HW Config: Edit Symbolic Names, Monitor/Modify Variables

Edit Symbolic Names

You can directly access the symbol table from the "HW Config" tool. This allows

you to assign symbolic names to the inputs and outputs during hardware

configuration or at a later date when you can make suppliments or changes.

You open the symbol table with a right mouse click on the module. Select Edit

Symbolic Names in the follow-up box. A section of the symbol table with the

relevant addresses is then opened.

Monitor/Modify Variables

You can monitor or modify the addresses of the configured modules directly from the HW Config tool. The signals of the input modules can be "checked" and

the signals of the output modules can be "controlled" using the Monitor/Modify

(Variables) function.

Product Support Information

Directly from the Internet, you can fetch information on modules or components from the Product Support pages. As well, it is also possible to update HW Config

by incorporating individual components such as new CPUs or new DP devices

into the current STEP 7 version.

Requirements:

The PG/PC has an Internet connection, a browser for displaying Internet pages,

and the function is enabled in the HW Config Settings along with the

specification of the Internet address.

Note

"Symbolic Addressing" and the editing of symbol tables is dealt with in depth in

the "Symbols" chapter. The Monitor / Modify Variables function is dealt with in

the "Troubleshooting" chapter.

CPU Propertires: Cycle  / Clock Memory

Cycle

• "Scan cycle monitoring time (ms):"
- If this time is exceeded, the CPU goes into the STOP mode.
   Possible causes why this time is exceeded: communications processes,
   frequently from interrupt events, errors in the CPU program.
- If you have programmed an error OB 80, the scan cycle time is doubled.
  After that, the CPU also goes into the STOP mode.
• "Cycle load from communication (%):"
- Communication (such as data transmission to another CPU through MPI
  or test functions the PG/PC triggered) is restricted to the specified
  percentage of the current scan cycle time.
- Restricting the cycle load can slow down communication between the
  CPU and PG.
- Example: Restricting communication to 20% results in a maximum
  communication load of 20ms for a scan cycle time of 100ms.

Size of the  Process Image 

With the CPU 318-2 and several S7-400  CPUs, you can specify the size of the process image (in bytes). The process image area always begins with input

and output byte 0.

Saving the HW Setpoint Configuration and Downloading it in Module

Save

You select the Station->Save menu to save the current configuration in the

current project (without generating system data blocks).

Save and Compile

When you select the Station->Save and Compile menu or click the

icon  on the toolbar, the configuration and parameter assignment data are

also saved in system data blocks.

Consistency Check

You select the Station -> Consistency Check menu to check whether it is

possible to generate configuration data from the entries made.

Download in Module

You select the PLC -> Download menu or click the icon in the toolbar to

download the selected configuration to the PLC.

The PLC must be in "STOP" mode!

System Data Blocks

The system data blocks (SDBs) are generated and modified when you configure

the hardware and compile the hardware configuration. SDBs contain

configuration data and module parameters. When a system data block is

downloaded, it is stored in the CPU‘s work memory.

This makes it easier to replace modules, because the parameter assignment

data is downloaded to the new module from the system data blocks on startup.

In the programming device, the system data blocks are saved under: Project \

Station \ CPU \ S7_program \ Blocks \ System_data.

You double-click the System data briefcase icon to see the list of system

data blocks.

If you use a memory card as Flash EPROM, you should save the SDBs there as

well. That way, the configuration is not lost if you operate without battery backup

and there is a power failure.

Upload Actual Configuration to the PG/PC and Rename It

Task

To upload a PLC‘s hardware configuration. Since the project called "My_Project"

does not yet have a HW Station, you are to read out the actual PLC

configuration from your training area. Rename the newly created hardware

station in the project "My_Station".

What To Do

• Start the SIMATIC  Manager and open your project called "My_Project"

• Load the actual configuration from your training area into your project;

in SIMATIC  Manager -> highlight My_Project -> PLC menu -> Upload

Station -> OK

Complete the follow-up dialog box as shown in the slide above. If no

"Accessible Nodes" are visible, you must click "Update".

• Rename the newly created "SIMATIC  300(1)" hardware station

"My_Station"

Click twice on "SIMATIC  300(1)" (not a double-click !) and type

"My_Station"

Result

In your project called "My_Project" you now have a hardware station called

"My_Station" and the hardware-independent program called "My_Program" (see

bottom picture of slide).

