Getting started with S7-PLCSIM Advanced and simulation tables

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1 Introduction

1.1 Overview

SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM Advanced virtual controllers are created and used for the comprehensive simulation of functions. This means that no real controllers are required to test a STEP 7 program.

The virtual controllers can also be tested and validated in the context of a system or machine. The application programming interface (API) allows manipulation of the simulated process image and is used to connect the virtual controller to a virtual model of a machine or plant or to specially programmed high-level language applications.

This makes it possible to connect the virtual controller to simulation software such as SIMIT or NX Mechatronics Concept Designer for extensive validation of the STEP 7 program. The following application example should make the first steps in the general handling of S7-PLCSIM Advanced easier. In addition, this application example offers the "SimTableApplication" application with which users can conveniently and independently monitor and control PLC variables on the virtual controller via a simulation table.

Figure 1-1: System Architecture

The diagram shows TIA Portal with STEP 7 connecting to a Virtual Controller via a PLCSIM Softbus or PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter. The Virtual Controller can then interact with the SimTableApplication.

Advantages of the Application Example

• Quick introduction to the use of S7-PLCSIM Advanced
• Possibility of testing user programs with TIA Portal and S7-PLCSIM Advanced
• Convenient testing of user programs using simulation tables and S7-PLCSIM Advanced

Delimitation

• This application example complements the S7-PLCSIM Advanced manual. Detailed information can be found in the corresponding manual.
• This application example requires basic knowledge of TIA Portal project planning.

1.2 How it works

S7-PLCSIM Advanced supports the simulation of the following CPU families from firmware version V1.8:

• S7-1500 (C, T, F)
• ET 200SP
• ET 200SP F

In contrast to PLCSIM, S7-PLCSIM Advanced can be installed independently of TIA Portal and with its full Ethernet adapter "PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter" offers extended communication paths even beyond computer limits.

1.2.1 Overview communication paths

Table 1-1: Communication paths

1.2.2 Local Communication

Via softbus: S7-PLCSIM Advanced enables communication locally with the virtual controller via the "PLCSIM" softbus. All participants involved in the communication must be on the same PC / the same VM.

Figure 1-2: Local communication via Softbus

The diagram shows a PC/VM with PLCSIM Advanced Runtime, Instance 1, Virt. SIMATIC Memory Card, and STEP 7 connected via PLCSIM Softbus.

Via TCP/IP: With S7-PLCSIM Advanced, local communication is also possible via TCP/IP protocol. S7-PLCSIM Advanced provides the PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter for this purpose. All participants involved in the communication must be on the same PC / the same VM.

In this configuration, TCP/IP functions of the virtual controller, such as communication via OPC UA and web server, can be used. Details can be found at Table 1-1.

Figure 1-3: Local communication via TCP/IP

The diagram shows a PC/VM with PLCSIM Advanced Runtime, Instance 1, Virt. SIMATIC Memory Card, and STEP 7 connected via PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter.

1.2.3 Distributed communication

For distributed communication, i.e., across computer boundaries, S7-PLCSIM Advanced provides a PLCSIM Virtual Switch in addition to the PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter. The PLCSIM Virtual Switch connects the PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter to a physical network card of the PC, allowing communication with the virtual controller from outside the PC.

When using a VM, a bridged connection to a network card of the host computer must be set up. The following scenarios are possible:

1. Communication between TIA Portal on the host machine and a virtual controller on the VM.
2. Communication with a real CPU or a real HMI. The connection between real devices and the network card of the PC is made via an Ethernet cable.
3. Communication with TIA Portal on another PC. The connection between the PCs is made with an Ethernet cable via the physical network cards.

Scenarios 2 and 3 are also possible if S7-PLCSIM Advanced is installed directly on a PC. No bridged connection configuration is needed in this case, as it is only required for a VM.

Figure 1-4: Distributed communication scenarios

The diagram illustrates three scenarios for distributed communication involving a PC, a VM, and potentially a real CPU/HMI or another PC, utilizing PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter and PLCSIM Virtual Switch.

