WinCC

Communication to
S7-1500, S7-1200
and ET 200SP
Siemens
SIMATIC WinCC V7.2 or higher Industry
Online
[Link] Support
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WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

Entry ID: 101908495, V2.2, 07/2021 2
Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Legal information ..................................................................................................... 2
1 Task................................................................................................................. 4
2 Solution........................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Overview ........................................................................................... 5
3 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.3 SE ......................... 9
3.1 Loading AS symbols from an existing S7-1500 program................... 10
3.2 What's new for AS messages .......................................................... 17
Alarm class configuration ................................................................. 19
3.3 Effects of project changes in the controller ....................................... 20
3.4 Connection with absolute addressing ............................................... 22
3.5 Better overview of a large number of tags ........................................ 25
4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4 ............................. 27
4.1 System diagnostics .......................................................................... 28
4.2 "Update" function ............................................................................. 30
4.3 Connection-specific tags .................................................................. 33
5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1 ............................ 34
5.1 Prefix / suffix for tags ....................................................................... 35
5.2 What's new for AS messages .......................................................... 37
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

5.3 Offline import of configuration data for absolute and symbolic

addresses........................................................................................ 38
6 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 ............................. 42
6.1 Using tags from array-type "program blocks".................................... 43
7 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP1 ..................... 48
7.1 Redundant system S7-1500R/H....................................................... 48
7.2 Software redundancy for S7-1500R/H .............................................. 48
7.3 Stopping Logging via System Tags .................................................. 48
8 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP2 ..................... 49
8.1 Connecting UDT-Derived DBs Directly as a Structure ...................... 49
8.1.1 SIMATIC SCADA Export for TIA Portal ............................................ 49
8.1.2 Importing a Structure and Creating WinCC Structure Tags ............... 50
8.1.3 Secure Communication with TLS Protocol ....................................... 53
9 General.......................................................................................................... 54
9.1 Creating a new connection with its own name at runtime.................. 54
9.2 Update function overview table ........................................................ 55
9.3 "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel" channel diagnosis ............... 56
10 Appendix....................................................................................................... 59
10.1 Service and Support ........................................................................ 59
10.2 Links & Literature............................................................................. 60
10.3 Change documentation .................................................................... 60

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1 Task

1 Task

Figure 1-1
S7-1500

Encrypted
process connection
WinCC V7.2 or higher

S7-1200
Process connection

ET 200SP
Process connection
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Introduction
This application example shows how the S7-1200, S7-1500 and ET 200SP can
transfer tags and messages to WinCC. In addition, a secure connection is
established between the S7-1500 and the HMI.

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2 Solution

2 Solution
2.1 Overview
Configuration
The diagrammatic representation below shows the most important components of
the solution.
Figure 2-1

WinCC V7.2 or higher

S7-1500

S7-1200 ET 200SP

PROFINET / IE
SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel

Description
To communicate with each other, the devices use the "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500
Channel" communication channel. SIMATIC WinCC V7.2 or higher provides this
channel. Communication is based on TCP/IP.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Depending on the version used, the channel provides the following functionalities.
All lower-version functions are also included in higher versions.
Depending on the WinCC version used, individual dialogs / tabs might have a
different appearance.

WinCC V7.2
• Communication of the S7-12001, S7-1500 and ET 200SP with WinCC single-
user systems.
• Establishment of a secure communication connection between WinCC and the
S7-1500 (not possible for S7-1200 and ET 200SP).
• Absolute access to AS symbolic addresses of the automation system.
• Different channel diagnosis options.
• SIMATIC S7-1200: 32 connections
• SIMATIC S7-1500: 16 connections

WinCC V7.3 SE
• Absolute and symbolic access to AS symbolic addresses and messages of the
controller (for single-user and multi-user systems).
• "Read from AS" functions that allow the user to read and apply the AS symbols
with optimized block access.
• System messages (S7-1500 only)
• Chronological messaging (program alarm)

1
Firmware version V2.2 or higher

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2 Solution

WinCC V7.4
• "Update" function that allows the user to synchronize project changes on the
controller side with WinCC.
• "WinCC SysDiagControl" ActiveX control for system diagnostics in Runtime.
• Increases the maximum number of connections possible to:
– SIMATIC S7-1200: 32 connections
– SIMATIC S7-1500: 128 connections
• System tag for "Check connection" and "Disconnect connection".
• Raw data communication
Is raw data supported for communication between WinCC and controllers of
the S7-1200 / S7-1500 family?

