Engineering framework with practice-oriented functions for end-to-end work processes

Using Simatic S7-PLCSIM Advanced, a digital twin of the Simatic S7-1500 Controller is created in the TIA Portal for simulation and virtual commissioning purposes. The new Simatic Machine Simulator V1.0 then combines this digital twin with the NX Mechatronics Concept Designer (NX MCD) simulation software for mechatronic machine concepts. This enables the virtual validation of complete machines: mechatronic and control models, including simple up to complex behavioral models, are synchronized, and machine-level applications can be simulated and then verified. Combining simulation models for controllers and mechanics gives rise to a digital twin of the real world application. This enables the simulation and validation of machines, and optimization processes to be tested without the need for real prototypes. Engineering errors can be spotted early on and corrected or avoided before actual commissioning. Under realistic conditions, the comparison between the digital twin and real systems makes it possible to respond promptly to changes and automatically consider modifications in upstream and downstream stages of development.

The commissioning of S7-1500 controllers in TIA Portal V15.1 is also faster and more efficient than before. The TIA Portal Multiuser Engineering has been augmented with a commissioning mode and it is now possible to structure the user program using software units. The Simatic S7-1500 Controller portfolio has also been enhanced with the new redundant Simatic S7-1500R/H CPUs. The engineering corresponds to that of a standard CPU and the TIA Portal and redundant CPUs handle the synchronization of the programs and data. All without any additional overhead for the user.

Extended application options in the TIA Portal V15.1 include controller-controller communication with the OPC UA functions of the S7-1500 controller. In addition to the OPC UA server function, it can now also be used as an OPC UA client. Standardized interfaces – so-called companion specifications – are easy to import with the TIA Portal and facilitate straightforward machine integration into a plant. The Siemens OPC UA Modelling Editor SiOME supports the automation engineer with tag interconnection and makes it easier to import them into the Simatic S7-1500 controller.

The drive integration of the Sinamics S210 servo converter into TIA Portal V15.1 also offers more application options. The Sinamics Startdrive engineering tool makes direct parameterization commissioning and diagnostics in the TIA Portal possible. Motion Control applications, including in conjunction with the S7-1500T motion controller, can be even more easily implemented and efficiently processed. A final TIA Portal feature is the assistant-based safety acceptance test for the Sinamics S120 converter which simplifies machine acceptance and automatically creates the required reports.

Launched in 2010, the Siemens TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal) enables users to perform automation and drive tasks quickly and intuitively through efficient configuration. The software architecture is designed for high efficiency and ease of use, and is suitable for both new and experienced users. It offers a standardized operating concept for controllers, human machine interfaces (HMI) and drives, as well as for shared data storage and consistency, for example during configuration, communication and diagnostics, and also offers powerful libraries for all automation objects. The simple engineering in the TIA Portal facilitates full access to the entire spectrum of digitized automation, from digital planning and integrated engineering up to transparent operation. Alongside PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) and MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) within the Digital Enterprise Software Suite, the TIA Portal complements the holistic range of software available from Siemens for companies on the path toward Industry 4.0.

For further information, refer to www.siemens.com/tia-portal