Ever wish you could create a project with optional hardware modules? Or add hardware in the field with any programming? Configuration Control within TIA Portal allows you to configure hardware modules and even I/O network objects to be optional so th...
For anyone who has spent much time working with the SIMATIC S7-400H, it becomes quickly apparent that the devil is often in the details. You find that there are many small settings and 'tricks' that you uncover while setting up redundancy, re...
Version 1.4 has just been released for the Siemens Open Library. This includes a V13 SP1 update and also contains a Portal V14 beta release. Explore and download the Siemens Open Library at openplclibrary.com. V13 SP1 Update 9 contains the fo...
It's back! When V13 SP1 was first released, one of the features I was most excited about was the ability to multiplex arrays of custom UDTs on a PLC using a simple index tag on an HMI. This feature allowed me to use a single faceplate or scree...
Have you ever wanted to read current, torque, or power data from your Siemens variable frequency drive (VFD) without having to change your telegram or communication configuration? Well, you are in the right place! The guide below will walk you throug...
The Siemens Open Library marked its 1000th download this week. The free, open source function block library was launched in June 2016 through a partnership between DMC and Siemens. The library aims to be a resource for consistency, usability, and fas...
DMC recently discovered that there are some unique settings associated with configuring a Siemens G120 Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) with extended safety functionality using the onboard terminals. This blog is meant to be a guide for this type of co...
MatrikonOPC Server allows you to connect OPC clients like HMIs, SCADA systems, and other custom applications to a wide range of Siemens PLCs (S7-200, S7-300, S7-1500, etc.) via Ethernet. This blog shows you how to configure a Siemens S7-300 ...
Jimmy Condon and I joined E&M on the 2016 edition of their annual New Stuff Road Show to help Siemens showcase their new Modernization Made Easy initiative that was launched this year. The two-week tour, which stretched from Sacramento to San ...
The Siemens Open Library is a great resource that includes many commonly used Function Blocks and Faceplates. However, every project is different and customer requirements sometimes necessitate changes or the creation of new ...