Programming Siemens

[joaco1993]

Hi everyone,

Im having a future project involving siemens PLCs.. dont know exactly which models, and also dont know if there is a difference in order to learn to program siemens plc..

Im proficient in rockwell.. Rslogix5, Rslogix500 and Rslogix5000, also honeywell and AutomationDirect.

How would you aproach this situation ?? anyone aware of courses online or where to gather information, etc..

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[cardosocea]

There's a couple... for starters, you can download TIA Portal (and I think Step 7) without a license and try for 15 or 21 days unlike Rockwell.

In terms of hardware, I think it's similar, you add on the hardware that you are going to use to the project. Networking is easier in TIA Portal than step7.

In terms of programs, you have OB's that are the equivalent of tasks on Logix. If using TIA Portal, there is a description with the type of OB you can create. Usually most people just have the OB1, OB100 (warm start or restart), OB83 and OB121 (error OB's).

You then create your program with FB and FCs. FB's are compared to AOI's, although you can modify them online. FC's are similar to subroutines, but take in inputs and outputs and, in my opinion, are nicer to visualise.

There is no online editing... you change the block and you download it. This means you can download all your program or a single block with a simple modification to the controller.

You can use all languages without costing you an arm and a leg... and even better, in the same FB or FC you can mix languages in different rungs as you please.

There are more nice things about Siemens PLC's, but for starters this should be enough.

Also, there is a concept of DB's which makes data easier to organize than just have all your variables in a tag list like in Logix.
Edit: if you're doing process stuff, look into Siemens Open Library.

[JRW]

If your buying from a local distributor, they will help get you started.

[Rson]

Siemens sells some kits that come with a plc + software that is somewhat affordable.

I believe around $300-400 for some of the 1200 series processors with TIA portal.

Also, I think they have a simulator, but I haven't had time to look into it personally.

Be aware, there are rumors that a new version of TIA portal will be out by the new year, so I would keep a support contract through the new year if you buy a license right away.

Some of the Siemens structures are quite different from rockwell (data blocks vs ladder files, etc) but most of the ladder programming is similar.

[mister x]

If you want online courses root around Udemy. If you're doing hmi this is a nice tutorial :

https://www.pccweb.com/2018/12/17/si...aining-series/

I've seen good Siemens produced videos on YouTube as well with helpful tips.

[cardosocea]

Originally Posted by Rson

Also, I think they have a simulator, but I haven't had time to look into it personally.

Ups, forgot the simulator. A version of the simulator comes bundled with TIA Portal (it was a separate product in Step7). The simulator is almost as good as having a PLC on your bench.



You can create two instances of the simulator download one different program to each and see them communicate in simulation. That is a godsend for testing communications without hardware!!

[geniusintraining]

Originally Posted by joaco1993

Im having a future project involving siemens PLCs.. dont know exactly which models, and also dont know if there is a difference in order to learn to program siemens plc..

Once you find out the platform we sell trainers that may work for you... I have had a lot of customers buy a trainer and rip them apart and install them on a machine after they learned the programming side