Application Example

PLC / Bus Data Exchange with

"SIMATIC STEP 7"
Valid for version 1.9.6 and higher

31.07.2008

Copyright 2008 EPLAN Software & Service GmbH & Co. KG.
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Note: The hardware requirements specified by the operating system manufacturers are valid
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Table of Contents
The PLC / Bus Data Exchange with "SIMATIC STEP 7" by
Siemens ............................................................................................. 4
Preconditions ............................................................................................. 5
General Notes for the Data Exchange Process ......................................... 6
What You Need to Know in Advance......................................................... 7

Selecting Settings at PLC Connection Points............................... 12

Basic Settings .......................................................................................... 12
Meaning of the Function Properties ......................................................... 13

Selecting Settings on PLC cards ................................................... 20

Meaning of the Function Properties ......................................................... 21

Creating Rack Assignments ........................................................... 34

Creating Rack Assignments in the Demo Sample Project....................... 36

Creating a Bus Structure ................................................................ 41

Meaning of the Function Properties ......................................................... 42

Exporting PLC data ......................................................................... 49

Exporting Data from EPLAN .................................................................... 49
Importing Data into "SIMATIC STEP 7" ................................................... 50

Importing PLC Data......................................................................... 55

Exporting Data from "SIMATIC STEP 7" ................................................. 55
Importing data into EPLAN ...................................................................... 56
Special Considerations after a Data Import ............................................. 58

Appendix: Modification History...................................................... 63

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The PLC / Bus Data Exchange with "SIMATIC

STEP 7" by Siemens
EPLAN provides the option to manage the hardware configuration data
for your PLC / bus systems and to document it in your EPLAN project.
EPLAN provides an interface for data exchange with PLC configurationprograms of other manufacturers, like "SIMATIC STEP 7", so that you
will not have to duplicate these efforts. This allows you the user to decide
whether the project design is started in "SIMATIC STEP 7" or in EPLAN.
If you are starting in "SIMATIC STEP 7", you will generate unplaced
functions during the import into your new EPLAN Project; these may then
be arranged and completed by placing them in the schematic.
If you are starting in EPLAN, you must pay attention to certain rules so
that the data arrives at the correct places in "SIMATIC STEP 7". This
document is designed to assist you with that task.
The settings made in EPLAN and the settings in the "SIMATIC STEP 7"
software will be compared in this application example, so that it can be
seen with just a glance which EPLAN settings apply to which settings in
"SIMATIC STEP 7".

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Preconditions
The example used in this document was created and tested with
"SIMATIC STEP 7" Version 5.4 + SP3, edition K5.4.3.0.
All illustrations and operating sequences of "SIMATIC STEP 7" described
in this document relate to this version.
You will need the following to recreate this example:
The appropriate "EPLAN PLC & Bus-Extension" license scope in
EPLAN
The "SIMATIC STEP 7" software, which is not part of the delivery
scope of EPLAN or of this application example You may obtain this
software from your Siemens representative.
We also assume basic knowledge of the operation of the "SIMATIC
STEP 7" software.
A prerequisite to reconstructing the following steps is that you have
opened the EPLAN-DEMO demo project.

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General Notes for the Data Exchange Process

EPLAN and "SIMATIC STEP 7" view PLC data differently.
While EPLAN shows all electrical engineering data, "SIMATIC STEP 7"
needs only a depiction of the logical relationships of all components.
For instance, there are PLC connection points in EPLAN that are
dedicated to the power supply; these are not necessary in "SIMATIC
STEP 7".
And then there is interface information in "SIMATIC STEP 7", such as
baud rate settings, that is not necessary in EPLAN.
The program does write all relevant data from "SIMATIC STEP 7" into
the exchange file during its export process, but EPLAN ignores
information not crucial to its needs during the import.
Data that cannot be written by EPLAN during an export for "SIMATIC
STEP 7" because it is not familiar data will be completed with default
values during import into "SIMATIC STEP 7".
Warning:
Not all properties (e.g., connection configurations) will be exported from
"SIMATIC STEP 7" for some assemblies (e.g., analog assemblies).
These settings will be populated with default values after a (re)import into
"SIMATIC STEP 7", meaning that the previous settings will be lost.
Please check these settings and reset them if necessary.

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What You Need to Know in Advance

What Is the PLC Navigator?
The PLC- <Project name> dialog (accessible via Project data > PLC >
Navigator) displays all PLC data (PLC boxes, PLC connection points) in
the project.
Here, you can edit all the data for an entire PLC or single PLC cards.
Every card is listed with the card data, the power supply connection
points, the addresses (channels), and the connection points belonging to
the addresses. PLC boxes and connection points can also be created.

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What Is the PLC / Bus Configuration Navigator?

The Bus configuration - <Project name> dialog (which can be reached
via Project data > PLC > Bus configuration navigator) displays the
bus hierarchy. Meaning, this is where the assignment of bus nodes and
racks as well as the assignment of modules to assemblies are displayed.

