[PDF] Automating with SIMATIC Controllers, Software, Programming, Data Communication, Operator Control and Process Monitoring - 5th

The SIMATIC automation system consists of many components that are matchedto each other through the concept of “Totally Integrated Automation” (TIA). Totally Integrated Automation means automation with integrated configuration, programming, data storage, and data transfer.

As programmable logic controllers (PLCs), the SIMATIC S7 controllers form the basis of the automation system. SIMATIC S7-200 and S7-1200 are micro systems for the low-end performance range – as a stand-alone solution or in a bus network. The SIMATIC S7-300 with standard CPUs and compact CPUs is the system solution with a focus on the manufacturing industry. And as the top-level device with the highest performance power of the SIMATIC controllers, the SIMATIC S7-400 enables system solutions for the manufacturing and process industries.

SIMATIC WinAC (Windows Automation Center) combines the functions of openloop control, technology, data processing, visualization, and communication on one personal computer (PC) and is the first choice if you have to handle PC applications in addition to classic PLC tasks.

SIMATIC WinCC (Windows Control Center) is the engineering and runtime software for PC-based devices. HMI devices are configured with WinCC as engineering software, while WinCC as runtime software turns personal computers into HMI devices for industrial plants and processes.

SIMATIC NET links all SIMATIC stations and ensures trouble-free data communication. Various bus systems with graded performance also allow third-party devices to be connected, whether field devices in the plant or process PCs connected at the control level. Data traffic can go beyond the limits of various subnets, such as the transfer of automation data such as measured values and alarms or the commissioning and troubleshooting of a central location in the network group.