WinCC V7.4 SP1

• SIMATIC S7-1200: up to 64 connections
• Supports full-text alarms – in the same way as WinCC Runtime Professional
V14
• Supports the S7-1500 software controller (S7-1507S)
For more information, please refer to the following application example:
Joint Operation of WinCC V7 or WinCC V14/15 RT Prof. and Software
Controller
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• Offline import of configuration data from TIA Portal for absolute and symbolic
addresses
• Setting the prefix / suffix as the default value for tags for each connection
• Automatic update of S7-1500 messages

WinCC V7.5
• System tags are created with a click:
– "Check connection"
– "Disconnect connection"
• Direct connection of structured data types (e.g., array)

WinCC V7.5 SP1

• Redundant connection to S7-1500H
• Stopping Logging via System Tags

WinCC V7.5 SP2

• Connecting UDT-Derived DBs Directly as a Structure
• Secure Communication with TLS-protocol (as of update 4)

Special aspects
Optimized access to AS symbolic addresses and controller alarms is provided to
you by the online connection to the controller. The offline configuration is possible
for absolute addresses. V7.4 SP1 or higher allows 'offline configuration without
CPU connection' also for symbolic access.

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2 Solution

The maximum number of connections possible is limited by the available system

resources and their performance data, particularly CPU, RAM and Ethernet
connection.
See FAQ:
Which quantity framework must you pay attention to for communication between an
S7-1200 or S7-1500 controller and WinCC Runtime Professional?

Supported data types

The communication channel supports the following data types:
• Binary tag
• Signed 8-bit value
• Unsigned 8-bit value
• Signed 16-bit value
• Unsigned 16-bit value
• Signed 32-bit value
• Unsigned 32-bit value
• IEEE 754 32-bit floating-point number
• IEEE 754 64-bit floating-point number
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

• Text tag 8-bit character set

• Text tag16-bit character set (V7.3 or higher)
• Date and time format (V7.3 or higher)
• Raw data tag as byte array (V7.42 or higher)

Other communication features

• Cyclic reading of tags
• Time synchronization
• Export and import function
– Export of tags from TIA Portal (for symbolic addressing and messages
when running WinCC V7.4 SP1 or higher)
– Import into WinCC using WinCC Configuration Studio

Scope
This application example does not include a description of:
• Configuration of the S7-1200, S7-1500 and ET 200SP in TIA Portal
• Installation of SIMATIC TIA Portal STEP 7 Professional and WinCC
Basic knowledge of these topics is required.

Required knowledge
Basic knowledge of SIMATIC WinCC (V7.2 or higher) and
TIA Portal STEP 7 Professional (V13 SP1 or higher) is required.

2
Maximum data block length: 8000 bytes

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Sample files and projects

The following table contains all files and projects that are used in this application
example.

Table 2-1
Component Note
101908495_WinCC_S71200_S71500_Channel_V2_en.pdf This document.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

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3 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.3 SE

3 Configuration and Project Engineering for

WinCC V7.3 SE
This chapter describes how to read AS symbols with symbolic addressing and
messages from the controller using WinCC V7.3 SE with the "SIMATIC S7-1200,
S7-1500 Channel" and how to apply them to WinCC as tags and messages.
In addition, it illustrates how to handle project changes on the controller side.

Validity
This chapter is valid for:
• STEP 7 V13 or higher
• WinCC V7.3 SE
• S7-1200 (firmware version V2.2 or higher)
• S7-1500
• ET 200SP

Components used
This chapter was created with the following components.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Hardware components
Table 3-1
Component No. Order no. Note
S7-1516-3 PN/DP 1 6AG1516-3AN00-7AB0 Alternatively, you can use a
different S7-1500, S7-1200 or
ET 200SP.
Development 1 - PC to configure the controller
system and WinCC.
The hardware requirements
for STEP 7 and WinCC apply.

Software components
Table 3-2
Component No. Order no. Note
WinCC V7.3 SE 1 6AV63.1-....7-3... -
TIA Portal 1 6AV2103-0AA04-0AA5 Alternatively,
STEP 7 V14 SP1 TIA Portal
Professional STEP 7 V14 SP1 Basic can
be used for an S7-1200.