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Explanation of the icons in the PLC navigators:

Identifies the configuration project
Identifies a "bundle / network ID"
Identifies a bus master
Identifies a bus slave
Identifies a bus coupler
Identifies a rack
Identifies a module on a rack
Identifies a module with the same name as the rack
Identifies unassigned racks or bus nodes

What Is a Configuration Project?

The "Configuration project" entry is a grouping element. This function
property is a component of each PLC box as well as each
communication unit of a PLC card.
There are 0 to n configuration projects in a schematic project.
All objects assigned to the same configuration project belong together
and represent the rack and bus configuration. All elements of a
configuration project are exported or imported during a data exchange
(export or import).
The PLC / bus configuration navigator display will always show the
configuration project as a main level of the tree view.
Notes:
A data export is only possible if at least one configuration project has
been used.
Please be sure to assign the related configuration project to each PLC
box and each communication unit, since the data exchange will be
invalid otherwise.

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What Is a Communication Unit?

The "Communication unit" object has been set up in EPLAN for the
display of the bus hierarchy. A communication unit represents a bus
interface and describes the relationship of the individual assemblies on
the bus level.
Each communication unit can be either a master or a slave or a master
and slave for a bus bundle. A PLC box can, but does not have to, have a
communication unit and therefore contains 0 to n communication units.
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The Bus master / Bus coupler or Slave to bus master / bus coupler
ID function properties serve to link the individual communication units
with each other. The result of this link will be displayed directly in the
upper portion of the PLC / bus configuration navigator.
All settings for the communication units are performed in the properties
of the PLC boxes on the Bus data tab. The Bus data tab is only
available in the main function (PLC box).

Please select an entry from the Communication units list; this displays
the data of the corresponding communication unit in the other fields,
where they may be edited.

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Selecting Settings at PLC Connection Points

Basic Settings
All PLC inputs and outputs associated with the configuration project are
written to the exchange file or read from the exchange file during the
data exchange.
It is therefore necessary to set the correct data format for the PLC
connection points:
1. Select the menu items Project data > PLC > Settings.

2. From the PLC-specific settings list box, select

"SIMATIC S7 (E/A)", if you have labeled the input and output with
"E" and "A" or
"SIMATIC S7 (I/O)", if you have labeled the input and outputs with
"I" and "O".
3. Click [OK].

The settings are now saved.

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Note:
When assigning addresses in the schematic, be sure to maintain the
format you have set here; otherwise the information will be exported to
the PLC connection point incorrectly or not at all.

Meaning of the Function Properties

Additional information needs to be entered at the PLC connection point
in order to be able to export all data necessary for a PLC connection
point.

Connection point designation / Connection point description:

Enter the connection point designations and connection point
descriptions for the PLC connection point here, or select the data from
the drop-down lists.
You also need to enter the plug DT in order to distinguish all identical
connection point designations within a PLC card (this distinction is made
according to the DT of the card, plug DT, and the connection point
designation). The connection point designation is identifying for the PLC
connection point.
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Plug DT:
Enter the DT of the plug on which the connection point is located here.
As for terminals, the DT can be adopted from the left (or above).
The plug of a PLC card is not shown as an independent object in the
navigator. These are only information about PLC connection points or
channels which are taken into account when identifying an individual
PLC connection point and when building cross references.
Function text:
Here you enter the function text for the function / device.
Please note that only function texts that are allowable in "SIMATIC STEP
7" may be entered. For instance, character length must not exceed 80
characters, and quotation marks (") are not permitted.
Apart from the manual function text entered here, there is additional
(automatically determined) function text, which you can find in the
property table in the "Data" category:
Function text (automatic): Shows the content of the manually
entered function text or, when that is empty, the path function text. If
no path function text is found at a PLC connection point, then the
Function text (automatic) of the connected sensor or actuator is
displayed. When you edit this function text in the Properties (global)
editing mode, the contents are transferred back to the function where
the function text was originally entered.
Function text (common): Shows the (automatic) function text of
the function or, when that is empty, the (automatic) function text of
the associated main function.

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The function text is written to the Comment field with the data export
from "SIMATIC STEP 7" and read during data import from the Comment
field.
The comment length in "SIMATIC STEP 7" is limited to 80 characters;
longer comments will be truncated by "SIMATIC STEP 7" during import.
Display of the function text in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

