7/26/12                 Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 Programmer's Handbook
       Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 Programmer's
       Handbook
       This handbook is a collection of programming overviews, notes, helps,
       cheat sheets and whatever that can help you (and me) program a Siemens
       PLC.
       If you have experience with Siemens then please contribute.
        
       Siemens Website Quick Links
       This is a listing of tutorials and manuals found on the Siemens automation website that will get you started
       on the SIMATIC Step 7 software for S7-300 and S7-400 systems. From a new users perspective I’ve
       only heard disparaging comments about finding the right information on the Siemens’ website. I have to
       agree. Its information overload at it’s best. There’s a lot of different stuff there thrown together and found
       in different spots with very long URL addresses to add to the confusion.
       Have no fear.  We’re here to help.  So we’ll look at the essentials for your journey. 
           The software if you haven’t got it yet
           Getting a sense for the product line
           Where to start with the manuals
           Online training material
           Downloadable Flash tutorials
       Of course the best type of training is the hands on type but if that’s not an option then you’ll need to start
   www.plcdev.com/book/export/html/373                                              1/63
   7/26/12                   Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 Programmer's Handbook
       digging in.
       Who’s got the Software?
       If you are just learning and can’t easily get the software then there are two options.
         1.  Order the demo CD which will give you a free 30-day trial period.  
         2.  Download a free working copy of Step 7 Lite.  There are differences between the regular version of
            Step 7 and Step 7 Lite but for learning purposes you can go along way with the free Lite version.  
       First Things First
       The first thing I like to do with a new product is get an overview of everything.  Getting used to part
       numbers and product groupings can go a long way with your comfort level.  The best thing for this is the
       sales catalog (ST 70 – 2005).  You can also order a hard copy.
       Where to Start?  Manuals, manuals, everywhere!
       Once you install the Step 7 software there will be a directory under the SIMATIC folder called
       Documentation that includes the most important manuals.  Hard copies can be ordered with number
       6ES7810-4CA08-8BW1.  Here’s how I would digest them.
         1.  Working with STEP 7 - This is a basic introduction to Step 7 which walks through an example of
            controlling engines.  While it’s not the complete picture it does ease you very well into the learning
            curve of the Step 7 software.
         2.  Programming with STEP 7 Manual - Here’s the fuller manual for the programming interface
            which is also the same as the online help accessed by pressed the F1 key.
         3.  Configuring Hardware and Communication Connections STEP 7 Manual - Everything to do
            with the Hardware Configurator.
         4.  Statement List,  Ladder Logic, and Function Block Diagram Reference Manuals - These
            manuals contain both the user’s guide and the reference description of the programming language or
            representation type. You only require one language type for programming an S7-300/S7-400, but
            you can mix the languages within a project, if required.  If you’re more comfortable with Ladder
            Logic or Function Block Diagram then start there but sooner or later you’ll have to become familiar
            with Statement List.
         5.  System Software for S7-300 and S7-400 System and Standard Functions Reference
            Manual - The S7 CPUs have integrated system functions and organization blocks included with
            their operating system, which you can use when programming. This manual provides you with an
            overview of the system functions, organization blocks, and loadable standard functions available in
            S7, and detailed interface descriptions for their use in your programs.
       Training Material
       There’s gold in that website if you just do a little digging!  If you’re having a tough go with the manuals then
       you should definitely download the training material.  There’s a lot more screen shots and even a picture of
       a balding pudgy guy to point things out to you. What more could you want?
       Flash Tutorials
   www.plcdev.com/book/export/html/373                                                   2/63
  7/26/12                Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 Programmer's Handbook
      If you’re not the manual type (and even if you are) check out the Siemens Step 7 Flash tutorials.  These
      are very professionally done with a nice sounding narrator to take you through all the basics of the Step 7
      software and hardware.
      What's Next?
      Of all the starting places to dig for more info I find the support section the best especially if you have a part
      number or key word you can search on. Clicking on the Product Support link will bring up a tree on the
      left hand side that can be expanded down to the product of your affection.  Good luck and happy hunting.
       
       
  www.plcdev.com/book/export/html/373                                         3/63
   7/26/12                  Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 Programmer's Handbook
       Review of Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 Lite
       Programming Software
       “Great taste. Less filling.”
                    When one hears the words “Lite” and software you tend to think of software that’s not
                    really usable. Depending on your needs this may not be the case with the Siemens STEP
                    7 Lite package. The four major limitations in STEP 7 Lite verses the more advanced
                    STEP 7 package are:
                           1.  Support limited to the SIMATIC S7-300 PLC, the C7 all-in-one PLC and
                              HMI, and the intelligent CPUs of the ET200 distributed I/O family. So no
                              programming for the S7-200 or S7-400 PLC series.
                           2.  No networking whatsoever. Remote I/O racks (IM modules) are
                              supported but there’s nothing for Profibus DP even if you have a DP port
                              on your CPU.
                           3.  No support for multi-projects or HMI integration.
                           4.  No communication processors (CP) or function modules (FM) supported.
       If you’re interested in more details then refer to our chart of differences between the Step 7 program
       packages. So there are quite a few major limitations with the Step 7 Lite software which may end your
       further reading of this review.
       On the other hand, the current availability of a free download of the SIMATIC Step 7 Lite software makes
       it awfully tempting to take a look at it. If your only use of Siemens PLCs are an S7-300, C7 or ET200 in a
       stand alone application with no special needs (CP or FM) then I could highly recommend the Lite
       package. It has the same level of programming functionality as the regular Step 7 packages plus some nifty
       interface enhancements to make it easier on the eyes and on the brain. It is possible (though not easy) to
       convert any software created in the STEP 7 Lite to STEP 7 and visa versa keeping in mind the limitations
       of the Lite version. Since the packages bear a lot of similarities it will also be easy for the student to
       transfer any learning on the Lite package over to STEP 7.
       First Impressions
       For a user of the regular STEP 7 software the first thing to notice is there is no SIMATIC Manager. That’s
       because the Lite version doesn’t support multi-projects or networking. The STEP 7 Lite software opens
       right up to the editor screen.
   www.plcdev.com/book/export/html/373                                                4/63