Understanding S7 ETH Protocol for Data Collection
As an industrial automation enthusiast, you’ve likely come across the term “S7 ETH” in your quest to understand the intricacies of Siemens PLCs. In this article, we delve into the S7 ETH protocol and how it facilitates data collection from Siemens 1200 PLCs. Let’s explore this fascinating topic together.
What is S7 ETH Protocol?
The S7 ETH protocol is a communication protocol used by Siemens PLCs to exchange data with other devices, such as Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) or other PLCs. It is part of the S7 protocol suite, which is widely used in industrial automation. The S7 ETH protocol operates over an Ethernet network, making it suitable for high-speed data transfer and long-distance communication.
Why Use S7 ETH Protocol?
There are several reasons why the S7 ETH protocol is preferred for data collection from Siemens 1200 PLCs:
| Reason | Description |
|---|---|
| High Speed | The S7 ETH protocol supports high-speed data transfer, ensuring that your HMI can display real-time information from the PLC. |
| Long-Distance Communication | With the ability to operate over an Ethernet network, the S7 ETH protocol can facilitate communication over long distances, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications. |
| Scalability | The S7 ETH protocol is scalable, allowing you to connect multiple devices to your PLC network without compromising performance. |
Setting Up S7 ETH Protocol for Data Collection
Now that we understand the benefits of the S7 ETH protocol, let’s explore how to set it up for data collection from a Siemens 1200 PLC.
1. Configuring the S7-1200 and S7-1500 PLC
Follow these steps to configure your S7-1200 and S7-1500 PLC for S7 ETH communication:
- Open your PLC project in TIA Portal V16 software.
- Select the PLC from the project tree and open its properties.
- In the “General” > “Protection and Security” > “Access Level” section, choose one of the first three permissions and ensure that the HMI checkbox is checked. If you select “No access,” the HMI will not be able to establish communication with the PLC.
- In the “Connection Mechanism” page, select “Allow access from remote partners for PUT/GET communication access.” This will enable the PLC to receive data from the HMI.
- To check or change DB optimization, right-click on the DB block and open its properties. In the “General” > “Properties” section, uncheck “Optimize block access” and click “OK.” This setting will display the tag offset next to the variable name after compiling the project.
2. Exporting DB Blocks and PLC Tags
Once your PLC is configured, you need to export the DB blocks and PLC tags to your HMI software:
- Right-click on the DB block and select “Generate source from block.” Save the file as “DBxxx.db,” where “xxx” represents the number of DB blocks.
- Double-click on “Display all tags” to view the tag table. Click “Export” to save the tags to your HMI software.
3. Configuring the HMI Software
With the DB blocks and PLC tags exported, you can now configure your HMI software to communicate with the PLC:
- Open your HMI software, such as Macroscop JMobile Studio, and import the DB blocks and PLC tags.
- Configure the communication settings to match the PLC’s IP address and port number.
- Design your HMI screens using the imported tags and create a user-friendly interface for monitoring and controlling your industrial process.
Conclusion
By understanding and implementing the S7 ETH protocol, you can effectively collect data from Siemens 1200 PLCs and enhance your industrial automation system. With the right configuration and tools, you can create a seamless