Address:
The address can be entered manually or assigned automatically. It is not
identifying for the PLC connection point. The address must be unique
within a CPU.
Display of the address in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Symbolic Address:
Enter the symbolic address for the PLC connection point here.
Please note that only names that are allowed in "SIMATIC STEP 7" may
be entered. This means that the character length may not exceed 24
characters, and quotation marks (") are not allowed.
Furthermore symbolic addresses must be unique within a CPU.
Apart from the symbolic address entered here, there are additional
(automatically determined) properties, which can be found in the property
table in the "PLC data" category:
Symbolic address (determined): Using target tracking, the
connected sensor (for inputs) or actuator (for outputs) is found, and
its DT is automatically entered as the symbolic address. If no
sensor / actuator is found, then the DT of the last connected
function found before the search was abandoned is entered. For
the determined symbolic address, information from the connection
logic is used to decide which connection is to be followed in the
search for a sensor / actuator.
Symbolic address (automatic): Shows the content of the
manually entered symbolic address or, when that is empty, the
automatically determined symbolic address.
Display of the symbolic address in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Channel:
The channel designation can be manually or automatically assigned. A
channel must be unique within a PLC card. For power supply connection
points, the assignment is usually graphical. You must only manually
enter the channel designation for supply connection points when no
graphical assignment is possible. The table of properties contains the
Channel (automatic) property, which contains the automatically
determined designation.
Enter the channel designations for "SIMATIC STEP 7" as follows:
For digital or analog inputs "Inx"
For digital or analog outputs "Outx"
The "x" stands for the consecutive number of the PLC connection point.
Start with "0" and number the connection points consecutively. Start over
with the value "0" for each PLC card.
Function definition:
The currently selected function definition is displayed in this field; click
[...] to open the Function definitions dialog to select a different function
definition if required.
The function definitions for PLC connection points are split into different
groups:
PLC connection point, power supply: for the power supply of
sensors and actuators, sorted by potential type.
PLC connection point, bus cable: for the connection point of bus
nodes.
PLC connection point, I / O: for analog or digital inputs and outputs.
PLC connection point, card power supply: for the power supply of
the PLC card, sorted by potential type.

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Note:
Only PLC connection points with the PLC connection point, I / O
function definition will be considered for a data exchange, since all no
other PLC connection points used in the "SIMATIC STEP 7" software.
Data type:
Enter the data type manually or select a value from the drop-down list.
Depending on the chosen PLC type, this list offers different data types.
By changing the PLC type set on the project, the data type set for an
address is not changed.
Display of the data type in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

Tip:
The settings on the PLC connection points of a card can also easily be
applied from the Parts management. To do so, you must enter the
corresponding data in the parts management of the individual parts
beforehand (additional information about parts management can also be
found in the EPLAN Help section, keyword "Tab Function template"):
1. Select the menu items Utilities > Parts > Management.
2. Open the parts tree under Electrical engineering > Component >
PLC in the Parts management <...> dialog.
3. Select the desired element.

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4. Select the Function template tab.

5. Enter data into the input fields (for input field definitions, refer to
"Meaning of the Function Properties" above).
Observe the sequence of the templates in accordance with the
addressing.
During an import from "SIMATIC STEP 7", the connection point
designation is determined based on the sequence, since this
designation is not included in the import file.
6. Click [OK].

The settings are now saved.

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Selecting Settings on PLC cards

In addition to the settings for the rack assignments, other information
must be specified on the PLC cards in the Properties group box:

Tip:
If function properties are not visible, you can add them to the view:
1. Open the =EBS+EB3/1 page of the EPLAN-DEMO demo project.
2. Mark the +ET1-A1 PLC box and select the menu items Edit >
Properties.
3. In the Properties <...> dialog, select the PLC box tab.
4. In the Properties group box, select the PLC-Data Category.

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5. Add the desired function properties to the view. Click the

(New)
button and select the appropriate function properties in the Property
selection dialog.
6. Click [OK].

The properties will now display in the table view.

Meaning of the Function Properties

Station ID:
The "SIMATIC STEP 7" program allows you to create several stations in
the same project. Specification of the station ID is required for the correct
association of the PLC boxes during data exchange. Therefore make
sure to assign the same station ID to all PLC boxes of a station. The data
export creates a file for each station.
Display of the station ID in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Workstation type:
This is where you enter the SIMATIC system platform used. Currently
"SIMATIC STEP 7" uses the following values:
SIMATIC system platform

Station type

SIMATIC 300 station

S7300

SIMATIC 400 station

S7400

SIMATIC H station

S7400H

SIMATIC PC station

PC_BASED

SIMATIC HMI

HMI_BASED

Designating the station type is only necessary for a PLC box that
represents a CPU.
Device ID / GSD file name:
If a GSD or GSDML file is needed for a PLC box, enter the appropriate
file name here without a path, but with a file extension. The PLC type
designation property has to stay blank in this case.
A GSD file contains device information that is not listed in the standard
hardware catalog of "SIMATIC STEP 7".
You obtain these GSD files from the manufacturers of the individual
components.
This field will be populated from the Device ID / GSD file name field in
parts management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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In order to have "SIMATIC STEP 7" find and assign device information
during the import, this device information must first be installed in the
hardware catalog of "SIMATIC STEP 7":
1. Select the Hardware PLC box in your project in the "SIMATIC STEP
7" program.
2. Select the menu items Edit > Open object.