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3.1 Loading AS symbols from an existing S7-1500 program

The following section describes how to establish secure communication with
optimized block access with the controller's address range in SIMATIC WinCC
using the "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel" communication channel. To this
end, you read and apply the AS symbols (tags) using the new "Read from AS"
functionality.

Note You can only read AS symbols whose access rights are enabled for SIMATIC
WinCC. Otherwise, SIMATIC WinCC would not find them.
Check your PG/PC interface settings to ensure proper communication. To do
this, follow the instructions from the following video:
"Why is the connection from WinCC to the S7 controller not established via
TCP/IP?"

Table 3-3
No. Action
1. Create a new WinCC project or open an existing one.
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2. In the WinCC Explorer project tree, open Tag Management.

3. In the Tag Management context menu, select "Add new driver > SIMATIC S7-
1200, S7-1500 Channel" to add a new driver.

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No. Action
4. In the OMS+ channel context menu, select the "New Connection" button to add a
new connection.

5. In the associated context menu, click "Connection Parameters" of the

"NewConnection_1" connection.
Enter the connection parameters shown below.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

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No. Action
6. Optional: If you want to establish a secure connection to the S7-1500, add a
password in the "Options" tab. In TIA Portal, select the CPU properties, go to
"Protection & Security" and specify the password. This is only required for the "No
access (complete protection)" setting.

Note
Only the S7-1500 provides access protection. For more information on access
protection, please refer to the "Configuring access protection for the CPU" chapter
of the "S7-1500 – Getting Started" manual. In TIA Portal, access protection for the
CPU is configured in the "Protection & Security" tab of the CPU properties.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

7. Start WinCC Runtime.

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No. Action
8. In the connection context menu, select "AS Symbols" > "Read from AS" to read
the AS symbols.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

The symbols will be read.

After the AS symbols have been successfully read, the following message
appears. Select "OK" to confirm.

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No. Action
9. Go to the "AS Symbols" tab. This tab lists the AS symbols of the controller that
have been read.

10. In the "Access" column, check the check boxes of the AS symbols you want to
apply to WinCC Tag Management. WinCC automatically creates associated
WinCC tags with symbolic addressing.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

11. The "Tags" tab now displays the WinCC tags and their properties.

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No. Action
12. Optional:
You can change the tag names of the generated WinCC tags in the "Tags" and
"AS Symbols" tabs.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

The tag name is composed as follows:

"DataArea_BlockName_ItemName"

In the table, the separators are converted as follows ("," or "-" in the item name
remain unchanged).

Figure 3-1

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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Notes Execute the "Read from AS" command again if there are any project changes
regarding the controller.
If WinCC Runtime is stopped and Tag Management is closed, symbolic
addressing and the "AS Symbols" tab will no longer be displayed. To display
both again in Tag Management, use the "Read from AS" command.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

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3.2 What's new for AS messages

The following section shows you how to read AS messages from the controller and
how to apply them to your WinCC project, including the associated message texts.

Note Only the S7-1500 can load AS messages.

The message length must be limited to a maximum of 400 characters.

Table 3-4
No. Action
1. Open the "Alarm logging" editor.
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No. Action
2. In the project tree, go to "AS Messages and open your S7-1500 connection.
Use the "Load from AS" command to import the messages of the CPU.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

3.

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No. Action
4. In the "Used" column, check the check boxes of the AS symbols and text
lists you want to apply.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Alarm class configuration

When loading AS messages of a SIMATIC S7-1500, WinCC automatically assigns
the messages to an alarm class/alarm type with an appropriate setting.

Table 3-5
STEP 7 WinCC acknowledgment philosophy
Acknowledgment “incoming” “outgoing” “outgoing”
acknowledgment acknowledgment without
status
No “incoming” “outgoing” “outgoing”
acknowledgment acknowledgment acknowledgment without
status
No Information “incoming” “outgoing” “outgoing”
acknowledgment only acknowledgment acknowledgment without
status
Bold = applicable
Not bold = not applicable

Note The alarm classes in TIA Portal should be matched to the alarm classes in
WinCC Configuration Studio, if possible. After importing, this makes it easier to
assign them in WinCC Configuration Studio.
It is useful to color code the alarm types ("incoming", "outgoing", ...). As a result,
the alarm type can be assigned more quickly and easily, e. g. in the
AlarmControl.

