Guide to Industrial Network Configuration for S7-1200 PLC

Hello, electrical buddies! Today, I, Old Bai, will talk to you about the industrial network configuration of the Siemens S7-1200 PLC. This topic might sound a bit high-end, but don’t worry, follow me step by step, and I guarantee you can easily master the network communication of this “big guy”.

Industrial Ethernet: The PLC’s “Social Circle”

Imagine, if the PLC is the “brain” of the factory, then the industrial Ethernet is like a “WeChat group” among them. Through this “group”, PLCs can freely “chat” with upper computers, touch screens, frequency converters, and other devices. The S7-1200, as a “social butterfly”, comes with an Ethernet port, making it naturally fit to join this “group chat”.

Hardware Preparation

S7-1200 PLC (with Ethernet port)
Network cable (industrial-grade is recommended for strong anti-interference)
Switch (industrial-grade is best, but a home one can work too)
Computer (with TIA Portal software installed)

Note: Don’t underestimate this network cable! Poor quality cables may lead to unstable communication, and this is a lesson I learned the hard way, losing a few hairs over it.

IP Address: The PLC’s “House Number”

Just like everyone has their own home address, every device on the network also needs a unique address, which is the IP address. Configuring the IP address for the S7-1200 is like giving it a house number, allowing other devices to find it.

Configuration Steps

Open TIA Portal and create a new project
Add the S7-1200 PLC device
Double-click the PLC icon to enter device configuration
Find the “Ethernet Interface”, and set the IP address (for example, 192.168.0.1)
Set the subnet mask (usually 255.255.255.0)

Tip: The IP address is like a house number, and the subnet mask is like the neighborhood range. Ensure that the IP addresses of devices in the same subnet do not conflict, just like there can’t be two households with the same house number in a neighborhood.

Communication Protocol: The PLC’s “Language”

For PLCs to “chat” with each other, they must first agree on what “language” to use. The S7-1200 supports various communication protocols, with the most commonly used being S7 communication and Modbus TCP.

S7 Communication Configuration

In TIA Portal, add communication blocks (like TSEND_C and TRCV_C)
Set connection parameters (IP address, port number, etc.)
Call these blocks in the program to achieve data sending and receiving

// Example of sending data block#TSEND_C_DB(    REQ := M0.0,  // Trigger condition for sending    CONT := TRUE,  // Keep connection    LEN := 10,  // Length of data to send    DONE => M1.0,  // Send complete flag    BUSY => M1.1,  // Sending busy flag    ERROR => M1.2,  // Error flag    STATUS => MW10,  // Status code    CONNECT := #Connection_1,  // Connection parameters    DATA := #SendData  // Sending data buffer);

Note: Don’t forget to configure the corresponding receiving block on the receiver’s side; otherwise, it’s like playing the piano to a cow—no matter how long you talk, they won’t understand.

Practical Application Case: Data Collection from Production Line

Imagine you are managing a beverage production line. The S7-1200 is responsible for controlling the filling equipment and needs to send production data to the upper computer monitoring system in real-time.

S7-1200 collects filling counts
Through S7 communication, periodically (like every 5 seconds) sends data to the upper computer
The upper computer receives the data, displaying production quantity and calculating efficiency in real-time

// Simplified data sending program#Bottle_Count := #Bottle_Count + 1;  // Count each bottle filled// Send data every 5 seconds#Send_Timer(IN := NOT #Send_Timer.Q, PT := T#5S);IF #Send_Timer.Q THEN    #SendData.Bottle_Count := #Bottle_Count;    #TSEND_C_DB(REQ := TRUE, DATA := #SendData);END_IF;

Common Problems and Solutions:

Communication interruption

* Check the network cable connection* Verify IP settings* Check firewall settings

Data anomalies

* Check if data types match* Verify endianness settings

Security: The PLC’s “Anti-Theft Door”

Industrial network security cannot be ignored. Imagine the PLC as your home’s “smart lock”; if it gets controlled by hackers, the consequences could be dire.

Security Suggestions:

Use VPN or firewalls to isolate the industrial network
Regularly update PLC firmware
Set access passwords to restrict unauthorized access
Monitor network traffic to promptly detect anomalies

Most Important: Never connect the industrial control network directly to the internet! This is like hanging your house key outside the door—you’re practically inviting trouble.

Summary and Practical Suggestions

Configuring the industrial network communication of the S7-1200 relies on understanding basic network knowledge, familiarizing oneself with TIA Portal software operations, and mastering communication programming skills. It is recommended to start practicing from the following aspects:

Build a small network and try communication between PLC and PC
Write simple data exchange programs, such as temperature collection and display
Simulate actual industrial scenarios, such as a production line data collection system
Try different communication protocols, such as Modbus TCP
Research network diagnostic tools and learn to troubleshoot common communication issues

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the quicker you will become a master of PLC communication. Industrial networks may seem complex, but they are actually composed of simple concepts. I hope this article can open the door to industrial networks for you, allowing you to navigate freely in the sea of automation.

Alright, that’s all for today’s PLC communication guide. If you have any questions or encounter interesting situations during practice, feel free to chat with Old Bai. See you next time!

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