If the complex processes associated with production machines are to be managed efficiently, there is no alternative but to modularize the automation software. This kind of software comprises modules that are designed to function autonomously without influencing the operation of other modules. The data of individual modules are "encapsulated" and the modules are only allowed to interact through specially defined interfaces. Modularized software can be created using one of the standard programming methods provided in SIMOTION.

It is possible to go a step further by creating software modules that are scalable and hardware-neutral and program them with configurable functions. The SIMOTION easyProject project generator can then be used to combine these individual modules to form a complete project.

Engineering projects can be developed faster and cheaper if they are created using standard modules and the automatic project generation functions provided by easyProject. The process of engineering automation solutions is made even more efficient.

SIMOTION easyProject can be opened directly from SIMOTION SCOUT and is included on the SIMOTION Utilities & Applications DVD that is supplied free of charge with SIMOTION SCOUT.

Note:
The SIMOTION easyProject project generator is not currently available for SCOUT TIA (SIMOTION in the TIA Portal).

A wide variety of applications have been realized in different sectors using the SIMOTION Motion Control System, and various basic, technology and application modules have been developed and optimized for this purpose. These well-proven software modules that have become quasi standard can now be integrated into a new or existing engineering project in an extremely easy manner with the project generator. This is done by first selecting the SIMOTION components and then the required modules in simple selection screens. Their integral or predefined functions are then configured with a mouse click. The engineering project is finally generated ready for loading and execution. This saves complicated programming work and at the same time creates the preconditions for a uniform and therefore standardized project structure.

The project generator includes standard modules for basic functions as well as functions relating to diagnostics, operating mode, communication and technology.

The basic functions that can be used in practically every SIMOTION application and which are provided by the project generator include:

• Message handling:
  Centralized error message handling for all components including archiving and display on a visualization system (HMI)
• Startup check:
  A startup check for all connected components (provides information about the status of the configured devices connected to the various field buses or internal connections)
• OMAC:
  Operating mode management
• Ethernet communication:
  Machine-to-machine coupling via Ethernet communication over TCP/IP
• Axis function block:
  Easy activation of basic Motion Control functions (up to and including cam synchronization) via a central (generic) axis function block
• Interpreter:
  A sequence interpreter for easy configuration of machine sequences using tables

These basic functions alone remove most of the manual programming and configuration work that would normally be necessary and consequently minimize the associated working time and possibilities for error.

In addition to the standard modules for basic, diagnostic, operating mode and communication functions, the project generator also offers a large number of sector-specific technology functions (see also Solutions for industrial sectors in section Utilities & Applications).

Automatic generation of the project

When the project is generated, all the necessary technology objects (TOs) are created and connected, libraries and program modules (only the currently selected modules) are automatically linked into the project and the programs are assigned to the respective execution levels. This results in a loadable and executable SIMOTION SCOUT project comprising the required machine functions without having to write a single line of code. You can concentrate fully on the special functions of your machine (sequence, signal connections, special functions, etc.) saving a considerable amount of work so that you achieve your objective much more quickly.

SIMOTION easyProject is also designed so that it can integrate its own blocks in this generic workflow of the automatic application creation.

The uniform structure also makes a project generated in this manner extremely easy to maintain. The generated program modules can be edited and modified by the user. If standard modules of the project have been changed centrally or if new standard modules need to be linked into the project, this can be done simply by running the project generator again. During the generator run, the originally used and, where applicable, updated modules and libraries will be recognized and displayed. These can then also be updated in the project automatically.

Web-based diagnostics

The project generator also creates specific web pages for the separate modules. These can be loaded into the SIMOTION controller, if required, to offer additional customized diagnostic functions to those provided by every device via the integrated web server and the standard diagnostic pages of SIMOTION IT. This means that commissioning or specific service tasks can also be performed using a standard web browser – without the need for an engineering system. It is of no consequence here whether you connect to the controller via a network cable or via a secure connection over the Internet (e.g. through a VPN tunnel).

Standard blocks – two examples:

Example 1: Axis function block:
The standard "axis function block" covers a range of requirements that concern the activation of axis technology objects and simplifies programming, commissioning and testing of each axis object due to its central interface. The integrated HTML control panel enables the axes controlled by the axis function block to be tested easily – without any HMI or engineering system.

Example 2: Message handling:
The core tasks of the generic basic module "Error message handling" include the chronological collection of system, TO, drive, I/O and user messages and their conditioning for display on the operator panel – or their direct display via a web browser. The specific diagnostic pages are a huge advantage during initial commissioning, but particularly in the event of a fault or during servicing, because fault states can be diagnosed without the need for an engineering system and standstill times can be minimized.

Modular machine functions

The project generator also supports the modularization of machine functions in accordance with the specification of international standard ISA-88. The module structure is defined in ISA-88. This ensures a simple and uniform structure for machines. Basic, technology and application modules are combined to implement clearly comprehensible modularization for machines using functional units.

Additional information

For more information, go to
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/62049135