User interfaces

OPC interface

The OPC server included in the respective software package can be used as the standard programming interface for the S7 communication and open communication protocols to connect automation technology applications to OPC-compatible Windows applications such as Office, HMI systems, etc.

Programming interface through C library

The programming interfaces for the S7 communication, PG/OP communication, and open communication protocols for existing applications are implemented as Dynamic Link Library (DLL) interfaces.

The released compilers can be found in the readme file of the SIMATIC NET CD products at http://www.siemens.com/automation/csi/net

Software for PG/OP communication

This software makes it possible to program the S7 controllers via Industrial Ethernet in conjunction with the STEP 7 engineering software.

It is contained in all CP 1628 software packages.

Software for S7 communication (HARDNET-IE S7 or HARDNET-IE S7-REDCONNECT)

The S7 interface allows PG/PC applications (e.g. WinCC) and user programs to access the SIMATIC S7 system components. This provides easy, flexible access to the data of the SIMATIC S7 controller.

S7 communication offers:

Administrative services

• Connection management
• Mini database
• Trace

Data transfer services

• Read/write variables
• BSEND/BRECEIVE

H communication

For redundant S7 communication with a high-availability S7-400H system, the CP 1613/CP1623/CP 1628 can be used in connection with the HARDNET-IE S7-REDCONNECT software.

Software for open communication (SEND/RECEIVE)

This interface is used for communication between:

• PG/PC and SIMATIC S5
• PG/PC and SIMATIC S7
• PG/PC and PG/PC

Open communication (SEND/RECEIVE) offers the following services:

• Management services
• Dial-up services
• Data transfer services

These functionalities are a component part of the HARDNET-IE S7 software product.

Security mechanisms:

Integrated security mechanisms enable safeguarding of important computer systems, including their associated data communication systems:

• Stateful Inspection Firewall for filtering connections on the basis of their IP/port addresses
• Bandwidth limitation to avoid communication overload
• Secure and encrypted access to controllers or remote access over the Internet by means of VPN Server and VPN Client and checking of data integrity
• Tap-proof transmission of network analysis information to the network management system (SNMP V3)
• Secure transfer of the time of day (NTP V3)
• Traceability by means of data logging on the basis of standard IT mechanisms (SYSLOG)
• Certification as per Achilles Level II Standard
  http://www.wurldtech.com/product_services/certifications/certified_products/

Mode of operation

Protocols up to Level 4 (Transport) are processed autonomously on the module.

The internal memory is available for this purpose and it also provides for a large quantity structure and high communication reliability.

Data is exchanged between the module and the host in master mode. This means that the CP 1628 accesses the physical RAM of the host.

A Windows driver transfers the data between the host system and the CP 1628. The transmission rate to Industrial Ethernet is detected and automatically switched over (autosensing).

The IT functionality is provided in combination with the Windows software of the PC.

Diagnostics

All MIB-2 objects, for example, can be read out via SNMP. This enables the current status of the Ethernet interfaces to be called.

Configuration

• The S7 communication and open communication protocols are configured in STEP 7 or NCM PC.
• A configuration tool is included in the scope of delivery of the CP 1628 software packages.