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3.3 Effects of project changes in the controller

If you modify the project on the controller side, you have to reload the AS symbols
and messages using the context menu or the import function. In this case, the
properties of the AS symbols and messages are compared to the properties from
the WinCC project.
If the AS symbol names or symbolic addresses do not match, the "AS Symbols"
tab will be highlighted in red. If the AS messages have changed, they will be
silhouetted in red in the "AS Messages" tab. Tooltips with information on possible
causes are displayed.

Note TIA Portal automatically generates the symbolic addresses of the AS symbols.
They depend on the associated AS symbol properties. Due to symbolic access,
address changes in the CPU program do not affect the symbolic address.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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Option in the event of a changed tag ID in WinCC V7.3 SE

The "Update" function 4.2 is not available in WinCC V7.3 SE. The assignment can
be restored using the "Export / Import" function of WinCC Configuration Studio.

Note This kind of "updating" is only possible if you have performed the export
operation before changing the project on the controller side.

Figure 3-2
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

1 2 3 4 5

Configure Read and E.g., open and Re-read Sym. name assigned to
and load configure tags load project copy WinCC → IDs new ID during import
CPU in WinCC (red)
Config Studio
Config Studio
import
export

1. The CPU has been configured and loaded.

2. Tags have been read and configured in WinCC. Export created in WinCC
Configuration Studio at the connection level or a higher level.
3. Project change on the controller side, e. g. project copy, has been opened and
loaded.
4. AS symbols are re-read in WinCC =>IDs are new (red)
5. All symbolic names are assigned to the ID during the import process and thus
updated.

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3.4 Connection with absolute addressing

WinCC V7.2 or higher allows you to use the "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel"
communication channel to establish communication with non-optimized blocks:
In TIA Portal, go to the block properties and uncheck the "Optimized block access"
check box in the "Attributes" tab.
Figure 3-3
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

To get the absolute address (offset), compile the block in TIA Portal.
Figure 3-4

Note As soon as you make changes to the block (e. g., another input), the offset will
no longer be displayed. After recompiling, you can read it again.

For more information on creating tags, please refer to the following manual:
WinCC V7.2: Communication > Configuring the tags

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Import / export with TIA Portal

Note • When running V7.4 SP1 or lower, this operation is only possible with absolute
addressing.
• Symbolic addressing can be exported when running V7.4 SP1 or higher.
The following restrictions exist:
• No side-by-side installation with WinCC Professional (TIA
Portal)
• No measurement archives
• No chronological messages

The tag export or import consists of two steps:

• Exporting the tags from TIA Portal
• Importing the data using WinCC Configuration Studio

How to export tags

Table 3-6
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

No. Description
1. Create a new DB in TIA Portal and disable optimized block access.
2. Compile the block to get absolute addressing (offset).
3. Create a dummy HMI project (e. g., Basic Panel).
4. Use drag and drop to move the block to a screen and change the access mode
from "symbolic" to "absolute".
5. Click the "Export" button to export the HMI tags.

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How to import tags

Table 3-7
No. Description
1. In WinCC Configuration Studio, create an S-1200, S7-1500 channel for your
CPU. The connection name must be the same as in the export file.
2. Import the TIA Portal export file.

Note In WinCC V7.3 SE / WinCC V7.4, you should use either "absolute addressing" or
"symbolic addressing".
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Absolute addressing allows only the offline import / export operation. If the
symbolic addresses are read using the "Read from AS" function, you have to
create the absolute addresses manually.

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3.5 Better overview of a large number of tags

For a better overview of AS symbols, there are various options to customize the
views. The methods described below make it easier to handle AS symbols and
tags.
In addition, e.g., prefixes can be used to combine structures.

Search
The "Search" function allows you to limit the displayed AS symbols or tags to
desired areas.
Figure 3-5

Find & Replace

© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

The "Find and Replace" function allows you to include, e.g., prefixes for certain
blocks or structures in the name. As a result, you can define new search terms that
you can use to create your desired overviews for each search.
Figure 3-6

Note After re-reading the tags, all the changes made by the "Find and Replace"
function have been overwritten and may have to be made again.

When running WinCC V7.4 SP1 or higher, you can set Prefix / suffix for tags 5.1 as
the default value instead of the "Find & Replace" function.

