:

Enter the number of input / output bytes that the PLC card assigns by default here.

Group / start address:

Enter the start byte that begins the card addressing here. This value will also be used as the configuration value for newly addressing any PLC connection points.

Note:

This value will be used for the data export. Therefore, please make sure to renumber with "Group" as the configuration value. Otherwise you may create a discrepancy between the value entered here and the card addresses. This will generate a faulty data export.

Version:

Enter a possible (firmware) version of the PLC device here.

Display of the (firmware) version in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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This field will be populated from the corresponding field in parts management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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CPU: Name

The program "SIMATIC STEP 7" allows you to set up several CPU assemblies in one station. These CPU assemblies are numbered consecutively beginning with "1".

Make the following entries here if there are several CPUs in your station.

• Enter the CPU number in the PLC box representing the CPU. or

• Enter the number of the CPU that controls this card in all other PLC boxes.

Display of the CPU number in "SIMATIC STEP 7" using a CPU 414-2DP as an example (this is not used in the EPLAN-DEMO project):

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Bus coupler:

This check box needs to be selected if the PLC box represents a bus coupler assembly; otherwise keep it deactivated.

CPU:

This check box needs to be selected if the PLC box represents a CPU assembly; otherwise keep it deactivated.

Power supply:

If the PLC box represents a power supply assembly, this check box needs to be selected; otherwise keep it deactivated.

Bus distribution device:

If the PLC box represents a bus distribution assembly, this check box needs to be selected; otherwise keep it deactivated.

These fields will be populated from the corresponding fields in parts management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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Marked for deletion:

This property marks PLC objects (meaning PLC boxes, connection points, or addresses), so that they can be found and deleted with a test run. This property is assigned automatically during import and synchronization of the PLC data if the specific objects are present in the EPLAN project, but not in the import file, and if they are not selected for import in the Synchronize / import PLC data dialog.

PLC object ID (on functions):

The PLC object ID that was generated by "SIMATIC STEP 7" during import is stored in this property.

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Summary of PLC data in the EPLAN-DEMO project

Group / start address 0

2

10

11

12

13

14

20

21

22

23

30

31

32

33

Address range 2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Bus coupler

CPU X

CPU: Name

Version

Object description

CPU315-2DP

DI16xDC24V

DO16xDC24V/0.5A

BK3100

8DE

8DE

8DE

0

8DA

8DA

IM151-1 Basic

PM-E DC24V

2DI DC24V ST

2DI DC24V ST

PM-E DC24V

2DO DC24V/0.5A ST

2DO DC24V/0.5A ST

IL PB BK DP/V1

IB IL 24 DI 2 PAC

IB IL 24 DI 2 PAC

IB IL 24 PWR IN-PAC

IB IL 24 DO 2 PAC

IB IL 24 DO 2 PAC

PLC type designation

6ES7 315-2AG10-0AB0

6ES7 321-1BH02-0AA0

6ES7 322-1BH01-0AA0

8 Bit Digital Inputs



Universal module

8 Bit Digital Outputs

8 Bit Digital Outputs

6ES7 151-1CA00-0AB0

6ES7 138-4CA01-0AA0

6ES7 131-4BB01-0AA0

6ES7 131-4BB01-0AA0

6ES7 138-4CA01-0AA0

6ES7 132-4BB01-0AA0

6ES7 132-4BB01-0AA0

IB IL 24 DI 2

IB IL 24 DI 2

Universal module

IB IL 24 DO 2

IB IL 24 DO 2

Device ID

(GSD file

name)

BK3100.GSG

PXC_00F0.GS

Station

type

S7300

Station ID

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

DT

=EB3+ET1-A1

=EB3+ET1-A2

=EB3+ET1-A3

=EB3+ET2-A1

=EB3+ET2-A2

=EB3+ET2-A3

=EB3+ET2-A4

=EB3+ET2-A5

=EB3+ET2-A6

=EB3+ET2-A7

=EB3+ET3-A0

=EB3+ET3-A1

=EB3+ET3-A2

=EB3+ET3-A3

=EB3+ET3-A4

=EB3+ET3-A5

=EB3+ET3-A6

=EB3+ET4-A0

=EB3+ET4-A1

=EB3+ET4-A2

=EB3+ET4-A3

=EB3+ET4-A4

=EB3+ET4-A5

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Creating Rack Assignments

The simplest grouping of PLC boxes can be made via the rack assignment function.

