Engineering employing STEP 7 –
Consistent, standardized and efficient

SIMATIC software with the basic package STEP 7 and numerous engineering tools supports the complete production cycle – from configuration all the way to commissioning, testing, and service.
STEP 7 encompasses both the hardware configuration of the plant, and the parameterization of the modules, so no more hardware settings have to be made. With STEP 7, the interconnections within a project are established using a graphical operator interface.

STEP 7 contains the central tool for project management: the SIMATIC Manager. The SIMATIC Manager views not just one CPU but the overall system – regardless of how many controllers, drives and HMI devices the solution has. The interconnections can be drawn across the entire project with STEP 7.
The structured programming makes it significantly easier to design a user program. It is subdivided into clear, easily tested units called blocks. A large library of standard blocks makes program creation extremely efficient.

Reduced familiarization costs thanks to standard languages

For creating the user program you cann choose among  the three basic languages

• Instruction List (IL),
• Ladder Diagram (LD) and
• Function Block Diagram (FDB),

and the high-level languages Structured Text (ST) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC). They comply with IEC 61131-3 and are used worldwide as an international standard.

For larger applications, the task-oriented Engineering Tools are recommended:

• S7-SCL (ST)
  Structured Control Language, is a high-level textual language for programming complex algorithms and mathematical functions, or for tasks in the area of data processing.  more
• S7-GRAPH (SFC)
  for graphical configuring of sequential controls. S7-GRAPH is used for describing sequences with alternative or parallel steps.  more
• S7-PLCSIM
  for simulating a controller including control and process. With S7-PLCSIM, it is possible to test a program prior to loading it onto the PLC of the plant.  more
• S7-HiGraph
  for automating function units with state diagrams. Using this method, states and step enabling conditions are described graphically.  more
• CFC (Continuous Function Chart)
  the technology chart for graphical interconnection of complex functions, such as in process engineering.  more

Once created, programs can be easily used on different platforms or ported to different controllers thanks to the compatibility of the machine code.

Data storage on the CPU

The memory card makes it possible to store user programs and any other data on the CPU. This has the advantage that in the event of service work or system expansion, not just the executable programs, but the entire project, including all comments and symbols, is available locally. When using high-level languages or graphical engineering tools, the program source is available in the original form or graphically. In addition, it is possible to store your own operating instructions, manuals and machine documentation in all common file formats directly on the CPU.

Additional Information

Brochure "SIMATIC Industrial Software – Tools for configuring and programming SIMATIC Controllers"