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Note The default setting of the search in WinCC Configuration Studio is limited to the
"Name" column. "Search in" allows you to customize the settings.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

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4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4

4 Configuration and Project Engineering for

WinCC V7.4
This chapter shows system diagnostics and the "update" options when project
changes are made on the controller side.
You can still use the procedures for AS symbols and AS messages described in
WinCC V7.2 and V7.3 SE.

Validity
This chapter is valid for:
• STEP 7 V13 or higher
• WinCC V7.4
• S7-1200 (firmware version V2.2 or higher)
• S7-1500
• ET 200SP

Components used
This chapter was created with the following components.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Hardware components
Table 4-1
Component No. Order no. Note
S7-1516-3 PN/DP 1 6AG1516-3AN00-7AB0 Alternatively, you can use a
different S7-1500, S7-1200 or
ET 200SP.
Development 1 - PC to configure the controller
system and WinCC.
The hardware requirements
for STEP 7
and WinCC apply.

Software components
Table 4-2
Component No. Order no. Note
WinCC V7.4 1 6AV63.1-....7-4... -
TIA Portal 1 6AV2103-0AA04-0AA5 Alternatively,
STEP 7 V14 SP1 TIA Portal
Professional STEP 7 V14 SP1 Basic can
be used for an S7-1200.

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4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4

4.1 System diagnostics

SIMATIC WinCC V7.4 or higher provides the "WinCC SysDiagControl"
ActiveXControl for system diagnostics. You will find this control in the Graphics
Designer's "Controls" toolbar.
Figure 4-1
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

For more information on the configuration, please refer to the

WinCC V7.4: Communication manual.
The "WinCC SysDiagControl" shows faults and errors of the SIMATIC S7-1200 and
S7-1500 controllers. It provides an overview, which enables you to quickly locate
error sources.
The ActiveXControl provides the following views:
• Diagnostic overview
Shows the status of the controller and its submodules for all available SIMATIC
S7-1200/S7-1500 channels.
• Detail view
Displays information about the selected controller.
• Diagnostic buffer view
Displays current data from the controller's diagnostic buffer. Messages are only
displayed if the AS messages are loaded from the controller and applied to
WinCC.

Figure 4-2

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4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4

Figure 4-3
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Note The current data from the diagnostic buffer must be loaded using the "Diagnostic
buffer" menu item ( ). The buffer is not loaded automatically.

C or VBScript (run, e.g, by clicking a button) allows you to jump from an AS

message selected in the WinCC AlarmControl to the WinCC SysDiagControl. To
do this, the AS message must already have been loaded from the controller and
applied to WinCC as messages.
In C:
SetPropChar(lpszPictureName,"<Name_SysDiaControl>").","NavigateTo",
GetPropChar(lpszPictureName,"<Name_AlarmControl>","DiagnosticsContext"));

In VBS:
ScreenItems("<Name_SysDiaControl>").NavigateTo =
ScreenItems("<Name_AlarmControl>").").DiagnosticsContext

Note Toggling between the controls using a script is only possible for system
messages.
For more information on this and on how to configure the control, please refer to
the WinCC V7.4: Communication manual.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4

4.2 "Update" function

SIMATIC WinCC V7.4 provides the "Update" function. After project changes on the
controller side, symbolic addresses can change. The "Update" function re-reads
the AS configuration. In addition, it restores consistency by reassigning the
symbolic addresses to the AS symbol names. The AS symbol name is used as a
reference.
To use the function, the AS symbols and messages must already have been read
and applied as a WinCC tag or WinCC messages.

Note "Update" function not possible

Access rights changed
If you disable the access rights of AS symbols, they can no longer be accessed
by WinCC. As a result, "updating" is no longer possible. If you subsequently re-
read the AS configuration, the WinCC tags will be silhouetted in red.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

AS symbol name changed

The "Read AS symbols" function is based on the AS symbol name. If you
change the AS symbol name and then re-read the AS configuration, "updating" is
no longer possible.
The changed AS symbol name is available in WinCC as a new AS symbol and
you have to apply it as a new WinCC tag. Delete the unused WinCC tag in the
"Tags" tab.

For the following project changes on the controller side, the symbolic addresses of
the AS symbols will change. Use the "Update" function.
• The current CPU program has been replaced by an identical CPU program (or
parts of it) from the reference project (project copy) and reloaded to the
controller.
• Change of the data type of a CPU tag (also in the DB).