Adapting the ACTUAL Configuration

Task

The ACTUAL configuration read out with "Upload Station" is incomplete

because several module order numbers are missing. These numbers are

necessary to clearly identify and assign parameters to the modules. You are to

enter the order numbers of the modules of your training area (located on the

bottom, outside module cover) in the uploaded "actual configuration".

What To Do

1. Start the HW Config tool

SIMATIC  Manager (Offline view) -> select HW Station called "My_Station"

-> double-click "Hardware" icon

2. Update the modules with correct order numbers

double-click each signal module -> in the dialog box "Specify Module",

choose the correct part number for the modules on your training area ->

confirm the follow-up "Properties" dialog box with OK (since the preset

standard parameters do not have to be changed).

3. Only if your training unit is an S7-400:

Specify the module addresses so that they correspond to those of an

S7-300 training unit with 32 channel modules (see slide)

double-click on Module -> specify the address in the Properties dialog box

4. Save and compile the adapted ACTUAL configuration

Station -> Save and Compile

5. Download the adapted ACTUAL configuration to the CPU

PLC -> Download

6. Exit the HW Config tool

Result

The hardware station called "My_Station" in your project called "My_Project"

corresponds to the main rack of your training unit.

Addressing S7-300 Modules

Slot Numbers

The slot numbers in the rack of an S7-300 simplify addressing in the

S7-300  environment. The position of the module in the rack determine the first

address on a module.

Slot 1

Power supply. This is the first slot by default.

A power supply module is not absolutely essential. An S7-300  can also be

supplied with 24V directly.

Slot 2

Slot for the CPU.

Slot 3

Logically reserved for an interface module (IM) for multi-tier configurations using

expansion racks. Even if no IM is installed, it must be included for addressing

purposes.

You can physically reserve the slot (such as for installing an IM at a later date) if

you insert a DM370 dummy module.

Slots 4-11

Slot 4 is the first slot that can be used for I/O modules, communications

processors (CP) or function modules (FM).

Addressing examples:

• A DI module in slot 4 begins with the byte address 0 .

• The top LED of a DO module in slot 6 is called Q8.0 .

Note

Four byte addresses are reserved for each slot. When 16-channel DI/DO

modules are used, two byte addresses are lost in every slot!

Multi-Tier Configurations

The slots also have fixed addresses in a multi-tier configuration.

Examples:

• Q7.7 is the last bit of a 32-channel DO module plugged into slot 5 of rack 0.

• IB105 is the second byte of a DI module in slot 6 of rack 3.

• QW60 is the first two bytes of a DO module in slot 11 of rack 1.

• ID80 is all four bytes of a 32-channel DI module in slot 8 in rack 2.

Address  Overview

Views the I/O addresses of the station configured. Select: View -> Address Overview …

Abbreviations:

R Rack number

S Slot number of the relevant module

DPRelevant only when Distributed Peripherals (I/O) are used

IF Interface module ID when programming the M7 system (in C++).

Slot dependent Addressing 

The modules are assigned fixed slot-dependent addresses with the S7-300  (CPUs without DP interface) and S7-400 (without hardware configuration).

Variable Addressing

With the S7-300  (CPUs with integrated DP interface) and with the S7-400 you can assign parameters to the starting addresses of the modules.

What to Do

When you double-click a digital or an analog module, the parameter assignment

screen is opened. After you choose the "Addresses" tab, you can cancel

"System selection". You can now define the starting address in the "Start" box. If

the address is already used, an error message is triggered.

Part process images can be defined only in the S7-400 . That way, specific

inputs and outputs (such as time-critical signals) can be combined into one

group. A system function triggers the updating of a part process image in the

user program.

Note

After a CPU memory reset, the parameters, and therefore also the addresses

are lost. This means that the slot-dependent addresses of the S7-300  or the

default addresses of the S7-400  are valid once more.

Hardware Configuration and Parameter Assignment

HW Configuration

The modules are supplied from the factory with preset parameters. If these

default settings are OK, a hardware configuration is not necessary.

A configuration is necessary:

• if you want to modify preset parameters or addresses of a module (such as

to enable the hardware interrupt of a module)

• if you want to configure communication connections

• with stations that have distributed peripherals (PROFIBUS-DP)

• with S7-400  stations that have several CPUs (multicomputing) or

expansion racks

• with fault-tolerant programmable logic controllers (option package).

Setpoint Configuration 

When you configure a system, a setpoint configuration is created. It contains a hardware station with the planned modules and the associated parameters. The

PLC system is assembled according to the setpoint configuration. During

commissioning, the setpoint configuration is downloaded to the CPU.