This will determine if the PLC box itself represents a rack or if it is mounted on a rack. The rack may simply be a rack or could also be a head station. For the actual assignment, four input fields are provided on the PLC box tab in the Properties dialog.

Configuration project:

See also "What is a Configuration Project" in Chapter one.

Rack ID:

If the PLC box is a rack or a head station, then enter the classification number of the rack here. The identifier of a rack must be unique within a configuration project and can therefore appear repeatedly within a schematic project.

Module is placed on rack ID:

If the PLC box is not a rack, but is mounted on a rack or connected to a head station, enter the classification number of the rack or head station that the PLC card is mounted on.

Note:

The numbering of the racks is up to you. Please make sure that the cards of a rack all have the same identifier.

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Tips:

• The "SIMATIC STEP 7" software starts all rack numbers with "0" and then uses consecutive numbering. Use this type of numbering also in EPLAN in order to identify the components of both programs more easily.

• If the rack is connected via a bus system, the "SIMATIC STEP 7" software will show the slave address as a number for the rack.

Position (slot / module):

If the PLC box is not a rack, but is mounted on a rack or added to a head station, enter the classification number of the slot on the rack on which the PLC card is mounted.

Notes:

• Depending on the type of rack used, gaps in the position allocation are allowed. EPLAN is not capable of checking whether gaps are allowed in the positioning of the racks. This cannot be checked until a data import in "SIMATIC STEP 7" is done.

• If there is no rack present (e.g., in case of a head station), the elements will be lined up consecutively without spaces.

• There are PLC cards that do not need a rack and can be mounted directly onto a DIN rail, for instance. In this case, populate the two fields Rack ID and Position on the first rack (head station, usually this is the CPU or a bus coupler) with the corresponding values.

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Creating Rack Assignments in the Demo Sample Project

In the EPLAN-DEMO project, the PLC box =EB3+ET1-A1 represents a CPU

of the type CPU315-2 DP. This CPU is mounted directly on a DIN rail; the

bus to the other cards is realized via jumpers.

Precondition:

You have opened the demo project EPLAN-DEMO.

1. Open the page =EBS+EB3/1.

2. Mark the PLC box +ET1-A1 and select the menu items Edit >

Properties.

3. Select the PLC box tab in the Properties <...> dialog.

4. In the Rack field, enter the value "0".

5. The Module is placed on rack ID field stays blank.

6. In the Position (slot / module) field, enter the value "2".

7. Click [OK].

� Rack "0" is depicted in the EPLAN-DEMO project as follows:

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Summary of entries for the main rack:

DT Rack Module is placed on rack ID Position (slot / module)

=EB3+ET1-A1 0 2

=EB3+ET1-A2 0 4

=EB3+ET1-A3 0 5

Display at the bottom of the PLC / bus configuration navigator:

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Display of the rack in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

Three additional racks with modules are included in the EPLAN-DEMO

sample project:

• Station 1 with Beckhoff components

• Station 2 with Siemens components

• Station 3 with Phoenix components

All three stations are connected to the CPU via a bus system, but only the rack assignments will be determined at this point:

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Station 1


=EB3+ET2-A1 3

=EB3+ET2-A2 3 1

=EB3+ET2-A3 3 2

=EB3+ET2-A4 3 3

=EB3+ET2-A5 3 4

=EB3+ET2-A6 3 5

=EB3+ET2-A7 3 6

Station 2


=EB3+ET3-A0 4

=EB3+ET3-A1 4 1

=EB3+ET3-A2 4 2

=EB3+ET3-A3 4 3

=EB3+ET3-A4 4 4

=EB3+ET3-A5 4 5

=EB3+ET3-A6 4 6

Station 3


=EB3+ET4-A0 5

=EB3+ET4-A1 5 1

=EB3+ET4-A2 5 2

=EB3+ET4-A3 5 3

=EB3+ET4-A4 5 4

=EB3+ET4-A5 5 5

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Notes:

• If the rack is connected via a bus system, the "SIMATIC STEP 7" software will not show a number for the rack; the slave address on the bus system will be shown instead.

• In this example, the first module of each station is a head module on a slave. There are no slots assigned in these cases (blank entries).

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Creating a Bus Structure

If individual assemblies or racks are connected via a bus system, a mere rack assignment is not enough. In this case, a bus structure has to be established.

In order to establish a bus structure, it is necessary to interconnect the corresponding assemblies via the individual bus interfaces. EPLAN has created the "communication unit" object exactly for this purpose; it is used to show the bus hierarchy.