1.2.4 Virtual SIMATIC Memory Card

S7-PLCSIM Advanced stores the user program, the hardware configuration, and the remanent data of a loaded instance of a virtual controller in a virtual SIMATIC memory card. Each instance has a virtual SIMATIC memory card, which is created under a unique instance name of the virtual controller.

If S7-PLCSIM Advanced is used to start a virtual controller with an instance name for which a virtual SIMATIC memory card already exists, the controller is started with the user program and hardware configuration contained within it.

The storage location of the virtual SIMATIC Memory Card can be opened or changed via the control panel of S7-PLCSIM Advanced. For applications that interact with S7-PLCSIM Advanced via the API (user interface), the storage location can be defined on the application side. For example, the location of the virtual SIMATIC Memory Card for the "SimTableApplication" application is the same as the location of the simulation project. Thus, the application always knows the access point to the data of the virtual controller. The "SimTableApplication" application is described in the chapter Application "SimTableApplication".

1.2.5 S7-PLCSIM Advanced Control Panel

S7-PLCSIM Advanced provides a control panel for creating and operating instances of a virtual controller. If users employ their own user programs (C++/C#), the integrated control panel is not needed, as its function can be mapped via the API.

Figure 1-5: Control panel interface

The diagram shows the S7-PLCSIM Advanced V2.0 Control Panel with various controls including Online Access, TCP/IP communication settings, Virtual Time Scaling, and instance management.

Table 1-2: Control panel functions

1.3 STEP 7 program

This application example includes a TIA Portal example project with a STEP 7 program. The STEP 7 program consists of a simple adding function in the cyclic OB "Main[OB1]". The addition is executed once if the variable "Global".executeAdd is set to TRUE. The result of adding the two variables "Global".summand1 and "Global".summand2 is assigned to the variable "Global".result.

Fig. 1-6: STEP 7 program in cyclic OB

Block title: "Main Program Sweep (Cycle)"

Network 1: adding function

Is running once, when "Global".executeAdd set TRUE
1 IF "Global".executeAdd THEN
2 "Global".result:="Global".summand1 +"Global".summand2;
3 "Global".executeAdd := FALSE;
4 END_IF;
5

The associated variables are declared in the global data block "Global[DB1]".

Figure 1-7: Global data block "Global [DB1]"

The diagram shows the TIA Portal project tree with the Global data block DB1, listing variables like summand1, summand2, result, and executeAdd.

For monitoring and controlling variables in the online view of the controller, the observation table "WatchTableAddFunc" with the data block variables was inserted in the TIA Portal project.

Figure 1-8: Watch table "WatchTableAddFunc"

The diagram shows the TIA Portal watch table "WatchTableAddFunc" with variables like "Global".summand1, "Global".summand2, "Global".result, and "Global".executeAdd.

1.4 Components used

This application example was created with these hardware and software components:

Table 1-3: Hardware and Software Components

Note: In this application example, no real hardware was used. All projected hardware components were simulated.

This application example consists of the following components:

Table 1-4: Application Components

2 First steps with S7-PLCSIM Advanced

2.1 Installation

The setup program starts automatically with a double click on the download package or when the DVD is inserted into the drive. Ensure the following conditions are met before starting the installation process:

• The computer's hardware and software meet the system requirements.
• Administrator rights are available on the installation computer.
• No other programs are active. This also applies to the Siemens Automation License Manager and other Siemens applications.
• All S7-PLCSIM versions less than or equal to V14 are uninstalled.

2.2 Start S7-PLCSIM Advanced

After installing S7-PLCSIM Advanced, the icon for S7-PLCSIM Advanced is located on the Windows desktop. To start S7-PLCSIM Advanced and open the Control Panel, follow these steps:

1. Double-click the S7-PLCSIM Advanced icon on the Windows desktop. Figure 2-1: S7-PLCSIM Advanced Icon
2. After starting S7-PLCSIM Advanced, the icon is displayed in the notification area of the task bar (next to the time and date). Tip: Users can use Windows functions to permanently display the icon in the notification area of the taskbar. Figure 2-2: Taskbar Icon
3. Right-click the icon in the task bar to open the S7-PLCSIM Advanced Control Panel. A click on a free area next to the control panel minimizes it again. Figure 2-3: Control Panel Access

2.3 Creating an instance

Note: If a virtual controller is started with an instance name for which a virtual SIMATIC memory card already exists, the controller is started with the user program and hardware configuration contained within it. Use a new name for each new instance.