Note WinCC performs automatic data type formatting between CPU data types and
HMI data types. If you change the data type of a CPU tag, a data type change
might affect the tag's points of use. Make sure to make any necessary changes.

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4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4

The following table shows how to update your WinCC tags and WinCC messages.

Table 4-3
No. Action
1. For AS symbols:
Open Tag Management and re-read the AS symbols. Then go to the "AS
Symbols" tab.

For messages:
Open "Alarm logging" and re-read the AS messages. Then go to the "AS
Messages" tab.
2. For AS symbols:
1. Select the rows of the AS symbols you want to update.

For messages:
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

2. Select the rows of the AS messages you want to update.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4

No. Action
3. 3. For AS symbols:
4. Update the AS symbol using the "Update" button in the associated context
menu.

5.
6.
7. For messages:
8. Update the AS message using the "Update" button in the associated context
menu.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

9.
10.

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4 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.4

4.3 Connection-specific tags

In order to monitor the state of the connection to the S7-1500, the following two
@system tags are available.
• "@<ConnectionName>@ForceConnectionState"
• "@<ConnectionName>@ConnectionState"

"@<ConnectionName>@ForceConnectionState" tag
In the connection, create the "@<ConnectionName>@ForceConnectionState" tag
to define the connection state between a WinCC station and S7-1200 / S7-1500:
• "1": Connecting.
If you configure "1" as the start value, starting Runtime establishes the connection
to the S7-1200 / S7-1500.

• "0": Disconnecting.
For the tag to be initialized when starting Runtime, assign an "absolute address" to
the tag. In addition, this tag must not be a binary tag.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

"@<ConnectionName>@ConnectionState" tag
Use the connection-specific "@<ConnectionName>@ConnectionState" tag to
determine the current connection state:
• "1": The connection is ready.
• "0": The connection is interrupted or disconnected.

Note WinCC V7.5 or higher allows you to create these tags with a click in the context
menu of each connection.

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

5 Configuration and Project Settings for

WinCC V7.4 SP1
This chapter describes how to import configuration data offline and how to specify
the prefix / suffix as the default value.
You can still use the procedures for AS symbols and AS messages described in
WinCC V7.2, V7.3 SE and V7.4.

Validity
This chapter is valid for:
• STEP 7 V14 or higher
• WinCC V7.4 SP1
• S7-1200 (firmware version V2.2 or higher)
• S7-1500
• ET 200SP

Components used
This chapter was created with the following components.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Hardware components
Table 5-1
Component No. Order no. Note
S7-1516-3 PN/DP 1 6AG1516-3AN00-7AB0 Alternatively, you can use a
different S7-1500, S7-1200 or
ET 200SP.
Development 1 - PC to configure the controller
system and WinCC.
The hardware requirements
for STEP 7
and WinCC apply.

Software components
Table 5-2
Component No. Order no. Note
WinCC V7.4 SP1 1 6AV63.1-....7-4... -
TIA Portal 1 6AV2103-0AA04-0AA5 Alternatively,
STEP 7 V14 SP1 TIA Portal
Professional STEP 7 V14 SP1 Basic can
be used for an S7-1200.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

5.1 Prefix / suffix for tags

This section describes how to set the prefix/suffix as the default value for tags for
each connection.

Procedure
Table 5-3
No. Action
1. In Configuration Studio, go to Tag Management and select the connection for which you want
to create a prefix or suffix.

2. Enter the desired prefix / suffix in the connection properties.

© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

The prefix / suffix will be displayed exactly like you specify it, i.e., it must include the desired
separators.

3. Now go to "AS Symbols" > "Read from AS" to read the AS symbols.

4. Check the "Access" check box to create a tag with a prefix and/or suffix.

Note If you want to subsequently use a prefix or suffix for tags that have already been
used, you have to uncheck the "Access" check box and check it again.
Alternatively, you can use the "Find & Replace" function to assign prefix and
suffix.

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

Notes If changes are made to the controller, it is absolutely necessary to execute the
"Read from AS" command again.
If WinCC Runtime is stopped and Tag Management is closed, symbolic
addressing and the "AS Symbols" tab will no longer be displayed. To display
both again in Tag Management, use the "Read from AS" command.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

5.2 What's new for AS messages

When running WinCC V7.4 SP1 or higher, S7-1500 messages can be applied
automatically after message changes. To enable this, check the "Auto Update"
check box at the connection level in "Alarm logging".

