11:13
Lesson 01 - Configure Siemens S7-1200 PLC
PCC | A GCG Company
Overview
This video guides users through the initial configuration of a Siemens S7-1200 PLC using TIA Portal software. It covers navigating the TIA Portal interface, utilizing the help system for information, creating a new project, and adding a device. The process of hardware detection, including identifying the PLC via MAC address and LED flashing, is demonstrated. Users learn how to add I/O modules, configure CPU properties like naming and Ethernet addresses, and set up startup and cycle parameters. Finally, the video explains how to download the configuration to the PLC and verify its operational status.
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Chapters
- The TIA Portal 'Portal View' offers task-based access to create new projects, open existing ones, or migrate older projects.
- The 'Installed Software' link lists all TIA Portal packages and allows checking for updates.
- The dynamic 'Help' system provides comprehensive information on programming and device configuration.
- Advanced search in the help system can be refined using quotation marks for exact phrases and filtering by device type (e.g., S7-1200).
Understanding the TIA Portal interface and its integrated help system is crucial for efficient project setup and troubleshooting, enabling users to quickly find necessary information.
Searching for 'system data type' and then refining the search with quotation marks and filtering by 'S7-1200' to narrow down results.
- A new project is created by selecting 'Create new project,' assigning a name (e.g., 'S7-1200'), and confirming.
- The project file extension '.ap16' indicates the TIA Portal version used, aiding in version management.
- Within the project, 'Add new device' allows selection of controllers, specifically the S7-1200 series.
- An 'unspecified CPU' can be added when the physical PLC is already wired and powered, enabling automatic hardware detection.
This step establishes the foundation for your PLC project, allowing you to define the hardware that will be programmed and controlled.
Adding an 'unspecified CPU' to the project, which appears as a wireframe until its specific hardware configuration is detected.
- Hardware detection involves selecting the Profinet interface and initiating a search to find the connected PLC.
- The PLC can be identified by its MAC address (found on the CPU cover) or by flashing its LEDs.
- Once detected, the PLC's hardware configuration is read, and modules can be added or removed.
- Modules like digital input signal boards or communication modules can be dragged and dropped into the hardware configuration view.
Accurately detecting and configuring the PLC's hardware ensures that the software configuration precisely matches the physical setup, preventing communication errors.
Dragging a digital input signal board with four digital inputs onto the CPU in the hardware configuration view.
- CPU properties allow renaming the PLC (e.g., 'PLC PCC') and configuring its Ethernet port, including IP address and subnet.
- Catalog information provides details like the short designation, article number, and firmware version of the CPU.
- Onboard I/O addresses can be configured, specifying the starting byte address for digital inputs and outputs.
- Analog input/output addresses are also configurable, with each analog address occupying two bytes.
Properly configuring the CPU's identity, network settings, and I/O addressing is fundamental for establishing communication and ensuring data is correctly interpreted by the PLC.
Setting the starting address for digital inputs to '0' and noting that the 14 onboard digital inputs will occupy two bytes.
- The 'Startup' area defines the PLC's behavior after a power cycle.
- The 'Cycle' area sets the maximum scan cycle time and allows allocation of processing time between communication and logic execution.
- System clock memory and clock memory bits can be enabled for time-based operations.
- The PLC's built-in web server and time zone can be configured.
- Protection and security settings allow for password protection, and connection mechanisms can be enabled for third-party communication.
These advanced settings optimize PLC performance, enable specific functionalities like time-based control, and enhance security.
Increasing the maximum scan cycle time to 40ms to allow more time for communication processing.
- The project is compiled and downloaded to the PLC by selecting 'Download to device' from the project tree.
- After downloading, the PLC can be put into 'Run' mode using the 'Start module' option.
- Going 'Online' with the PLC allows for diagnostics and verification that the configuration is active and the PLC is running.
- The 'Online and Diagnostics' view shows the PLC's status, indicating if it's in Run mode (indicated by green status).
This final step transfers your configured project to the physical PLC, making it operational and allowing you to monitor its performance.
Selecting 'Download to device,' then 'Load,' choosing 'No action,' and finally 'Start module' to put the PLC into Run mode.
Key takeaways
- TIA Portal's task-based interface and integrated help system are essential tools for efficient PLC configuration.
- Accurate hardware detection and configuration are critical for successful PLC communication and operation.
- Understanding how to assign and manage I/O addresses is fundamental for PLC programming.
- CPU properties and advanced settings like startup behavior and scan cycle time directly impact PLC performance and functionality.
- Security features, including password protection, should be considered to safeguard PLC access.
- Downloading the configuration and going online with the PLC are the final steps to make the system operational and verifiable.
Key terms
TIA PortalPortal ViewProject ViewS7-1200 PLCHardware DetectionUnspecified CPUProfibusProfinetMAC AddressI/O ModulesCPU PropertiesEthernet AddressScan CycleClock MemoryWeb ServerDownload to DeviceOnline and Diagnostics
Test your understanding
- What is the purpose of the 'Portal View' in TIA Portal?
- How can you efficiently search for specific help topics within the TIA Portal help system?
- Why is it beneficial to use an 'unspecified CPU' during initial hardware configuration?
- What steps are involved in identifying a specific PLC during the hardware detection process?
- How do you configure the network settings for an S7-1200 PLC within TIA Portal?
- What is the significance of the 'Scan Cycle' setting in the CPU's properties?