2.3.1 Local Instance via Softbus

1. Set the switch for "Online Access" to "PLCSIM". Figure 2-4: Online Access Setting (Softbus)
2. Enter a name for the new instance, select the PLC type for the simulation, and start the instance.

Figure 2-5: Instance Creation (Softbus)

After starting, the instance appears in the instance list with the default IP address "192.168.0.1" and in the stop state.

Figure 2-6: Instance List (Softbus)

2.3.2 Local Instance via TCP/IP

Note: The switch for "Online Access" can only be activated after all started instances have been deactivated.

1. Set the switch for "Online Access" to "PLCSIM Virtual Eth. Adapter". Leave the setting for the network card at "Local". Figure 2-7: Online Access Setting (TCP/IP)
2. Enter a name for the instance, the IP address, and the subnet mask. Select the PLC type and start the instance.

Figure 2-8: Instance Creation (TCP/IP)

After starting, the instance appears in the instance list with the set IP address and in stop state.

Figure 2-9: Instance List (TCP/IP)

2.3.3 Distributed Instance over TCP/IP

If no DHCP is available in the network, a static IP address must be assigned to the Siemens PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter for successful distributed communication. All IP addresses must be set so that they are all in the same subnet. The following figure shows an example of a possible setting of the IP addresses with the subnet mask "255.255.255.0".

Figure 2-10: IP Address Configuration for Distributed Communication

The diagram shows IP addresses for PLCSIM Advanced, PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter, PLCSIM Virtual Switch, Network card, and Real CPU/HMI, all within the same subnet.

To set a static IP address for the Siemens PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter:

1. In the Windows Control Panel, open the Network and Sharing Center.
2. Select "Change adapter settings". Figure 2-11: Network and Sharing Center
3. Open the properties of the Siemens PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter and then open the properties of the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" element.
4. Assign a free static IP address within the same subnet as the network and close the properties with "OK".

Figure 2-12: Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties

The diagram shows the TCP/IPv4 properties window where IP address, subnet mask, and DNS server addresses can be configured.

Note: The switch for "Online Access" can only be activated after all started instances have been deactivated.

1. Set the switch for "Online Access" to "PLCSIM Virtual Eth. Adapter". Select the physical network card from the list via which the instance is to be accessible in the network. Figure 2-13: Online Access Setting (Distributed)
2. The "Siemens PLCSIM Virtual Switch" is automatically activated for the selected network card in the properties of the interface. Figure 2-14: Ethernet Properties showing PLCSIM Virtual Switch
3. Enter a name for the instance, the IP address, and the subnet mask. Select the PLC type and start the instance.

Figure 2-15: Instance Creation (Distributed)

After starting, the instance appears in the instance list with the set IP address and in stop state.

Figure 2-16: Instance List (Distributed)

2.4 Download from TIA Portal

2.4.1 Activate simulability

To use a STEP 7 project with the simulation, the simulability of blocks in the project properties must be activated. Follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the project name of the TIA Portal project and select "Properties..." from the context menu. Figure 2-17: Project Properties Access
2. Activate the property "Support simulation during block compilation" under "Protection". Figure 2-18: Protection Settings

Note: In order to use know-how-protected blocks or typed library blocks for simulation, the following must be noted:

• Know-how-protected modules must be unlocked by entering a password.
• Typed library blocks without activated simulability with S7-PLCSIM Advanced must be in the "under test" state.

Only then can the option "Simulability with SIMATIC S7-PLCSIM (Advanced)" be activated in the properties of the block in the "General > Translation" tab.

2.4.2 Load project to the virtual controller

Requirement

The STEP 7 project can be loaded to the virtual controller if the following conditions are met:

• An instance of the virtual controller was created via the Control Panel or another application.
• Simulability has been activated in TIA Portal.