Figure 5-1

Note If you have already read the AS messages manually using "Read from AS", first
delete the read messages in WinCC. Then you can check the "Auto Update"
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

check box to ensure that the messages are not duplicated.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

5.3 Offline import of configuration data for absolute and

symbolic addresses
When running WinCC V7.4 SP1 or higher, the "SIMATIC SCADA Export for
TIA Portal" tool allows you to perform an offline import of AS tags and AS
messages from TIA Portal to WinCC.
This tool is not part of the general setup. You can download the version-specific
version in the following entry:
SIMATIC SCADA Export for TIA Portal

Note This tool exports and imports all AS tags and AS messages. It is not possible to
select single tags and/or messages.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

Procedure
Table 5-4
No. Action
1. In TIA Portal, open your project with the S7-1500 CPU to be exported.
2. Select your CPU and select "Online" > "Export to SIMATIC SCADA".
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

3. Enter a name for the file to be exported and specify the storage path.
4. Click the "Export" button.
The file is exported.
5. In WinCC Explorer, open your project into which you want to import the S7-1500
CPU data.
6. In WinCC Configuration Studio, open "Tag Management".
7. If a connection does not yet exist for the CPU, create the channel and the
connection. See Chapter Loading AS symbols from an existing S7-1500 program
3.1

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

No. Action
8. Select the connection. In the context menu, select "Load from file" to import the
data.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

9. Open he storage path of the export file and select the "TIA Portal Export File
(*.zip)" format so that you can select the "*.zip" file.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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5 Configuration and Project Settings for WinCC V7.4 SP1

No. Action
10. Then click the "Load from file" button. The AS symbols are displayed and the
button (1) allows you to return to the tags.

1
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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6 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5

6 Configuration and Project Engineering for

WinCC V7.5
You can still use the procedures for AS symbols and AS messages described in
WinCC V7.2, V7.3 SE, V7.4 and V7.4 SP1.

Validity
This chapter is valid for:
• STEP 7 V15 or higher
• WinCC V7.5
• S7-1200 (firmware version V2.2 or higher)
• S7-1500
• ET 200SP

Components used
This chapter was created with the following components.

Hardware components
Table 6-1
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Component No. Order no. Note

S7-1516-3 PN/DP 1 6AG1516-3AN00-7AB0 Alternatively, you can use a
different S7-1500, S7-1200 or
ET 200SP.
Development 1 - PC to configure the controller
system and WinCC.
The hardware requirements
for STEP 7
and WinCC apply.

Software components
Table 6-2
Component No. Order no. Note
WinCC V7.5 1 6AV63.1-....7-5... -
TIA Portal 1 6ES7822-1..05-.. Alternatively,
STEP 7 V15.1 TIA Portal
Professional STEP 7 V15.1 Basic can be
used for an S7-1200.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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6 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5

6.1 Using tags from array-type "program blocks"

WinCC V7.5 allows you to import structured data types (array) directly from TIA
Portal into WinCC Configuration Studio. They are no longer listed separately.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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6 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5

Table 6-3
No. Description / or action….
1. Create a new WinCC project or open an existing one.
2. In the WinCC Explorer project tree, open Tag Management.

3. In the Tag Management context menu, select "Add new driver > SIMATIC S7-
1200, S7-1500 Channel" to add a new driver.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

4. In the OMS+ channel context menu, select the "New Connection" button to add a
new connection.

Tip: You can now enter a unique connection name.

5. In the associated context menu, click "Connection Parameters" of the
"NewConnection_1" connection.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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6 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5

No. Description / or action….

6. Enter the connection parameters shown below.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

7. Optional:
If you want to establish a secure connection to the S7-1500,
use the "Change" button to add a password. In TIA Portal, select the CPU
properties, go to "Protection & Security" and specify the password.
This is only required for the "No access (complete protection)" setting.

Note
Only the S7-1500 provides access protection. For more information on access
protection, please refer to the "Configuring access protection for the CPU"
chapter of the
"S7-1500 – Getting Started" manual. In TIA Portal, access protection for the CPU
is configured in the "Protection & Security" tab of the CPU properties.
8. Start WinCC Runtime.
9. In the connection context menu, select
"AS Symbols" > "Read from AS" to read the AS symbols.