All settings for the communication units are performed on the Bus data tab in the function properties of the PLC box. The Bus data tab is only available in the main functions. Six input fields and one selection list are available for the actual assignment of the bus information:

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Communication units:

There is a communication unit on the PLC box for each bus interface used. In this list, which can accept any name for a communication unit, all current communication units are displayed. The population of the remaining input fields and selection lists will change if a new communication unit is chosen.

Bus system:

Choose the bus system type that is connected to the communication unit here. Please choose the entry "Other bus systems" if the bus system used cannot be found in the selection list.

Configuration project:

See also "What is a Configuration Project" in Chapter one.

Bundle / Network ID:

Enter the name of the bundle or network that is connected to the communication unit here. The name of the bundle / network may be freely chosen, but it must be unique in the entire configuration project. Please make sure that you assign the same name to all communication units that are connected to the same bundle / network. You may choose already assigned names from a list. Please continue to pay attention that you choose only bus systems of the same type within a bundle / network.

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Bus master / Bus coupler:

If the connected communication unit is a master in the selected bundle / network, just enter any name you like for the bus master / bus coupler here. This name must be unique to the bundle / network. A bus coupler always opens a new bundle / network if the bus system changes.

Slave to bus master / bus coupler ID:

If the connected communication unit is a slave in the selected bundle / network, enter the name of the bus master / bus coupler to which the slave is connected here. Since there can be more than one bus master / bus coupler in a bundle, you will need to pay attention that the correct bus master / bus coupler is assigned to the communication unit. You can select from a list of already assigned names in order to do this.

Position / Node ID:

Enter the bus address of the master or slave that is used to address communication unit here. This bus address can be a simple number or an IP address, for instance.

Note:

EPLAN does not offer the option of checking if the bus addresses issued have been assigned correctly. This cannot be checked until a data import in "SIMATIC STEP 7" is done.

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Display of the bus structure in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Summary of the Communication Units a.) Main rack

CPU315-2DP (=EB3+ET1-A1)

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DT

Communication

unit

Bus system

Bundle / Network

ID

Bus master / Bus

coupler

Slave to bus

master / bus

coupler ID

Position / Node ID

DP Profibus Profibus

DP

DP Master

2 =EB3+ET1-

A1

MPI MPI Bus MPI MPI Master

2

b.) Station 1

DT

Communication

unit

Bus system

Bundle / Network

ID

Bus master / Bus

coupler

Slave to bus

master / bus

coupler ID

Position / Node ID

=EB3+ET2-

A1

BK3100 Profibus Profibus DP DP Master

3

c.) Station 2

DT

Communication

unit

Bus system

Bundle / Network

ID

Bus master / Bus

coupler

Slave to bus

master / bus

coupler ID

Position / Node ID

=EB3+ET3-

A0

IM151-1

Basic

Profibus Profibus DP DP Master

4

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d.) Station 3

DT

Communication

unit

Bus system

Bundle / Network

ID

Bus master / Bus

coupler

Slave to bus

master / bus

coupler ID

Position / Node ID

=EB3+ET4-

A0

IL PB

BK

DP/V1

Profibus Profibus DP DP Master

5

Tip:

Some of the settings of the PLC cards can also be easily applied from the parts management. To do so, you must enter the corresponding data in the parts management of the individual parts beforehand (additional information about parts management can also be found in the EPLAN Help section, keyword "Tab Function template"):

1. Select the menu items Utilities > Parts > Management.

2. In the Parts management <...> dialog, open the levels Electrical engineering > Component > PLC in the parts tree.

3. Select the desired element.

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4. Select the PLC data tab.

5. Enter data into the input fields (check in "Meaning of the Function Properties" for more information on the meaning of the input fields).

6. Save the input by clicking the [Apply] or [Close] button.

Note:

If the parts selection is done subsequently, after a function has already been set up and values have already been entered in the corresponding function properties, the function properties will be overwritten by the parts properties. If the parts data is incomplete, you may actually lose already existing entries.

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Exporting PLC data

In this example you export all PLC-relevant data into an exchange file that can later be imported into "SIMATIC STEP 7".

Exporting Data from EPLAN

Precondition:

You have opened the EPLAN-DEMO demo project.

Project data > PLC > Export data

1. Open the Export PLC data dialog and choose the configuration project you want to export from the Configuration projects drop-down list.

2. From the Language drop-down list, select the language in which the function texts should be exported.

3. From the Format of export file drop-down list, select

Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 Version 5.3 / 5.4.

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4. Click [...] in the File name field.

