SIMOTION provides suitable functions for all tasks in mechanical engineering applications.

The basis is a PLC in accordance with IEC 61131-3 for automation of the machine, e.g. for monitoring, sequential control, input/output processing, calculations, etc.

A scalable functionality is available for motion control, from cam controller to positioning, gearing and camming, up to 3D path interpolation for various handling kinematics. The functionality is rounded off by technological functions that are frequently required for production machines, e.g. a pressure regulator or temperature controller.

SIMOTION thus offers a comprehensive, scalable functionality with all the functions required for a production machine, from basic single-axis to complex multi-axis applications, from low PLC performance to high PLC performance.

SIMOTION runtime structure

The structure of the SIMOTION runtime system comprises multiple subcomponents that create tailor-made SIMOTION applications by virtue of their interaction.

• SIMOTION Kernel – Basic functionality
• Technology packages
• Function libraries
• User program

Software structure of a SIMOTION application

SIMOTION Kernel – Basic functionality

The basic functionalities of the SIMOTION devices are combined within the SIMOTION Kernel.

The SIMOTION Kernel provides, among other features, highperformance functions for

• PLC functionality (to IEC 61131-3)
• Program control
• Timers, counters
• I/O operation
• Communication

It also provides a powerful runtime system with

• Cyclical (synchronized and cyclic) tasks
• Sequential tasks
• Time-driven tasks
• Event-driven tasks

The scope of the language is compatible with the IEC 61131-3 standard and contains all of the necessary PLC commands for I/O management, process or machine control. LAD (Ladder Diagram), FBD (Function Block Diagram), ST (Structured Text), MCC (Motion Control Chart) and DCC (Drive Control Chart) are used for programming.

The SIMOTION Kernel basic functionality can be expanded by loading SIMOTION technology packages.

SIMOTION technology packages

SIMOTION technology packages combine software functions which are required for automation in mechanical engineering in a very wide variety of sectors. They are loaded into the controller during configuration and expand the basic functionality through additional system functions. The functions of the technology packages can be accessed in the SCOUT command library during engineering.

The technology packages enable the generation of technological objects, e.g. technology object "positioning axis", which are all set up, configured and parameterized by the same method.

Motion Control technology package

The comprehensive Motion Control functions in this technology package offer very open and flexible ways of programming applications and provide users with the assurance that they can implement even complex Motion Control applications.

The SIMOTION Motion Control technology package contains the following functions:

• Motion Control Basic
• POS – Positioning
• GEAR – Synchronous operation/electronic gear
• CAM – Cam
• PATH – Path interpolation
• Supplementary technology functions

The technology object functions in the technology package are accessed via additional language commands and system variables, as well as with function blocks in accordance with PLCopen. Programming of motion sequences is therefore simple and integrated.

Technology package for temperature control (TControl)

The SIMOTION technology package for temperature control provides temperature channels with extensive functions. These functions are also accessed via additional language commands and system variables.

Technology package for Drive Control Chart (DCC)

The SIMOTION technology package for Drive Control Chart (DCC) provides a library of "Drive Control Blocks" (DCBs). These blocks can be used to graphically configure open and closedloop control functions using an optional DCC editor that can be integrated into SCOUT. DCC is not available for SCOUT TIA (SIMOTION in the TIA Portal).

Multipurpose Information Interface (MIIF) technology package

The SIMOTION technology package MIIF functions as a server to permit symbolic access to SIMOTION data and makes them available to clients (e.g. operator panel) via Ethernet.

Vibration extinction (VIBX) technology package

The SIMOTION technology package VIBX provides vibration damping functionality in the form of a setpoint filter that is applied to SIMOTION axes.

OACAMGEN technology package

The SIMOTION technology package OACAMGEN can be used to calculate motion profiles and dimension drives for servo presses.

SIMOTION function libraries for I/O interfacing

These function libraries contain standard functions for integrating intelligent I/O and communication modules. They are a component part of the SCOUT command library and make it extremely easy to integrate modules such as FM 350-1/-2, FM 352, CP 340/341, SIWAREX FTA or identification systems into the SIMOTION user program. Programming examples and standard applications are also available in the SIMOTION Utilities & Applications. The SIMOTION Utilities & Applications are supplied free of charge with SCOUT.

SIMOTION function libraries for technological functions

Designed on the basis of the functions from the Motion Control technology package, a large number of additional standardized, sector-specific technology functions (winder and unwinder functions, for example) are also available.

SIMOTION user program

In the SIMOTION user program, the functions of the technology packages, function libraries and functions of the SIMOTION Kernel are accessed in a uniform manner by means of language commands.