Actual Configuration

In an assembled system, the actual existing configuration and parameter

assignment of the modules can be uploaded from the CPU. This creates a new

HW station in the project.

A configuration upload is necessary, for example, if the project structure does

not exist locally at the PG. After the actual configuration is read out, you can set

parameters and add part numbers.

Notes

With the S7-400, the CPU can be assigned parameters in such a way, that

when there are differences between the setpoint configuration and the actual

configuration, the CPU startup is interrupted.

To call the HW Config tool, there must be a hardware station in the SIMATIC

Manager.

Starting the HW Configuration Editor

HW Config

This tool helps you configure, assign parameters to and diagnose the hardware.

Starting HW Config

To start the HW Config tool:

• select a hardware station in the SIMATIC Manager and choose the Edit --> Open Object menu or

• double-click the hardware object.

"Hardware Configuration"

This is a window in the "HW Config“ application you use for inserting components from the "Hardware Catalog" window.

The title bar of this window contains the name of the project and the station

name.

"Hardware Catalog"

To open the catalog:

• select the View -> Catalog menu or

• click the icon in the toolbar.

If “Standard” is selected as the catalog profile, all racks, modules and interface

modules are available in the "Hardware Catalog" window.

You can create your own catalog profiles containing frequently used elements

by selecting the menu options Options -> Edit Catalog Profiles.

You can add Profibus Slaves that do not exist in the catalog later on. To add

slaves, you use GSE files that are provided by the manufacturer of the slave

device. The GSE file contains a description of the device. To include the slave in

the hardware catalog, use the Options -> Install New GSE Files menu and then

Options -> Update Catalog. You will find the new devices in the catalog under

Profibus, additional field devices.

Generating a Hardware Setpoint Configuration

Generating a Setpoint  Configuration

This means specifying how the modules are to be arranged in the rack. This configuration, specified by you, is referred to as the setpoint configuration.

Rack

For example, you open a SIMATIC  300 station in the Hardware Catalog.

Opening the "RACK-300" folder shows the icon for a DIN rail. You can insert this

in the "Hardware Configuration" window by double-clicking on it (or using drag &

drop).

Two rack component lists then appear in the two-part window: a plain list in the

top part and a detailed view with order numbers, MPI addresses and I/O

addresses in the bottom part.

Power Supply

If a load current power supply is required double click or use drag & drop to

insert the appropriate "PS-300" module from the catalog in slot no.1 in the list.

CPU

You select the CPU from the "CPU-300" folder, for example, and insert it in slot

no. 2.

Slot No. 3

Slot no. 3 is reserved as the logical address for an interface module (for multitier

configurations).

If this position is to be reserved in the actual configuration for the later

installation of an IM, you must insert a dummy module DM370 (DUMMY).

"Inserting" Modules

From slot no. 4 onwards, you can insert a choice of up to 8 signal modules

(SM), communications processors (CP) or function modules (FM) from the

HardwareCatalog using drag & drop or with a double-click.

The slots on which the selected module can be inserted are automatically

highlighted in green.

Copying a Block from the Standard Library

Task

For later use, copy the FC105 block from the STEP7 "Standard Library" into the

Blocks folder of the Step7 Program "My_Program" in the project "My_Project".

What To Do

1. Open the "Standard Library" in the SIMATIC Manager:

File > Open... -> select the "Libraries" tab -> choose "Standard Library" in the

list -> confirm

2. In the project "Standard Library" open the Blocks folder of the S7 Program

"TI-S7-Converting Blocks"

3. Display your project called "My_Project" and the "Standard Library" at the

same time in two windows in the SIMATIC  Manager

Window > Arrange > Horizontally

4. Using drag & drop, copy the FC 105 block from the "Standard Library" into

your program folder "My_Program"

5. Close the library.

Result

The FC 105 block is stored in the Blocks folder of your Step7 Program called

"My_Program" in addition to the still empty OB 1.

Notes

Libraries are used for storing blocks which contain standardized functions. You

can copy the blocks from the library into any project you wish. If the name

(number) of the block you are copying already exists, you can rename the library

block (number) when you insert the block into your program folder.

Performing a CPU Memory Reset and Warm Restart

Task

You are to perform a CPU memory reset and check whether the memory reset

was successful.