5. In the Browse for folder dialog, specify the folder in which the file to be exported should be saved.

� If there is already a file name in the input field, it will be interpreted as a path; the name of the export file will be taken from the Station ID.

6. Click [Open].

7. In the Export PLC data dialog, click [OK].

� The data is exported. The file name that will be used to store the data will be determined from the Station ID. If a file with this name already exists, you will be asked if you would like to overwrite the existing file.

Note:

If several stations are set up in a configuration project, an export file will be created for each station.

Importing Data into "SIMATIC STEP 7"

The data may be either loaded into a new project or synchronized with an existing project using the import function.

Importing data into a new project:

1. Start the "SIMATIC STEP 7" program.

2. Set up a new project either by using File > New or File > 'New project' wizard.

3. Choose a CPU that is also used in your EPLAN project, in this

example CPU315-2DP.

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4. In the project tree on the left, select SIMATIC 300-Station and

change the name to the same station name you used in your EPLAN project: Station 300.

5. Start the import via Options > CAx Data > Import.

6. In the Import CAx file dialog, select the file you previously exported from EPLAN.

7. Click on [Open].

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� In the Import CAx data dialog, you can use the check box in the Selection column to establish which data is to be imported or synchronized. "SIMATIC STEP 7" displays in the Status column if the data to be imported: – Is only present in the import file (CAx) – Is only present in the STEP 7 project – Is identical in the import file and the STEP 7 project or if it is different.

8. In the Selection column, click the check box in the first row to import all data.

9. Click [Import].

� The data is imported.

� Any data that could not be imported will be marked red in the selection list; the [Display Log] button will make an error log available.

10. Click [Close] to end the import process.

Note:

If during the export from EPLAN several stations were exported, you will need to insert a new station and repeat steps 4 through 10 for each station, meaning, for each export file.

Synchronizing data with an existing project:


2. Open the desired project via File > Open.

3. In the project tree on the left, select the station you would like to compare.

4. Start the import via Options > CAx Data > Import.

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5. In the Import CAx file dialog, select the file you previously exported from EPLAN.

6. Click on [Open].

� In the Import CAx data dialog, you can use the check box in the Selection column to establish which data is to be imported or synchronized. "SIMATIC STEP 7" displays in the Status column if the data to be imported: – Is only present in the import file (CAx) – Is only present in the STEP 7 project – Is identical in the import file and the STEP 7 project or if it is different.

7. Select the check boxes in the Selection column for the data you would like to import again.

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8. Click [Import].

� The data is imported.

� Any data that could not be imported will be marked red in the selection list; the [Display Log] button will make an error log available.

9. Click [Close] to end the import process.

Note:

If during the export from EPLAN several stations were exported, repeat steps 3 to 9 for each station, meaning for each export file.

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Importing PLC Data

In this example, you will import data from an exchange file created by "SIMATIC STEP 7" into EPLAN.

Exporting Data from "SIMATIC STEP 7"


2. Open the desired project via File > Open.

3. In the project tree on the left, select the station you would like to export.

4. Start the export via Options > CAx Data > Export.

5. In the Export CAx Data dialog, click the [Browse] button in order to establish the path where the export data is to be saved.

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6. In the Browse for folder dialog, choose the target path.

7. Click [OK].

8. In the Selection column of the Export CAx data dialog, select the stations that are to be exported.

� "SIMATIC STEP 7" will create a file with the station name for each exported station in the specified directory.

9. Click [Export].

� The selected stations will be exported.

10. Click [Close].

Note:

In the Export CAx data dialog, several stations can be checked, since all checked stations will be exported by "SIMATIC STEP 7". "SIMATIC STEP 7" creates an export file for each station.

Importing data into EPLAN

1. Start the EPLAN program.

2. Set up a new project either by using Project > New or Project > New (wizard).

3. Or open the desired project via Project > Open to synchronize the data with an existing project.

4. Start the import via Project data > PLC > Import data.

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5. In the Import PLC data dialog, select Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7

Version 5.3 / 5.4 from the Format of import file drop-down list.

6. In the File name field, click […] to choose the file that was created during export from "SIMATIC STEP 7".

7. In the Open dialog, choose the export file that was created during the export from "SIMATIC STEP 7".

8. Click on [Open].

9. From the Language drop-down list in the Import PLC data dialog, select the language in which the function texts were written during the export by "SIMATIC STEP 7".

Note:

The Synchronize functions option is only available with "SIMATIC STEP 7" version 5.4 SP3 and higher, since older versions of this Siemens software neither store nor export information necessary for synchronization.