The "HW Config" program will start.
3. Select the menu items Options > Install GSD files in the "HW
Config" program.
4. In the Install GSD files dialog, select the GSD files that are to be
installed.
Note:
Once GSD files have been installed, they will be available for all
SIMATIC projects.
PLC type designation:
Enter the original order number of the SIMATIC component, making sure
to pay attention to the position of any blank spaces.
A synchronization with parts management will be run during the import
from "SIMATIC STEP 7" using the PLC type designation as a search
criterion.

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Display of the PLC type designation in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

This field will be populated from the PLC type designation field in parts
management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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Special conditions apply to the PLC type designation when Profibus

components are used: The PLC type designation is used by "SIMATIC
STEP 7" to find the given component within GSD files.

Note:
If you carried over the PLC box via the parts selection from the Part
management, you will usually find the original PLC type designation in
this field, which is not available in the GSD file this way. Please correct
this entry in order to make the PLC box locatable during the import into
"SIMATIC STEP 7".

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Object description:
Here, enter the object designation under which the object is created in
"SIMATIC STEP 7".
Display of the object description in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

This field will be populated from the Object description field in parts
management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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When using Profibus components, the Object description appears

within "SIMATIC STEP 7" in the DP ID column and is determined there
from the GSD file:

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Address range:
Enter the number of input / output bytes that the PLC card assigns by
default here.
Group / start address:
Enter the start byte that begins the card addressing here. This value will
also be used as the configuration value for newly addressing any PLC
connection points.
Note:
This value will be used for the data export.
Therefore, please make sure to renumber with "Group" as the
configuration value. Otherwise you may create a discrepancy between
the value entered here and the card addresses. This will generate a
faulty data export.
Version:
Enter a possible (firmware) version of the PLC device here.
Display of the (firmware) version in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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This field will be populated from the corresponding field in parts

management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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CPU: Name
The program "SIMATIC STEP 7" allows you to set up several CPU
assemblies in one station. These CPU assemblies are numbered
consecutively beginning with "1".
Make the following entries here if there are several CPUs in your station.
Enter the CPU number in the PLC box representing the CPU.
or
Enter the number of the CPU that controls this card in all other PLC
boxes.
Display of the CPU number in "SIMATIC STEP 7" using a CPU 414-2DP
as an example (this is not used in the EPLAN-DEMO project):

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Bus coupler:
This check box needs to be selected if the PLC box represents a bus
coupler assembly; otherwise keep it deactivated.
CPU:
This check box needs to be selected if the PLC box represents a CPU
assembly; otherwise keep it deactivated.
Power supply:
If the PLC box represents a power supply assembly, this check box
needs to be selected; otherwise keep it deactivated.
Bus distribution device:
If the PLC box represents a bus distribution assembly, this check box
needs to be selected; otherwise keep it deactivated.
These fields will be populated from the corresponding fields in parts
management if you have assigned a part to the PLC box.

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Marked for deletion:

This property marks PLC objects (meaning PLC boxes, connection
points, or addresses), so that they can be found and deleted with a test
run. This property is assigned automatically during import and
synchronization of the PLC data if the specific objects are present in the
EPLAN project, but not in the import file, and if they are not selected for
import in the Synchronize / import PLC data dialog.
PLC object ID (on functions):
The PLC object ID that was generated by "SIMATIC STEP 7" during
import is stored in this property.

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Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

