How does Siemens PLC communicate with the host computer via the Internet?
You can use Siemens WINCC software or third-party solutions like GE's iFIX to set up an OPC server and establish communication with a PLC using the SIMATIC NET PC software.
Configuration of Communication Between OPC Server and S7 PLC
1) Configure the hardware rack for the PC station. Once the SIMATIC NET software is installed, launch the Station Configurator from the desktop shortcut or taskbar icon. In the configuration window, select slot 1 and click "Add." Choose "OPC Server" from the component list and confirm with OK. Next, go to slot 3, click "Add," and select "IE General." Double-click "IE General" to open its properties and configure network settings. Finally, click the "Station Name" button, assign a name to your PC station, and click OK to complete the hardware setup.
2) Configuration and use of the Configuration Console. Launch the Configuration Console via Start > SIMATIC > SIMATIC NET > Configuration Console. This tool is essential for configuring and diagnosing both hardware and application setups on the PC. After completing the hardware configuration, you should see the IE General module transition from PG mode to Configured mode, with the slot number (Index) automatically set to 3. In the Access Points Settings window, double-click the "S7ONLINE" entry and set it to "PC internal (local)" to prepare for downloading the PC station configuration.
3) Configuring the PC Station in SIMATIC NET. This step involves setting up the communication parameters and ensuring proper connectivity between the OPC server and the PLC. Make sure all IP addresses and network settings are correctly defined to avoid connection issues.
4) Configuration download is omitted due to word limit. However, after finishing the setup, you can proceed to download the configuration to the PC station using the Configuration Console. Ensure that the device is properly connected and that no errors occur during the download process.
5) Data communication test—use the OPC Scout tool to verify data exchange between the OPC server and the PLC. Open OPC Scout, connect to the OPC server, and check if real-time data from the PLC is being displayed correctly. This test confirms that the communication setup is working as expected.
By following these steps, you can successfully establish a reliable OPC server-PLC communication link using SIMATIC NET and third-party tools. Always make sure to validate each configuration step before moving forward to prevent potential errors.
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