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10. Click [OK].

� The import is started, and a progress bar shows you the status of the import. You can see the results after a successful import in the PLC / bus configuration navigator. You will generate unplaced functions during the import into your new project; you can then use these by placing them in the schematic.

Note:

If during the export from "SIMATIC STEP 7" several stations were exported, the steps 4 to 10 for each station, meaning for each export file, need to be repeated.

Special Considerations after a Data Import

The following properties are correctly applied to the PLC connection points after a data import:

• Address

• Channel designation

• Function definition

• Data type.

The following properties cannot be imported since the necessary information does not exist in the import file:

• Connection point description

• Connection point designation

• Device tag (DT).

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During the import into EPLAN, an attempt is made to create the connection point designations via synchronization with parts management; the applicable search criterion here is the PLC type designation.

Connection points that do not appear to have a connection point designation will display with the designation "?x" in the project, where "x" is a consecutive number. You will then have several options for entering the connection point designations in the project:

• You can correct the connection point designation at each terminal manually.

• You can change the connection point designations manually at each PLC box by editing the tables.

• You can assign the correct function templates to the PLC connection points individually or in blocks after selecting a part.

Part allocations are not done automatically in case of a Profibus component import, because of the nature of the imported values (PLC type designation, as described in "Settings on PLC cards / Meaning of the Function Properties") no allocations can be made.

Assigning Function Templates

In order to assign the proper function templates to the PLC connection points, a part must first be assigned to the individual PLC boxes via the parts selection:

1. Click the PLC box in one of the PLC navigators and select the menu items Edit > Properties.

2. In the Properties <…> dialog, select the Parts tab.

3. Click [...] in the Part number field.

4. Open the parts tree under Electrical engineering > Component > PLC in the Parts management <...> dialog.

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5. Select the element with the same PLC type designation.

6. Complete the part selection with [OK].

7. Close the Properties dialog with [OK].

� The associated function templates will be shown in the PLC navigator. (If this is not the case, refresh the view by pressing the [F5] key.)

8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for each PLC box.

Using Function Templates Individually

Assign one function template to each individual PLC connection point:

1. Select the PLC connection point in one of the PLC navigators and select the menu items Edit > Properties.

2. In the Properties <…> dialog, select the PLC connection point tab.

3. Click [...] in the Displayed DT field.

4. Open the tree view in the DT selection dialog.

5. In the DT selection dialog, select the function template that is associated with the selected PLC connection point.

6. Close the DT selection dialog with [OK].

7. Close the Properties dialog with [OK].

� The connection point designation at the PLC connection point will display in the PLC navigator. (If this is not the case, refresh the view by pressing the [F5] key.)

8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for each PLC connection point.

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Using Function Templates Blockwise

You may also perform the allocation in groups (blockwise), in order to avoid having to allocate the function template to each one of the PLC connection points. Note that blockwise use of the function template is only possible with placed objects. You must therefore first place the PLC connection points on a newly created page.

1. Select the menu item Page > New.

2. In the New page dialog, enter a complete page name and page description.

3. From the Page type drop-down list, select the entry Schematic

multi-line.

4. Close the dialog with [OK].

Now place the PLC connection points onto the newly created page:

1. Open the new page in the graphical editor, e.g., with a double click on that page in the page navigator.

2. Select the menu items Project data > PLC > Navigator.

3. Check a PLC connection point in the PLC navigator and use the drag & drop function to drag it to the new page.

4. Repeat this step for all PLC connection points.

5. Now select all the placed PLC connection points on the new page.

6. Select the menu items Project data > PLC > Use connection points blockwise.

7. Open the tree view in the Select unplaced PLC connection points to place them blockwise dialog.

8. In the Select unplaced PLC connection points to place them blockwise dialog, select the function templates that are associated with the placed PLC connection points.

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� In the Use existing PLC connection points blockwise dialog, you will now see the PLC connection points in two lists with their new assignments.

9. You may change these assignment if necessary by: – Moving a selected assignment via the and buttons – Deleting a selected assignment via the button – Selecting another function template via […].

10. Close the dialog by clicking [OK] when all assignments have been set up.

� The connection point designations at the PLC connection points will display in the PLC navigator. (If this is not the case, refresh the view by pressing the [F5] key.)

11. Repeat these steps until all PLC connection points have been assigned a connection point designation.

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Appendix: Modification History

Version 1.9.6: Local communication units have been removed; this simplifies the input of the bus structures.

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eplan p8 simatic s7 plc

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