Select communication interface

When loading the project to the virtual controller, the PG/PC interface must be selected according to the communication interface of the virtual controller (see chapter 2.3 Creating an instance):

• "PLCSIM" for download via Softbus
• "Siemens PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter" for download via TCP/IP
• For distributed communication, the real adapter connected to the network

Display in Download Dialog

The dialog in STEP 7 shows the compatible S7-PLCSIM Advanced instances the first time a CPU is downloaded. In the following example, an instance of the virtual controller was created using the "PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter" with the IP address 192.168.0.1. The configuration of a CPU 1511-1 PN with the configured IP address 192.168.0.10 is to be loaded to this instance.

When searching for compatible instances via the "Siemens PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter" interface, the instance of the "S7-1500 (PLCSIM)" virtual controller is displayed, since no configuration has yet been loaded onto the controller.

Figure 2-19: Extended download to device (initial)

The diagram shows the "Extended download to device" dialog in TIA Portal, where the PG/PC interface is selected and compatible devices are scanned.

After loading onto the instance of the virtual controller, it is configured. Then the instance appears in the download dialog as the loaded type of controller, in this case "CPU 1511-1 PN" with the IP address 192.168.0.10.

Figure 2-20: Extended download to device (after loading)

The diagram shows the "Extended download to device" dialog after the controller has been loaded, displaying the configured controller information.

If the instance has been configured, then as many interfaces are visible as the CPU type, for example, two PROFINET interfaces are displayed for a 1515-2 PN CPU.

2.5 Simulate example project

Starting a virtual controller instance

Since no special communication, such as communication via OPC UA, is required for this example, a local instance of the virtual controller via the "PLCSIM" softbus interface is sufficient.

1. Start S7-PLCSIM Advanced and open the control panel.
2. Leave the interface setting at "PLCSIM", enter a name for the instance and select "Unspecified CPU 1500" as PLC type. Then click "start". Figure 2-21: Starting a Virtual Controller Instance

The instance appears in the instance list with the configured name and IP address 192.168.0.1. The virtual controller instance is still in the "STOP" operating state, since no user program or configuration has yet been loaded onto the controller.

Figure 2-22: Instance List after Starting

Follow the download dialog and complete it by selecting the option "Start module" and clicking on "Finish". Figure 2-25: Download Results

Check the operating status of the virtual controller in the Control Panel. The controller must now be in "RUN" mode. Figure 2-26: Control Panel - RUN Mode

Open in TIA Portal in the project navigation under "MyProject > PLC_1 > Observation and force tables" ("MyProject > PLC_1 > Watch and force tables") the observation table "WatchTableAddFunc" and start the observation of the variables. Figure 2-27: Opening Watch Table

Enter a control value for each of the variables "Global".summand1, "Global".summand2 and "Global".executeAdd and activate the corresponding checkbox for controlling the variable. Figure 2-23

Click on the "modify all selected values" button and observe the result of the add function in the "Global.result" variable. Figure 3-24

Save the project so that it can be used again later. The loaded STEP 7 program remains stored in the virtual SIMATIC Memory Card and can be used when the simulation project is opened again without reloading the controller. Figure 3-25: Saving the Project

3 Application "SimTableApplication"

3.1 Overview

With the simulation table tool for S7-PLCSIM Advanced, users can create a local instance of a virtual controller and load their STEP 7 program onto it from TIA Portal. Users can then display variables used in the STEP 7 program in simulation tables and control and monitor them from there.

Figure 3-1: System Overview

The diagram shows the interaction between PLCSIM Advanced Simulation Table, TIA Portal, and a Virtual Controller instance.

The steps involved are:

1. A local instance of a virtual controller is started via the control panel in the simulation table tool.
2. The STEP 7 program is loaded into the virtual controller via the "PLCSIM" softbus.
3. The variables of the virtual controller can be observed and controlled in the simulation table.

3.2 How it works

The "SimTableApplication" uses the user interface (API) of S7-PLCSIM Advanced for interaction with the virtual controller. The folder of the virtual SIMATIC Memory Card is created in the storage path of the simulation project. The virtual controller is operated via the control panel in the application, meaning the integrated S7-PLCSIM Advanced Control Panel is not required. The runtime manager and runtime instance are started in the background as Windows processes. Users can monitor the started processes in the Windows Task Manager under "Processes".

