SIMATIC STEP 7 Basic software
The programming standard
STEP 7 basic software is the standard tool for the SIMATIC S7, SIMATIC C7
and SIMATIC WinAC automation systems. It enables the user to use the
performance capability of these systems easily and conveniently.
STEP 7 contains convenient functions for all phases of an automation
project:
- Configuring and parameterizing the hardware.
- Specifying the communication.
- Programming.
- Test, start-up and service
- Documentation, archiving.
- Operating/diagnostics functions
SIMATIC-Manager:
The SIMATIC Manager manages all data belonging to an automation project,
regardless of the target system (SIMATIC S7, SIMATIC C7 or SIMATIC WinAC) on
which they are implemented.
It provides a common entry point for all SIMATIC S7, C7 or WinAC tools. The
SIMATIC software tools that are necessary for processing the selected data are
automatically started by SIMATIC Manager.
Symbol-Editor:
With the tool Symbol Editor all global variables (in contrast to the local
formal parameters that are declared when the blocks are programmed) are managed.
The following functions are available:
- Definition of symbolic designations and comments for the process signals
(inputs/outputs), flags and blocks
- Sorting functions
- Data exchange with other Windows programs
The symbol charts that are generated when this tool is used are available to
all software products. Changes to a symbol parameter are therefore automatically
recognized by all tools
Hardware configuration:
The tool Hardware Configuration is used for configuring and parameterizing the
hardware used for an automation project.
The following functions are available:
- Configuration of the automation system
Racks are selected from an electronic catalog and the selected modules are
assigned to the required slots in the racks.
- The configuration of the distributed I/Os is done in the same way as the
configuration of the non-distributed I/Os; channel-granular I/O modules are
also supported.
- CPU parameter assignment:
Properties such as restart characteristics and cycle-time monitoring can be
set menu-driven. multicomputing is supported. The entered data are filed in
system data blocks in the CPU.
- Module parameter assignment:
The user can specify all the adjustable parameters of the modules in input
screen forms. Adjustments via DIP switches become unnecessary.
Parameterization of hardware modules occurs automatically during the CPU's
acceleration. Thus, a change of a module can be made without another
parameterization.
- Function module (FM) and communications processor (CP) parameter
assignment:
This parameterization also occurs within the hardware configuration in the
same way as the parameterization of the other modules. For this
parameterization hardware-module-specific screen forms and rules are provided
for each FM and CP (is included in the FM/CP functions package). The system
prevents faulty inputs by offering only allowed entry options on the parameter
assignment screen forms.
Communication configuration
- Configuring and display of communication links
- Time-driven cyclic data transmission via MPI :
- Selection of communication partners .
- Entering of data source and data destination in a table.
Generation of all system data blocks (SDBs) to be loaded and their complete
transmission to all CPUs take place automatically
- Event-driven data transmission
- Definition of the communication links.
- Selection of the communication function blocks (CFBs) from the
integrated block library.
- Parameterization of the selected communication blocks in the customary
programming language (e.g., LAD).
System diagnostics
System diagnostics offer the user an overview of the status of the automation
system. The display can be in two different forms:
- Display of text messages, which can be output directly and quickly .
- Pixel-graphics display within the Hardware Config display, offering the
following options: :
- Display of general module information (e.g., order number, version,
designation) and module status (e.g., faulty)
- Display of module faults (e.g., channel faults) of the central I/O and
DP slaves
- Display of alarms from the diagnostics buffer
For CPUs, additional information is displayed
- Causes of malfunction during user program execution .
- Display of cycle duration (longest, shortest and last cycle).
- Display of the reserved and free memory .
- Capabilities and usage of MPI communication.
- Display of the performance data (number of possible inputs/outputs, flags,
counters, timers and blocks)
The following well-proven programming languages are available:
- Ladder (LAD,
- Function Block Diagram (FBD)
- Instruction List (IL)
The user can create programs that comply with DIN EN 6.1131-3.
The user-friendly, pixel-graphics LAD and FBD editors support the programmer
with:
- Uncomplicated and intuitive operation:
The creation of ladder diagrams/function block diagrams is characterized by
the user-friendliness familiar from PCs, such as drag and drop, cut and paste.
- Library of predefined complex functions (such as PID controllers) or
user-specific standard solutions
The Instruction List (IL) textual programming language makes it possible for
the user to create programs in which operating time and memory location are
optimized and which are “close to the hardware.” When creating these programs,
the programmer is supported by the following user-friendly editing functions:
- Entry option in incremental mode and free text mode:
the user can either have each input immediately checked “incrementally” for
correctness, or create the complete program using only symbols in a text
editor and subsequently have it translated by means of the appropriate symbol
chart.
The STEP 7 programming languages have a comprehensive set of instructions,
similar to STEP 5. This allows even complex functions to be programmed easily
(i.e., without having great programming knowledge) and quickly.
FThe following functions are provided:
- Binary logic (incl. edge evaluation)
- Word operation
- Timers/counters
- Comparison functions
- Conversion functions
- Shift/rotate
- Mathematical functions (incl. trigonometry, exponents, logarithms)
- Program control (branches, branch distribution, calls, Master Control
Relays).
In addition, improved testing and service functions make programming easier:
- Setting breakpoints (only S7-400)
- Forcing of inputs/outputs (only S7-400)
- Rewiring
- Display of cross-references
Status functions
- Download and testing of blocks directly from the editor
- Status of several blocks at the same time
- Search functions
Specific locations within the program can be found quickly using search
criteria (such as symbolic name, operand) (XRef).
STEP 7-Basic Software is part of the STEP 7 Professional Software package yet also available
separately. Customers that already use STEP 7 can change to STEP 7 Professional
by purchasing a POWERPACK. A valid STEP 7 license is needed for this upgrade.
Software Update Service is offered for the STEP 7 Professional package as well.
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