IBH OPC UA:STEP7 SIMATIC Manager examples

From IBHsoftec Wiki English
Jump to navigation Jump to search

This page converts the former PDF manual “PLC projects with S7 – SIMATIC Manager” into current wiki documentation. The PDF is based on STEP7 V5.6 and IBH Link UA / IBH OPC UA Server/Client V5.27. The workflow below reflects the current IBH OPC UA Server/Client 6.10.

Quick overview

Step Result
Check the STEP7 project Hardware, networks and symbols are consistent.
Create the OPC UA project Controllers and variables are imported with the IBH OPC UA Editor.
Transfer the configuration The server receives the validated project.
Diagnose and test Controller connectivity and OPC UA values are verified.

Requirements

  • an existing STEP7 project in SIMATIC Manager
  • a reachable S7-300, S7-400, or S5/S7 controller connected through a suitable adapter
  • correctly configured PG/PC interface and IP/MPI/PROFIBUS parameters
  • the current IBH OPC UA Editor
  • access to the Web Configurator
  • an OPC UA test client

Recommended current workflow

1. Prepare the STEP7 project

  1. Open the project in SIMATIC Manager.
  2. Check the CPU order number, firmware, rack and network configuration.
  3. Compile the hardware and blocks.
  4. Download the PLC program and verify that the CPU is in RUN.
  5. Maintain clear symbolic names in the symbol table.
S7-400 hardware configuration in the archived STEP7 example. The CPU and firmware selection must match the physical target system.

2. Import variables with the IBH OPC UA Editor

  1. Create or open a project in the IBH OPC UA Editor.
  2. Import the STEP7 project.
  3. Select the required stations, CPUs, data blocks and symbols.
  4. Review the data type, address, access rights and description of every required variable.
  5. Validate the configuration and transfer it to the IBH OPC UA Server/Client.

For new configurations, the IBH OPC UA Editor is the applicable tool. The former generic instructions for the IBH OPC Editor have been replaced.

3. Verify connectivity and diagnostics

  1. Open the controller or slot view in the Web Configurator.
  2. Check the address, rack, slot and any routing parameters.
  3. Open controller diagnostics.
  4. Test the endpoint URL with an OPC UA client.
  5. Read and write only variables whose configured access rights permit the operation.

Alternative: SIMATIC PC station from the PDF manual

The archived manual describes a SIMATIC PC station containing an OPC server and Industrial Ethernet interface.

  1. Add a SIMATIC PC station.
  2. Insert the OPC server and IE General / Industrial Ethernet component.
  3. Configure the local IP address.
  4. Create the S7 connection to the CPU.
  5. Select OPC symbols, save and compile the station.
  6. Import the configuration into the IBH OPC UA Server/Client.
SIMATIC PC station from the archived STEP7 manual. For new projects, importing through the IBH OPC UA Editor is recommended.

Examples covered by the former manual

Data blocks and structures

  • Verify global data blocks and structures in the PLC program first.
  • Import only the required elements as OPC UA variables.
  • After changing a structure, recompile and reimport the STEP7 project.
  • Test consistent reading and writing of large arrays or structures separately.

Historical data

After a successful online test, selected variables can be enabled in the History section. Configure the buffer length and persistent storage for the target system. The OPC UA client must support Historical Access.

Integrated OPC UA Client

  1. Add the external OPC UA server with its endpoint and security settings.
  2. Trust the certificate and browse the address space.
  3. Select a read variable and connect it to a local target variable.
  4. Verify the status, timestamp and client diagnostics.

See Client functions.

Alarms & Conditions

The STEP7 example uses PLC messages and an OPC UA event view. Import the message texts and related variables, enable the alarm model required by the project, and verify acknowledgement and state changes.

S5/S7 routing and multiple CPUs

  • Test the adapter and routing path independently before configuring OPC UA.
  • Document rack, slot, MPI/PROFIBUS address and target IP.
  • Use a separate connection and clear namespace for each CPU.
  • Commission and diagnose multiple connections one at a time.

Integrated S7 SoftPLC

The integrated S7 SoftPLC can be configured as a WinLC RTX-compatible station. Check the program version, RUN/STOP state and diagnostics before testing variables.

Troubleshooting

CPU cannot be reached
Check the PG/PC interface, network, rack/slot, adapter mode, routing and firewall.
Symbols or data blocks are missing
Recompile the STEP7 project and symbol table, then import them again with the IBH OPC UA Editor.
Values are incorrect or cannot be written
Check the data type, absolute address, access rights and PLC program.
OPC UA connection is not trusted
Check the system time, endpoint, certificates, security policy and user authentication.

Example files

See also

Retrieved from "https://wiki.ibhsoftec.com/en/index.php?title=IBH_OPC_UA:STEP7_SIMATIC_Manager_examples&oldid=2356"