Station 300

=EB3+ET2-A2

=EB3+ET2-A3

=EB3+ET2-A4

=EB3+ET2-A5

=EB3+ET2-A6

=EB3+ET2-A7

=EB3+ET3-A0

=EB3+ET3-A1

=EB3+ET3-A2

=EB3+ET3-A3

=EB3+ET3-A4

=EB3+ET3-A5

=EB3+ET3-A6

=EB3+ET4-A0

=EB3+ET4-A1

=EB3+ET4-A2

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=EB3+ET4-A5

Station 300
Station 300

Station 300

=EB3+ET2-A1

=EB3+ET4-A4

Station 300

=EB3+ET1-A3

PXC_00F0.GS

BK3100.GSG

IB IL 24 DO 2

IB IL 24 DO 2

Universal module

IB IL 24 DI 2

IB IL 24 DI 2

6ES7 132-4BB01-0AA0

6ES7 132-4BB01-0AA0

6ES7 138-4CA01-0AA0

6ES7 131-4BB01-0AA0

6ES7 131-4BB01-0AA0

6ES7 138-4CA01-0AA0

6ES7 151-1CA00-0AB0

8 Bit Digital Outputs

8 Bit Digital Outputs

Universal module

8 Bit Digital Inputs

8 Bit Digital Inputs

8 Bit Digital Inputs

6ES7 322-1BH01-0AA0

6ES7 321-1BH02-0AA0

IB IL 24 DO 2 PAC

IB IL 24 DO 2 PAC

IB IL 24 PWR IN-PAC

IB IL 24 DI 2 PAC

IB IL 24 DI 2 PAC

IL PB BK DP/V1

2DO DC24V/0.5A ST

2DO DC24V/0.5A ST

PM-E DC24V

2DI DC24V ST

2DI DC24V ST

PM-E DC24V

IM151-1 Basic

8DA

8DA

8DE

8DE

8DE

BK3100

DO16xDC24V/0.5A

DI16xDC24V

CPU315-2DP

Object description
X

1 33

1 32

1 31

1 30

1 23

1 22

1 21

1 20

1 14

1 13

1 12

1 11

1 10

2 2

2 0

Address range

Station 300

Station 300

=EB3+ET1-A2

6ES7 315-2AG10-0AB0

PLC type designation

Group / start
address

=EB3+ET4-A3

Station 300 S7300

Station ID

Device ID
(GSD file
name)
CPU

=EB3+ET1-A1

DT

Station
type

Summary of PLC data in the EPLAN-DEMO project

Bus coupler

CPU: Name

Version

Creating Rack Assignments

The simplest grouping of PLC boxes can be made via the rack
assignment function.
This will determine if the PLC box itself represents a rack or if it is
mounted on a rack. The rack may simply be a rack or could also be a
head station. For the actual assignment, four input fields are provided on
the PLC box tab in the Properties dialog.

Configuration project:
See also "What is a Configuration Project" in Chapter one.
Rack ID:
If the PLC box is a rack or a head station, then enter the classification
number of the rack here. The identifier of a rack must be unique within a
configuration project and can therefore appear repeatedly within a
schematic project.
Module is placed on rack ID:
If the PLC box is not a rack, but is mounted on a rack or connected to a
head station, enter the classification number of the rack or head station
that the PLC card is mounted on.
Note:
The numbering of the racks is up to you. Please make sure that the
cards of a rack all have the same identifier.

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Tips:
The "SIMATIC STEP 7" software starts all rack numbers with "0" and
then uses consecutive numbering. Use this type of numbering also in
EPLAN in order to identify the components of both programs more
easily.
If the rack is connected via a bus system, the "SIMATIC STEP 7"
software will show the slave address as a number for the rack.
Position (slot / module):
If the PLC box is not a rack, but is mounted on a rack or added to a head
station, enter the classification number of the slot on the rack on which
the PLC card is mounted.
Notes:
Depending on the type of rack used, gaps in the position allocation
are allowed. EPLAN is not capable of checking whether
gaps are allowed in the positioning of the racks. This cannot be
checked until a data import in "SIMATIC STEP 7" is done.
If there is no rack present (e.g., in case of a head station), the
elements will be lined up consecutively without spaces.
There are PLC cards that do not need a rack and can be mounted
directly onto a DIN rail, for instance. In this case, populate the two
fields Rack ID and Position on the first rack (head station, usually this
is the CPU or a bus coupler) with the corresponding values.

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Creating Rack Assignments in the Demo Sample

Project
In the EPLAN-DEMO project, the PLC box =EB3+ET1-A1 represents a CPU
of the type CPU315-2 DP. This CPU is mounted directly on a DIN rail; the
bus to the other cards is realized via jumpers.
Precondition:
You have opened the demo project EPLAN-DEMO.
1. Open the page =EBS+EB3/1.
2. Mark the PLC box +ET1-A1 and select the menu items Edit >
Properties.
3. Select the PLC box tab in the Properties <...> dialog.
4. In the Rack field, enter the value "0".
5. The Module is placed on rack ID field stays blank.
6. In the Position (slot / module) field, enter the value "2".
7. Click [OK].

Rack "0" is depicted in the EPLAN-DEMO project as follows:

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Summary of entries for the main rack:

DT
=EB3+ET1-A1

Rack

Module is placed on rack ID

Position (slot / module)

=EB3+ET1-A2

=EB3+ET1-A3

Display at the bottom of the PLC / bus configuration navigator:

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Display of the rack in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

Three additional racks with modules are included in the EPLAN-DEMO

sample project:
Station 1 with Beckhoff components
Station 2 with Siemens components
Station 3 with Phoenix components
All three stations are connected to the CPU via a bus system, but only
the rack assignments will be determined at this point:

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Station 1
DT

Rack

=EB3+ET2-A1

Module is placed on rack ID

Position (slot / module)

=EB3+ET2-A2

=EB3+ET2-A3

=EB3+ET2-A4

=EB3+ET2-A5

=EB3+ET2-A6

=EB3+ET2-A7

Station 2
DT

Rack

=EB3+ET3-A0

Module is placed on rack ID

Position (slot / module)

=EB3+ET3-A1

=EB3+ET3-A2

=EB3+ET3-A3

=EB3+ET3-A4

=EB3+ET3-A5

=EB3+ET3-A6

Station 3
DT
=EB3+ET4-A0

Rack

Module is placed on rack ID

Position (slot / module)

=EB3+ET4-A1

=EB3+ET4-A2

=EB3+ET4-A3

=EB3+ET4-A4

=EB3+ET4-A5

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Notes:
If the rack is connected via a bus system, the "SIMATIC STEP 7"
software will not show a number for the rack; the slave address on the
bus system will be shown instead.

