Siemens SITRANS S7-300 - User Manual

SITRANS
Configuring a SmartLinx ready
device with a PROFIBUS DP card in
a S7-300 or S7-400 PLC
Application examples
08\2020
AG060425
Introduction
1
Overview
2
Planning/configuring
3

Summary

Introduction to SmartLinx Configuration

Objective of the Guide

The objective of this application guide is to help the user become familiar with the steps required to configure a SmartLinx device.

Required Equipment List

Lists the necessary hardware and software components for configuring the SmartLinx device.

Disclaimer of Information Accuracy

States that while efforts are made to verify information, no warranty of accuracy or usability is expressed or implied.

Overview of SIMATIC STEP 7

Planning and Configuring SmartLinx Device

Required Steps for SmartLinx Configuration

Detailed steps for planning and configuring the SmartLinx device with a PROFIBUS DP card in a S7-300/S7-400 PLC.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This application guide details the configuration of a SmartLinx-ready device equipped with a PROFIBUS DP card for integration into a Siemens S7-300 or S7-400 PLC system. It serves as a comprehensive resource for users to familiarize themselves with the necessary steps for setting up such a device within the Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 programming environment.

Function Description:

The core function of this guide is to enable the seamless integration and communication between a SmartLinx-ready device and a Siemens PLC via a PROFIBUS DP card. PROFIBUS DP (Decentralized Peripherals) is a high-speed, robust fieldbus communication system widely used in industrial automation for connecting controllers to decentralized I/O devices. The SmartLinx card acts as an interface, translating the device's internal data into a format compatible with the PROFIBUS DP protocol, allowing the PLC to read process data from and write control commands to the SmartLinx-ready device.

The configuration process, as outlined, involves several key stages within SIMATIC STEP 7, a Siemens programming software. Initially, the system requires the installation of a device-specific GSD (General Station Description) file. This file contains all the necessary information about the SmartLinx device, including its communication capabilities, available modules, and data structures, enabling the PLC to correctly identify and interact with it on the PROFIBUS network.

Once the GSD file is imported, the SmartLinx device is added to the hardware configuration of the PLC. This involves assigning a unique PROFIBUS address to the device, ensuring it can be distinctly identified on the network. The guide specifically illustrates this with a MultiRanger device, but the principles apply to other SmartLinx-ready products like AiRanger or SITRANS LU instruments.

A critical aspect of the configuration is defining the input and output (I/O) data sizes for the SmartLinx device. This is achieved by configuring "Universal Modules" within the hardware configuration. These modules specify the number of words (or bytes) that the PLC will read from (input) and write to (output) the SmartLinx device. For instance, the guide demonstrates setting up an input module for 42 words and an output module for 13 words, highlighting the importance of accurately matching these sizes to the device's actual data requirements. This precise definition ensures that the PLC correctly interprets the incoming process data and sends appropriate control signals.

Finally, the configured hardware settings are downloaded to the PLC. This step is crucial as it transfers the entire network configuration, including the SmartLinx device's parameters, to the PLC's memory, making the new setup operational. The guide emphasizes the need to place the PLC in stop mode during the download process and then return it to run mode for the SmartLinx card to activate and begin communication.

Usage Features:

The guide focuses on the practical steps for using SIMATIC STEP 7 to configure the SmartLinx device. Key usage features include:

• Hardware Configuration (Hardware Config): This is the central tool within SIMATIC STEP 7 for setting up the PROFIBUS network. Users learn to navigate this environment to add new devices, assign addresses, and define I/O modules.
• GSD File Management: The guide provides clear instructions on locating and importing the correct GSD file for the SmartLinx device. This is a fundamental step for any PROFIBUS DP device integration, ensuring the PLC has the necessary device description.
• Device Addressing: Users are guided on how to assign a unique PROFIBUS DP address to the SmartLinx device. This is essential for preventing communication conflicts on the network.
• I/O Module Configuration: A significant feature is the detailed explanation of configuring "Universal Modules" to define the input and output data lengths. This allows for flexible mapping of process data between the SmartLinx device and the PLC. The guide specifies the use of "Words" as the unit for data length, which is a common data type in PLC programming.
• Downloading Configuration: The process of saving and compiling the hardware configuration, followed by downloading it to the PLC, is clearly outlined. This ensures that the changes made in the software are applied to the physical PLC.
• VAT Table for Data Monitoring: The guide introduces the use of a Variable Table (VAT table) within SIMATIC Manager to view real-time data from the SmartLinx device. This is a powerful diagnostic and monitoring tool, allowing users to verify that the communication is established correctly and that the PLC is receiving the expected data. For example, it shows how to add an input word (IW002) to the VAT table and observe its value.
• Simulation Mode: The mention of placing the MultiRanger into simulation mode suggests a feature for testing the configuration without affecting live processes, which is valuable for development and troubleshooting.
• Application Examples: While the guide uses the MultiRanger 100 on an S7-400 PLC as an illustration, it explicitly states that the process is similar for all applicable Siemens SmartLinx-ready products, making the instructions broadly applicable.

Maintenance Features:

While the guide primarily focuses on initial configuration, several aspects indirectly contribute to system maintenance and troubleshooting:

• Documentation and Record-Keeping: The instruction to "Please record" the input and output addresses selected by the software for the card is a crucial maintenance practice. Having a record of these addresses is vital for future troubleshooting, modifications, or system expansions.
• GSD File Updates: The mention of downloading the support disk from www.siemens.com/processautomation implies that GSD files can be updated. Keeping GSD files current ensures compatibility with the latest device firmware and software revisions, which is a key maintenance consideration.
• Error Message Handling: The guide addresses a potential error message ("An update is presently not possible...") during GSD file installation and provides a solution (closing the open hardware project). This proactive guidance helps users troubleshoot common issues during the setup phase, reducing downtime.
• Visual Verification: The instruction to observe the green light on the SmartLinx card after placing the PLC in RUN mode provides a visual indicator of successful communication, aiding in quick verification of the system's operational status.
• Data Monitoring (VAT Table): The VAT table, while a usage feature, also serves as a powerful maintenance tool. By monitoring real-time data, technicians can quickly identify anomalies, diagnose communication issues, or verify the correct functioning of the SmartLinx device and its integration with the PLC.
• Product-Specific Information: The note about data block information varying by product and the recommendation to refer to the SmartLinx PROFIBUS DP manual for specific addresses underscores the importance of consulting detailed product documentation for accurate maintenance and troubleshooting. This prevents reliance on generic information when product-specific details are critical.
• Consistent Data Sizes: The emphasis on correctly defining input and output sizes is a preventative maintenance measure. Incorrectly configured I/O sizes can lead to data corruption or misinterpretation, causing system malfunctions that are difficult to diagnose. Ensuring these are correct from the outset minimizes future maintenance efforts related to data integrity.

Siemens SITRANS S7-300 Specifications

General

Product type designation	SITRANS S7-300
Protection Class	IP20
Category	Controller
Type	Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
Digital Inputs	Depends on configuration (e.g., 8 to 32 inputs per module)
Digital Outputs	Depends on configuration (e.g., 8 to 32 outputs per module)
Communication	MPI, PROFIBUS, Ethernet
Programming Software	STEP 7 (TIA Portal)
Power Supply	24 V DC or 120/230 V AC (depending on model)
Operating Temperature	0°C to 60°C
CPU	Various models available (e.g., CPU 312, CPU 315, etc.)
Analog Outputs	Expandable via signal modules (SM). Number of outputs depends on the selected modules. Common options include 2 or 4 analog outputs per module. Support for voltage and current signals.