What To Do

• Carry out the memory reset according to the steps in the slide above

• Check the success of the memory reset. The memory reset was successful

when only system blocks (SDBs, SFCs, SFBs) are left in the CPU

in the SIMATIC Manager, select the Step7 Program folder "My_Program" ->

switch to the Online view.

Notes

When the CPU memory is reset, all user data in the CPU are deleted.

To make sure that no “old” blocks are left in the CPU, a memory reset of the

CPU should be performed. The following takes place during a memory reset:

• All user data are deleted

(with the exception of the MPI parameter assignments).

• Hardware test and initialization

• If an Eprom memory card is installed, the CPU copies the EPROM contents

back into the internal RAM after the memory reset.

• If no memory card is installed, the preset MPI address is retained. If,

however, a memory card is installed, the MPI address stored on it is loaded.

• The contents of the diagnostic buffer (which can be displayed with the PG)

are retained.

Offline / Online View in the SIMATIC Manager

Offline View

In the project window of the SIMATIC  Manager, the offline view displays the

project structure stored on the hard disk of the programming device.

The " Step7 Program" folder contains the "Sources" and "Blocks" objects.

The "Blocks" folder contains the system data created with the HWConfig tool

and the blocks created with the LAD/STL/FBD Editor.

Online View

The online view shows the offline project structure in the left window and in the

right window it shows the blocks stored online in the selected CPU.

As a result, the " Step7 Program" seen in the online view only contains the "Blocks"

folder which contains the following objects:

• System data blocks (SDB)

• User blocks (OB, FC, FB)

• System blocks (SFC, SFB).

Changing Views

Changing between offline and online view takes place:

• through the View -> Offline or View -> Online menu items

or

• with the corresponding symbol in the toolbar:

Online

Offline

Note

You can arrange the "ONLINE" and "OFFLINE" views next to each other or

under each other when you use the Window -> Arrange option in the menu bar.

Standard Library

Introduction

Libraries are used to store reusable blocks.The blocks can be copied into a

library from existing projects or they can be created directly in the library

independent of projects.

Standard Library

A Standard Library is installed when you install STEP 7. You can access this standard library from the SIMATIC  Manager (File -> Open -> Libraries) or from

the Block Editor (Overviews -> Libraries). The library contains the following S7

programs:

Communication Blocks:

FCs (functions) for communication between the CPU and the distributed I/O

via communication processors.

Organization Blocks: Organization blocks (OBs).

S5-S7 Converting Blocks:

Blocks that emulate STEP 5 standard function blocks and that are necessary for converting STEP 5 programs.

TI - Step7 Converting Blocks: Generally usable standard functions such as analog value scaling.

IEC Function Blocks:

Blocks for IEC functions (IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission), such

as for processing time and date information, for string processing and for

selecting maximum and minimum.

PID Control Blocks: Function blocks (FBs) for PID closed-loop controls.

System Function Blocks: System functions (SFCs) and System function blocks (SFBs).

Miscellaneous Blocks: 

FCs and Fs for switching between daylight savings time and and standard time

(summer and winter times).

Note Additional libraries are added when optional software is installed.

The Step7 Simatic Manager

Process

When you take a closer look at a process you want to automate, you will find

that it is made up of a multitude of smaller sections and sub-processes, which

are all interlinked and dependent on one another.

The first task is therefore to break down the automation process as a whole into

separate sub-tasks.

Hardware and Software

Each sub-task defines certain hardware and software requirements which the the automation system must fulfill:

• Hardware:

- Number and type of inputs and outputs

- Number and type of modules

- Number of racks

- Capacity and type of CPU

- HMI systems

- Networking systems

• Software:

- Program structure

- Data management for the automation process

- Configuration data

- Communication data

- Program and project documentation.

Project

In SIMATIC STEP7 all the hardware and software requirements of an automation

process are managed within a project.

A project includes the necessary hardware (+ configuration), network

(+ configuration), all the programs, and the entire data management for an

automation solution.

Imatic Step7 Project Structure

Multiproject

The multiproject folder is the folder for all projects and libraries of an automation

solution that contains one or more STEP7 projects and optionally, also libraries.

That way, the complete solution can be divided into individual, easy to follow

projects. The projects within the multiproject can contain objects with crossproject

interrelations (such as cross-project Step7 connections).

Project Structure

Data is stored in a project in the form of objects. The objects in a project are

arranged in a tree structure (project hierarchy). The tree structure displayed in

the project window is similar to that in the Windows Explorer. Only the icons for

the objects are different.

