Recently, I saw many engineers at the factory site worrying about connecting devices to the network. With the S7-1200, a powerful tool, and the right communication solutions, connecting devices to cloud platforms is not that difficult. Today, let’s discuss how to use the S7-1200 to implement industrial IoT applications, from hardware selection to cloud platform integration, step by step guiding you to achieve remote monitoring of devices.
What is Industrial IoT?
Industrial IoT is like equipping machines with a “smartphone”. For instance, previously, checking the operational status of equipment required being on-site; now, you can monitor it in real-time just by pulling out your phone, and you can also adjust parameters remotely and receive alarm notifications, making it extremely convenient.
Hardware Preparation
Key points for selecting the S7-1200 main unit:
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Must choose a model with Ethernet port -
CPU 1214C DC/DC/DC is the cost-effective choice -
It is recommended to configure the CP1242-7 communication module (supports 4G)
Network devices:
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Industrial switch (recommended Siemens SCALANCE series) -
Industrial router (requires a static IP) -
Network cable (suggested category 6 shielded cable)
Communication Configuration
PLC configuration:
// Basic network parameter settings
IP Address: 192.168.0.10
Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.0.1
DNS: 8.8.8.8
// Data block DB configuration
DB1 - Device Status
DB2 - Operating Parameters
DB3 - Alarm Information
Note: The S7 communication function must be enabled; otherwise, the cloud platform will not be able to read data.
Choosing a Cloud Platform
Currently mainstream industrial cloud platforms:
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Siemens MindSphere (most compatible with S7-1200) -
Alibaba Cloud IoT (affordable, good Chinese support) -
Huawei Cloud IoTDA (high security)
Selection Suggestions:
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Alibaba Cloud is sufficient for small projects -
MindSphere is recommended for large projects -
For high data security requirements, choose domestic platforms
Case Study: Remote Monitoring of Injection Molding Machine
System architecture:
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S7-1200 collects data -
Uploads to cloud platform via OPC UA -
Real-time viewing through mobile APP
Key data points:
// DB1 Device Status Monitoring
Byte0 - Operating Status
Real2 - Mold Temperature
Real6 - Injection Pressure
Word10 - Fault Code
Alarm Configuration:
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Temperature Exceeding Alarm -
Pressure Abnormality Alarm -
Device Fault Alarm -
Network Disruption Alarm
Common Issues and Solutions
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Intermittent Data Upload
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Check network stability -
Increase breakpoint resume mechanism -
Configure local data caching
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Cloud Platform Display Delay
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Optimize collection cycle -
Reduce unnecessary data uploads -
Use nearby server nodes
-
Security Risks
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Enable VPN encryption transmission -
Set access permission controls -
Regularly update firmware
Network Security Precautions
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Must change default passwords -
Close unused network ports -
Set firewall rules -
Data encryption transmission -
Regularly back up configurations
System Optimization Suggestions
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Data Collection Optimization:
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Set sampling cycle reasonably -
Configure dead zones to avoid frequent uploads -
Use data compression algorithms
-
Network Optimization:
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Use industrial-grade network devices -
Configure backup communication links -
Implement network monitoring
Practical Suggestions
Hardware Preparation:
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S7-1200 PLC (recommended 1214C) -
Industrial switch -
Industrial router -
Backup 4G module
Software Preparation:
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TIA Portal version 15 or above -
Cloud platform development account -
Network debugging tools -
Wireshark packet capture tool
Debugging Steps:
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First, ensure local data collection is set up -
Test network connectivity -
Test small data volume uploads to the cloud -
Gradually increase data points -
Conduct stress tests and optimizations
Maintenance Suggestions:
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Check network status weekly -
Backup important data monthly -
Regularly update security patches -
Establish emergency plans
The most important aspects of implementing an industrial IoT project are stability and security. Make sure to focus on these two points. Start with small projects to gain experience before scaling up. Additionally, consider the long-term costs when selecting a cloud platform, not just the initial investment.