In this example, the first module of each station is a head module on a

slave. There are no slots assigned in these cases (blank entries).

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Creating a Bus Structure

If individual assemblies or racks are connected via a bus system, a mere
rack assignment is not enough. In this case, a bus structure has to be
established.
In order to establish a bus structure, it is necessary to interconnect the
corresponding assemblies via the individual bus interfaces. EPLAN has
created the "communication unit" object exactly for this purpose; it is
used to show the bus hierarchy.
All settings for the communication units are performed on the Bus data
tab in the function properties of the PLC box. The Bus data tab is only
available in the main functions. Six input fields and one selection list are
available for the actual assignment of the bus information:

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Meaning of the Function Properties

Communication units:
There is a communication unit on the PLC box for each bus interface
used. In this list, which can accept any name for a communication unit,
all current communication units are displayed. The population of the
remaining input fields and selection lists will change if a new
communication unit is chosen.
Bus system:
Choose the bus system type that is connected to the communication unit
here. Please choose the entry "Other bus systems" if the bus system
used cannot be found in the selection list.
Configuration project:
See also "What is a Configuration Project" in Chapter one.
Bundle / Network ID:
Enter the name of the bundle or network that is connected to the
communication unit here. The name of the bundle / network may be
freely chosen, but it must be unique in the entire configuration project.
Please make sure that you assign the same name to all communication
units that are connected to the same bundle / network. You may
choose already assigned names from a list.
Please continue to pay attention that you choose only bus systems of the
same type within a bundle / network.

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Bus master / Bus coupler:

If the connected communication unit is a master in the selected bundle /
network, just enter any name you like for the bus master / bus coupler
here. This name must be unique to the bundle / network.
A bus coupler always opens a new bundle / network if the bus system
changes.
Slave to bus master / bus coupler ID:
If the connected communication unit is a slave in the selected bundle /
network, enter the name of the bus master / bus coupler to which the
slave is connected here. Since there can be more than one bus master /
bus coupler in a bundle, you will need to pay attention that the correct
bus master / bus coupler is assigned to the communication unit. You can
select from a list of already assigned names in order to do this.
Position / Node ID:
Enter the bus address of the master or slave that is used to address
communication unit here. This bus address can be a simple number or
an IP address, for instance.
Note:
EPLAN does not offer the option of checking if the bus addresses issued
have been assigned correctly. This cannot be checked until a data import
in "SIMATIC STEP 7" is done.

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Display of the bus structure in "SIMATIC STEP 7":

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Summary of the Communication Units

a.) Main rack

CPU315-2DP (=EB3+ET1-A1)

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Communication
unit

=EB3+ET3A0

IM151-1 Profibus
Basic

Profibus DP
DP
Master

DP
Master

Position / Node ID

Profibus DP

Slave to bus
master / bus
coupler ID

Profibus

Bus master / Bus

coupler

BK3100

Bundle / Network
ID

=EB3+ET2A1

Bus system

DT

Position / Node ID

Slave to bus
master / bus
coupler ID

Bus master / Bus

coupler

Bundle / Network
ID

Bus system

Communication
unit

DT

Bus master / Bus

coupler

DP
Profibus
Profibus
DP
DP
Master
2

MPI
MPI Bus
MPI
MPI
Master
2

Position / Node ID

Slave to bus
master / bus
coupler ID

Bus system

Communication
unit

DT

Bundle / Network
ID

=EB3+ET1A1

b.) Station 1

c.) Station 2

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=EB3+ET4A0

IL PB
BK
DP/V1

Profibus

Profibus DP

DP
Master

Position / Node ID

Slave to bus
master / bus
coupler ID

Bus master / Bus

coupler

Bundle / Network
ID

Bus system

DT

Communication
unit

d.) Station 3

Tip:
Some of the settings of the PLC cards can also be easily applied from
the parts management. To do so, you must enter the corresponding data
in the parts management of the individual parts beforehand (additional
information about parts management can also be found in the EPLAN
Help section, keyword "Tab Function template"):
1. Select the menu items Utilities > Parts > Management.
2. In the Parts management <...> dialog, open the levels Electrical
engineering > Component > PLC in the parts tree.
3. Select the desired element.

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4. Select the PLC data tab.

5. Enter data into the input fields (check in "Meaning of the Function
Properties" for more information on the meaning of the input fields).
6. Save the input by clicking the [Apply] or [Close] button.
Note:
If the parts selection is done subsequently, after a function has already
been set up and values have already been entered in the corresponding
function properties, the function properties will be overwritten by the
parts properties. If the parts data is incomplete, you may actually lose
already existing entries.