Project Hierarchy

1st. Level:

The first level contains the project icon. Each project represents a

database where all the relevant project data are stored.

2nd. Level:

• Stations (such as the Step7 - 300™ station) are where information

about the hardware configuration and parameter assignment

data of modules is stored.

Stations are the starting point for configuring the hardware.

• Step7 Program folders are the starting point for writing

programs. All the software for a parameter-assignable

module from the Step7 range is stored in an Step7 Program

folder. This folder contains further folders for the program

blocks and sources.

• Subnets (MPI,Profibus, Industrial Ethernet) are part of an

overall network.

3rd. and subsequent levels: Depends on the object type of the next-higher level.

Configuration of the Simatic Step7 - 400 Training Unit PS Default Address: CPU DI 32 28 Slot

Design
You can see the design of the Simatic Step7 - 400 training unit in the slide above.

Configuration
The UR 1 mounting rack is configured with the following modules:
Slot 1: Power supply 24V and 5V/20A
Slot 2: - " -
Slot 3: - " -
Slot 4: CPU 412 or other
Slot 5: vacant (when the CPU only has a single width)
Slot 6: vacant
Slot 7: vacant
Slot 8: Digital input 32x24V (from Simulator)
Slot 9: Digital input 32x24V (from Conveyor Model)
Slot 10: Digital output 32x24V 0.5A (to Simulator)
Slot 11: Digital output 32x24V 0.5A (to Conveyor Model)
Slot 12: Analog input 8X13 Bit (from Poti on the Simulator)
Slot 13: vacant
Slot 14: vacant
Slot 15: vacant
Slot 16: vacant
Slot 17: vacant
Slot 18: vacant

Addressing
You have the default addresses, as shown in the slide above, as long as no
configuration or parameter settings have been made.

PLC Simulator

Design

Two cables connect the simulator to the S7-300™ or S7-400™ training unit. The

simulator is divided into the following three sections:

• Binary section with 16 switches/momentary-contact switches and 16 LED's

• Digital section with 4 thumbwheel buttons and a digital display. The

thumbwheel and digital (BCD) display use BCD values,

• Analog section with a voltmeter for displaying the values at analog channels

0 and 1 or the analog outputs 0 and 1. You use the selector switch to choose

the voltage value you want to monitor. There are two separate

potentiometers for setting the values for the analog inputs.

Addressing

You use the following addresses to address the inputs and outputs in your user

program:

Sensor / Actuator	Version A (DI16, DO16)	Version B (DI32, DO32)	S7-400 (Default addresses
Switch / M.C.Sw.	IW 0	IW 0	IW 28
LEDs	QW 8	QW 4	QW 36
Thumb. buttons	IW 4	IW 2	IW 30
Digital display	QW 12	QW 6	QW 38
Analog channels	PIW 352/354	PIW 304/306	PIW 1216/1230

The Conveyor Model

Design

The slide shows a diagram of the conveyor model with its sensors and

actuators.

Addresses

S7-300 Ver. A (DI16, DO16)	S7-300 Ver. B (DI32, DO32)		S7-400 (Default Ad- dresses)	Sensor / Actuator	Symbol
I 16.0 I 16.1 I 16.2 I 16.3 I 16.4 I 16.5 I 16.6 I 16.7 Q 20.1 Q 20.2 Q 20.3 Q 20.4 Q 20.6 Q 20.7	I 8.0 I 8.1 I 8.2 I 8.3 I 8.4 I 8.5 I 8.6 I 8.7 Q 8.1 Q 8.2 Q 8.3 Q 8.4 Q 8.6 Q 8.7	I 32.0 I 32.1 I 32.2 I 32.3 I 32.4 I 32.5 I 32.6 I 32.7 Q 40.1 Q 40.2 Q 40.3 Q 40.4 Q 40.6 Q 40.7		Light Barrier at Conv. End Push Button at Bay1, M.C. Push Button at Bay2, M.C. Push Button at Bay3, M.C. Push Button at End C.MC. Proximity Sensor at Bay 1 Proximity Sensor at Bay 2 Proximity Sensor at Bay 3 Indicator Light at Bay 1 Indicator Light at Bay 2 Indicator Light at Bay 3 Indicator Light at Conv. End Run Conveyor Left Horn	LB T_PB1 T_PB2 T_PB3 T_PB4 BAY1 BAY2 BAY3 L_BAY1 L_BAY2 L_BAY3 L_END K_LT K_Horn