User interfaces

OPC interface

The OPC server included in the respective software package can be used as the standard programming interface for the protocols S7 communication and open communication, in order to connect automation technology applications to OPC-compatible Windows applications (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 1623 software packages.

Software for S7 communication (HARDNET-IE S7 or 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/CP 1623/CP 1628 can be used in connection with the 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
• Connection establishment services
• Data transfer services

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

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 1623 accesses the physical RAM of the host.

A Windows driver transfers the data between the host system and the CP 1623. 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 retrieved.

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 1623 software packages.