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Exporting PLC data

In this example you export all PLC-relevant data into an exchange file
that can later be imported into "SIMATIC STEP 7".

Exporting Data from EPLAN

Precondition:
You have opened the EPLAN-DEMO demo project.
Project data > PLC > Export data

1. Open the Export PLC data dialog and choose the configuration
project you want to export from the Configuration projects dropdown list.
2. From the Language drop-down list, select the language in which the
function texts should be exported.
3. From the Format of export file drop-down list, select
Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 Version 5.3 / 5.4.
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4. Click [...] in the File name field.

5. In the Browse for folder dialog, specify the folder in which the file to
be exported should be saved.

If there is already a file name in the input field, it will be interpreted
as a path; the name of the export file will be taken from the Station
ID.
6. Click [Open].
7. In the Export PLC data dialog, click [OK].

The data is exported. The file name that will be used to store the
data will be determined from the Station ID. If a file with this name
already exists, you will be asked if you would like to overwrite the
existing file.
Note:
If several stations are set up in a configuration project, an export file will
be created for each station.

Importing Data into "SIMATIC STEP 7"

The data may be either loaded into a new project or synchronized with
an existing project using the import function.

Importing data into a new project:

1. Start the "SIMATIC STEP 7" program.
2. Set up a new project either by using File > New or
File > 'New project' wizard.
3. Choose a CPU that is also used in your EPLAN project, in this
example CPU315-2DP.

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4. In the project tree on the left, select SIMATIC 300-Station and

change the name to the same station name you used in your
EPLAN project: Station 300.
5. Start the import via Options > CAx Data > Import.
6. In the Import CAx file dialog, select the file you previously exported
from EPLAN.
7. Click on [Open].

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In the Import CAx data dialog, you can use the check box in the
Selection column to establish which data is to be imported or
synchronized.
"SIMATIC STEP 7" displays in the Status column if the data to be
imported:
Is only present in the import file (CAx)
Is only present in the STEP 7 project
Is identical in the import file and the STEP 7 project
or if it is different.
8. In the Selection column, click the check box in the first row to import
all data.
9. Click [Import].

The data is imported.

Any data that could not be imported will be marked red in the
selection list; the [Display Log] button will make an error log
available.
10. Click [Close] to end the import process.
Note:
If during the export from EPLAN several stations were exported, you will
need to insert a new station and repeat steps 4 through 10 for each
station, meaning, for each export file.

Synchronizing data with an existing project:

1. Start the "SIMATIC STEP 7" program.
2. Open the desired project via File > Open.
3. In the project tree on the left, select the station you would like to
compare.
4. Start the import via Options > CAx Data > Import.
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5. In the Import CAx file dialog, select the file you previously exported
from EPLAN.
6. Click on [Open].

In the Import CAx data dialog, you can use the check box in the
Selection column to establish which data is to be imported or
synchronized.
"SIMATIC STEP 7" displays in the Status column if the data to be
imported:
Is only present in the import file (CAx)
Is only present in the STEP 7 project
Is identical in the import file and the STEP 7 project
or if it is different.
7. Select the check boxes in the Selection column for the data you
would like to import again.
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8. Click [Import].

The data is imported.

Any data that could not be imported will be marked red in the
selection list; the [Display Log] button will make an error log
available.
9. Click [Close] to end the import process.
Note:
If during the export from EPLAN several stations were exported, repeat
steps 3 to 9 for each station, meaning for each export file.

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Importing PLC Data

In this example, you will import data from an exchange file created by
"SIMATIC STEP 7" into EPLAN.

Exporting Data from "SIMATIC STEP 7"

1. Start the "SIMATIC STEP 7" program.
2. Open the desired project via File > Open.
3. In the project tree on the left, select the station you would like to
export.
4. Start the export via Options > CAx Data > Export.

5. In the Export CAx Data dialog, click the [Browse] button in order to
establish the path where the export data is to be saved.

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6. In the Browse for folder dialog, choose the target path.

7. Click [OK].
8. In the Selection column of the Export CAx data dialog, select the
stations that are to be exported.

"SIMATIC STEP 7" will create a file with the station name for each
exported station in the specified directory.
9. Click [Export].

The selected stations will be exported.
10. Click [Close].
Note:
In the Export CAx data dialog, several stations can be checked, since
all checked stations will be exported by "SIMATIC STEP 7". "SIMATIC
STEP 7" creates an export file for each station.

Importing data into EPLAN

1. Start the EPLAN program.
2. Set up a new project either by using Project > New or
Project > New (wizard).
3. Or open the desired project via Project > Open to synchronize the
data with an existing project.
4. Start the import via Project data > PLC > Import data.