The structure of the SIMOTION application program therefore supports merging of PLC functions with Motion Control functions and technology functions. This simplifies the optimization of motion sequences (no PLC/Motion interface), reducing engineering costs and increases both product quality and machine productivity (machine cycle and output) by eliminating interfaces and dead times.

A SIMOTION application can be programmed in different ways:

• The graphical programming languages LAD (Ladder Diagram), FBD (Function Block Diagram) and MCC (Motion Control Chart) make graphical programming particularly userfriendly.
• Programming can also be performed textually using Structured Text (ST).
• Using the optional technology package for Drive Control Chart (DCC), drive-based open and closed-loop control functions can be easily configured graphically (not for SIMOTION in the TIA Portal).

Deep integration of SINAMICS drives allows:

• Easy symbolic assignment of the drives (power units and encoders), e.g. to a positioning axis
• Easy symbolic utilization of the drive peripherals (I/Os, cams, probes)
• Automatic comparison of all relevant characteristic variables of the complete drive train
• Increased uniformity as far as the drive (access to control/status words and drive data, flexible torque limits, additive torque setpoint)
• Highly-dynamic applications with servo drives thanks to DSC (Dynamic Servo Control) allows position control cycles of 125 Ојs
• Highly dynamic applications with hydraulic drives with position control cycles and pressure/force control cycles of 250 Ојs
  (SIMOTION D455-2 DP/PN with SCOUT TIA: minimum 125 Ојs)
• Synchronization with drives and modular open-loop controls

Apart from electrical drives, hydraulic drives within a controller or distributed over several controllers can be synchronized with each other. This supports the implementation of integrated automation solutions such as conveyor systems and press lines in the automotive industry, in which both electrical drives (winders, cross cutters, roller feeds) and hydraulic drives (e.g. deep-drawing presses) are implemented in the same system.

The project generator SIMOTION easyProject enables basic and modular machine functions to be integrated into SCOUT engineering projects. The project generator is not currently available for SCOUT TIA (SIMOTION in the TIA Portal).

SIMOTION isochronous mode

In the SIMOTION system, all the components (one or more control units, drives, isochronous I/Os) are synchronized to the communication cycle of the machine, the PROFINET/PROFIBUS DP cycle. The application is also synchronized with this cycle through synchronous application tasks (in the servo and interpolator cycle). Isochronous mode therefore permeates the whole machine application (also in the case of distributed systems) and this provides considerable advantages:

• Short response times from terminal to terminal and terminal to axis
• High machine cycle times
• Programming of synchronous closed-loop control tasks
• High product quality thanks to a deterministic and reproducible machine response

Modular concepts – Modular machines

SIMOTION supports modular machine concepts and thus reduces engineering and commissioning costs through:

• Modular software development with libraries and reusable modules
• Division into individual machine modules, which are linked, for example, through distributed synchronous operation (over PROFINET IO with IRT or PROFIBUS DP)
• Reconfiguration of a project during runtime, e.g. via HMI
• Activation/deactivation of PROFINET IO devices/DP slaves (I/O components) and technology objects (axes, drives, external encoders, probes and cams) during engineering and at runtime
• Easy, modular configuration of projects using the project generator SIMOTION easyProject

The modular machine concept means that scalable solutions and large axis line-ups can be achieved. Standardized modules can be easily adapted to special requirements and separately tested. These modules are then easily combined to form individual machine variants.

Communication using Ethernet/PROFINET

The following communication functions are available via Ethernet/PROFINET on all platforms:

• I/O communication between SIMOTION and/or SIMATIC controllers
• Communication with SIMOTION devices, SIMATIC CPUs and non-Siemens devices via UDP and TCP/IP
• Communication with programming devices (programming device functions)
• Communication with SIMATIC HMI devices
• Communication via OPC UA server to clients on any other devices
• Communication via the SCADA system WinCC
• Communication with PCs on which SIMATIC NET OPC is installed.
  A prerequisite on the PC side is the SIMATIC NET SOFTNET S7 software.

Communication via PROFIBUS

The communication functions are available via PROFIBUS on all platforms:

• I/O communication between SIMOTION and/or SIMATIC controllers
• Communication with programming devices (programming device functions)
• Communication with SIMATIC HMI devices
• Communication with PCs on which SIMATIC NET OPC is installed.
  A prerequisite on the PC side is the SIMATIC NET SOFTNET S7 software.

SIMOTION IT

SIMOTION IT enables additional communication functions via Industrial Ethernet:

• In-depth service and diagnostic functions without the need for a project and engineering system via the integrated standard web pages of SIMOTION IT
• Diagnostics, commissioning and operation via user-defined web applications
• Communication and application access to process values via OPC XML-DA
• SIMOTION IT Virtual Machine: Integration of individual Java applications into the integrated SIMOTION Java runtime environment, for parallel operation with automation functions.