After loading the STEP 7 program onto the virtual controller, variables are exchanged between the virtual controller and the "SimTableApplication" application via the API.

The following variables of the virtual controller can be accessed:

• Input variables
• Output variables
• Variables from global data blocks
• Markers

The variables are updated at the cycle control point of the virtual controller. The control of selected variables is triggered by a button in the simulation table.

3.3 User interface

Figure 3-2: SimTableApplication User Interface

The diagram shows the SimTableApplication interface with three main areas: Menu bar, Project navigation, and Working area.

1. Menu bar: Shows menus for project commands and help commands.
2. Project navigation: Displays the project name, instance name, and simulation tables.
3. Working area: Shows the window for operating the instance (Control Panel) and editing the simulation tables.

3.3.1 Menu bar

Commands in the "Project" Menu

Figure 3-3: Project Menu Commands

Commands in the "Help" Menu

Figure 3-4: Help Menu Commands

Under the menu text "About", users will find a link to the Siemens Industry website for online support, as well as details of the installed software.

3.3.2 Project navigation

Figure 3-5: Project Navigation Structure

1. Project folder: Here, with the name "MySimulation". Right-clicking the project folder allows adding a controller or displaying project properties. Figure 3-6: Project Folder Options
2. Controller: If a controller is added, it appears in the project folder, here with the name "MyInstance". Right-clicking or clicking the controller allows operating it via the context menu or the control panel in the workspace. Figure 3-7: Controller Operation
3. "SIM tables" folder: This folder is created automatically as soon as a controller is added and contains all simulation tables for the corresponding controller. Right-click the folder to add a new simulation table. Figure 3-8: Adding a Simulation Table
4. "Default Sim Table" simulation table: This table is generated automatically and cannot be deleted. Other simulation tables can be renamed and/or deleted using the context menu of the relevant table.

3.3.3 Working area

Controller

If a controller is selected in the project navigation, its corresponding control panel appears in the work area of the application. Users can operate the virtual controller here.

Figure 3-9: Controller Control Panel

1. Use "Power On / Off Virtual Controller" to start the instance of the virtual controller.
2. LEDs display the current status of the virtual controller and behave analogously to the LEDs of a real controller.
3. IP addresses of the virtual controller's ports are displayed. Depending on the loaded configuration, one or two IP addresses may be shown (e.g., for CPU 1511-1 PN or CPU 1515-2 PN).
4. Use the "RUN" button to set the controller to "RUN" mode. The changed status is indicated by the RUN LED.
5. Use the "STOP" button to set the controller to "STOP" mode. The changed status is indicated by the STOP LED.
6. Use the "MRES" button to reset the memory (Virtual Memory Card). The virtual controller is set to "STOP" mode.
7. Use this button [folder icon] to display the location of the Virtual SIMATIC Memory Card of the corresponding instance in Windows Explorer.

SIM table

Figure 3-10: SIM table Interface

1. Search field for a specific variable on the virtual controller. Listing possible hits during input supports the search. After selecting the appropriate search result, add the variable to the simulation table by pressing Enter or the plus symbol.
2. With this button [play icon], control all selected variables (see point 10) in the simulation table once.
3. This button [folder with plus icon] allows adding all project variables from the last STEP 7 load to the virtual controller in the simulation table. Users can choose between the following variable memory areas: Figure 3-11: Load all Project Tags Dialog
   • Inputs: Input variables declared in the PLC variables
   • Outputs: Output variables declared in the PLC variables
   • Memory bits: Flags declared in the PLC variables
   • Datablocks: Variables of all global data blocks
4. With these buttons [CSV export/import icons], export the created simulation table in CSV format to Excel or import it from Excel.
5. Variable names are displayed in the "Name" column. For variables of a data component, the variable also contains the name of the data component as a prefix.
6. The "Datatype" column shows the data type of the variable.
7. The "Area" column shows the memory area of the corresponding variable.
8. The "Value" column contains the actual value of the variable (observed value).
9. Input field for the control value of the variable.
10. Check boxes select the variables to be controlled when the control button is pressed.