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5. In the Import PLC data dialog, select Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7

Version 5.3 / 5.4 from the Format of import file drop-down list.
6. In the File name field, click [] to choose the file that was created
during export from "SIMATIC STEP 7".
7. In the Open dialog, choose the export file that was created during
the export from "SIMATIC STEP 7".
8. Click on [Open].
9. From the Language drop-down list in the Import PLC data dialog,
select the language in which the function texts were written during
the export by "SIMATIC STEP 7".
Note:
The Synchronize functions option is only available with "SIMATIC
STEP 7" version 5.4 SP3 and higher, since older versions of this
Siemens software neither store nor export information necessary for
synchronization.

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10. Click [OK].

The import is started, and a progress bar shows you the status of
the import. You can see the results after a successful import in the
PLC / bus configuration navigator.
You will generate unplaced functions during the import into your new
project; you can then use these by placing them in the schematic.
Note:
If during the export from "SIMATIC STEP 7" several stations were
exported, the steps 4 to 10 for each station, meaning for each export file,
need to be repeated.

Special Considerations after a Data Import

The following properties are correctly applied to the PLC connection
points after a data import:
Address
Channel designation
Function definition
Data type.
The following properties cannot be imported since the necessary
information does not exist in the import file:
Connection point description
Connection point designation
Device tag (DT).

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During the import into EPLAN, an attempt is made to create the

connection point designations via synchronization with parts
management; the applicable search criterion here is the PLC type
designation.
Connection points that do not appear to have a connection point
designation will display with the designation "?x" in the project, where "x"
is a consecutive number. You will then have several options for entering
the connection point designations in the project:
You can correct the connection point designation at each terminal
manually.
You can change the connection point designations manually at each
PLC box by editing the tables.
You can assign the correct function templates to the PLC connection
points individually or in blocks after selecting a part.
Part allocations are not done automatically in case of a Profibus
component import, because of the nature of the imported values (PLC
type designation, as described in "Settings on PLC cards / Meaning of
the Function Properties") no allocations can be made.

Assigning Function Templates

In order to assign the proper function templates to the PLC connection
points, a part must first be assigned to the individual PLC boxes via the
parts selection:
1. Click the PLC box in one of the PLC navigators and select the menu
items Edit > Properties.
2. In the Properties <> dialog, select the Parts tab.
3. Click [...] in the Part number field.
4. Open the parts tree under Electrical engineering > Component >
PLC in the Parts management <...> dialog.
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5. Select the element with the same PLC type designation.

6. Complete the part selection with [OK].
7. Close the Properties dialog with [OK].

The associated function templates will be shown in the PLC
navigator. (If this is not the case, refresh the view by pressing the
[F5] key.)
8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for each PLC box.

Using Function Templates Individually

Assign one function template to each individual PLC connection point:
1. Select the PLC connection point in one of the PLC navigators and
select the menu items Edit > Properties.
2. In the Properties <> dialog, select the PLC connection point tab.
3. Click [...] in the Displayed DT field.
4. Open the tree view in the DT selection dialog.
5. In the DT selection dialog, select the function template that is
associated with the selected PLC connection point.
6. Close the DT selection dialog with [OK].
7. Close the Properties dialog with [OK].

The connection point designation at the PLC connection point will
display in the PLC navigator. (If this is not the case, refresh the view
by pressing the [F5] key.)
8. Repeat steps 1 to 7 for each PLC connection point.

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Using Function Templates Blockwise

You may also perform the allocation in groups (blockwise), in order to
avoid having to allocate the function template to each one of the PLC
connection points. Note that blockwise use of the function template is
only possible with placed objects. You must therefore first place the PLC
connection points on a newly created page.
1. Select the menu item Page > New.
2. In the New page dialog, enter a complete page name and page
description.
3. From the Page type drop-down list, select the entry Schematic
multi-line.
4. Close the dialog with [OK].
Now place the PLC connection points onto the newly created page:
1. Open the new page in the graphical editor, e.g., with a double click
on that page in the page navigator.
2. Select the menu items Project data > PLC > Navigator.
3. Check a PLC connection point in the PLC navigator and use the drag
& drop function to drag it to the new page.
4. Repeat this step for all PLC connection points.
5. Now select all the placed PLC connection points on the new page.
6. Select the menu items Project data > PLC > Use connection
points blockwise.
7. Open the tree view in the Select unplaced PLC connection points
to place them blockwise dialog.
8. In the Select unplaced PLC connection points to place them
blockwise dialog, select the function templates that are associated
with the placed PLC connection points.
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In the Use existing PLC connection points blockwise dialog,

you will now see the PLC connection points in two lists with their new
assignments.
9. You may change these assignment if necessary by:
Moving a selected assignment via the
and
buttons
button
Deleting a selected assignment via the
Selecting another function template via [].
10. Close the dialog by clicking [OK] when all assignments have been
set up.

The connection point designations at the PLC connection points
will display in the PLC navigator. (If this is not the case, refresh the
view by pressing the [F5] key.)
11. Repeat these steps until all PLC connection points have been
assigned a connection point designation.

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Appendix: Modification History

Version 1.9.6: Local communication units have been removed; this
simplifies the input of the bus structures.

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