3.4 Create simulation project

This chapter describes how to simulate the supplied STEP 7 program with the "SimTableApplication" application and S7-PLCSIM Advanced, and how to monitor and control variables using a simulation table. It demonstrates creating a new simulation project with the application. Alternatively, users can open the provided simulation project "MySimulation.sim" from the zipped folder "109759047_PLCSIMAdv_SimTable_SIM_PROJ.zip" and familiarize themselves with the project.

1. Unpack the "109759047_PLCSIMAdv_SimTable_SIM_APPL.zip" folder into any directory on the PC and start the "SimTableApplication.exe" application contained therein with a double-click. Figure 3-12: Starting SimTableApplication
2. Click on "Project > New..." in the menu bar to create a new project. Figure 3-13: Creating a New Project
3. In the "Create new Project" dialog box, enter a project name and select the project location. Optionally, fill in the fields for version, author, and comment. Then click "Create". Figure 3-14: New Project Dialog
4. Right-click on the project folder in the project navigation and select "Add new Controller" from the context menu to add a new virtual controller to the project. Figure 3-15: Adding a New Controller
5. In the "Add New Controller" dialog window, enter a controller name and select the controller type "S71500" for the simulation of an S7-1500 CPU. Then click "Add". Figure 3-16: Add New Controller Dialog
6. In the project navigation, select the added controller and start the virtual controller instance in the work area. The virtual controller initially starts with the "STOP" operating state, since no project has yet been loaded into the controller. Figure 3-17: Virtual Controller Instance Started
7. Start the supplied project with TIA Portal "MyProject.ap15".
8. Select the controller "PLC_1" in the project navigation and then click on "Download to device" in the function bar. Figure 3-18: Download to Device in TIA Portal
9. Follow the download dialog and load the project to the virtual controller via the "PLCSIM" softbus interface.
10. Complete the download by selecting the option "Start module" and clicking on "Finish". Figure 3-19: Download Results
11. Return to the "SimTableApplication" application and check the operating state of the virtual controller, which must now be in "RUN" mode. Figure 3-20: Virtual Controller in RUN Mode
12. Select the "Default SimTable" simulation table in the project navigation and click the "load all tags" button in the workspace. Figure 3-21: Loading Tags into Simulation Table
13. Since only data block variables are used in the STEP 7 program, activate the checkbox for "Data blocks" in the new "Load all Project Tags" dialog window. This loads all data block variables from the loaded project into the simulation table. Then click "Load". Figure 3-22: Load all Project Tags Dialog
14. Enter a control value for each of the variables "Global".summand1, "Global".summand2 and "Global".executeAdd and activate the corresponding checkbox for controlling the variable. Figure 3-23
15. Click on the "modify all selected values" button and observe the result of the add function in the "Global.result" variable. Figure 3-24

4 Appendix

4.1 Service and Support

Industry Online Support

For questions or assistance, Siemens Industry Online Support offers round-the-clock access to the entire service and support know-how and portfolio. It is the central address for information about Siemens products, solutions, and services. Product information, manuals, downloads, FAQs, application examples, and videos are accessible with just a few mouse clicks: https://support.industry.siemens.com.

Technical Support

Siemens Industry Technical Support provides fast and competent support regarding technical queries with numerous tailor-made offers, ranging from basic support to individual support contracts. Send queries to Technical Support via the web form: www.siemens.com/industry/supportrequest.

SITRAIN – Training for Industry

Siemens supports users with globally available training courses for industry, featuring practical experience, innovative learning methods, and a concept tailored to customer-specific needs. For more information on offered trainings and courses, as well as their locations and dates, refer to the web page: www.siemens.com/sitrain.

Service offer

The range of services includes:

• Plant data services
• Spare parts services
• Repair services
• On-site and maintenance services
• Retrofitting and modernization services
• Service programs and contracts

Detailed information on the range of services can be found on the service catalog web page: https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/sc.

Industry Online Support app

Users receive optimum support wherever they are with the "Siemens Industry Online Support" app. The app is available for Apple iOS, Android, and Windows Phone: https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/sc/2067.

4.2 Links and Literature

Table 4-1: Links and Literature

4.3 Change documentation

Table 4-2: Change documentation