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No. Description / or action….

10. Click the structures you want to use.

11. Right-click the "Access" column. In the context menu, choose "Select all".
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

This selects all lower-level items.

Note:
You can also select individual items and check the appropriate check boxes in
the "Access" column.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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6 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5

No. Description / or action….

12. From the Symbols view, return to Tag Management.

13. The "Tags" tab displays the automatically generated tags.

© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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7 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP1

7 Configuration and Project Engineering for

WinCC V7.5 SP1
The procedures described in WinCC V7.2, V7.3 SE, V7.4, V7.4 SP1, and V7.5
regarding AS symbols and AS alarms are still possible.

Validity
This chapter is valid for:
• STEP 7 as of V15
• WinCC V7.5 SP1
• S7-1200 (as of firmware version V2.2)
• S7-1500
• ET 200SP

7.1 Redundant system S7-1500R/H

With WinCC V7.5 SP1, it is possible to establish a connection to a redundant S7-
1500 system. The procedure for this is described in the WinCC Information
System:
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

SIMATIC HMI WinCC V7.5 SP1 WinCC Information System > Communication >
SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel > Channel configuration

7.2 Software redundancy for S7-1500R/H

Starting with WinCC V7.5 SP1, it is possible to build up a "software redundancy"
with a S7-1500R/H CPU by means of system tags and script. The procedure is
described here:
SIMATIC HMI WinCC V7.5 SP1 WinCC Information System > Communication >
SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel > Channel configuration

7.3 Stopping Logging via System Tags

You can use the system tags from Section 1 to selectively remove connections. If
you set the value of the "ForceConnectionStateEx" tag to "0", then the logging of
the associated process tag is stopped.
If you set the value to "1", the process tags of the corresponding communication
channel are logged again.

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8 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP2

8 Configuration and Project Engineering for

WinCC V7.5 SP2
The procedures described in WinCC V7.2, up to V7.5 SP1 regarding AS symbols
and AS alarms are still possible.

Validity
This chapter is valid for:
• STEP 7 as of V15
• WinCC V7.5 SP2
• S7-1200 (as of firmware version V2.2)
• S7-1500
• ET 200SP

Recommendation
Use the "SIMATIC SCADA Export for TIA Portal" and "Load from file", as this
procedure offers more functionalities:
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

• Structure of the blocks as in the TIA Portal

• Readout of structures with names

8.1 Connecting UDT-Derived DBs Directly as a Structure

With WinCC V7.5 SP2, you can export UDTs with the "SIMATIC SCADA Export for
TIA Portal" and create and use a WinCC structure via import. In this way, you do
not create single tags, but instead the whole structure variable with one click.

8.1.1 SIMATIC SCADA Export for TIA Portal

This tool is available for download in the Industry Online Support via this link.

Note The tool is linked to the respective TIA Portal version and can be loaded
separately for the respective version.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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8 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP2

8.1.2 Importing a Structure and Creating WinCC Structure Tags

Table 8-1
No. Procedure
1. Import a structure.
In the tag management, in the shortcut menu of "Structure tags" the new
structure types can be defined. For a PLC UDT from a S7-1500, you can create a
WinCC structure type with the button "Create structure" in the context menu of
the AS structures.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

2. Result:

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8 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP2

No. Procedure
3. The structure type and its elements are displayed in the Tag Management.

Structure from the S7-1500 is

adopted with elements
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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8 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP2

No. Procedure
4. Create a structure tag
After the structure has been defined, the structure tags can be created in the "AS
Symbols" tab.
When the box is checked, the structure tags are created.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

5. The structure tags are automatically created by WinCC.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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8 Configuration and Project Engineering for WinCC V7.5 SP2

No. Procedure
6. The individual structure tag elements are also created in the Tag Management.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

8.1.3 Secure Communication with TLS Protocol

As of version V7.5 SP2 Update 4, WinCC supports the secure communication by

STEP 7 for the channel "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel", which is available
with the TIA Portal as of V17.
STEP 7 components configured for "Secure Communication" use an asymmetric
key procedure with a public key and a private key. TLS (Transport Layer Security)
is used as the encryption protocol.
To use the "Secure Communication" of the TIA Portal V17 in the WinCC project,
import the data records from a TIA Portal project with the corresponding settings.

Procedure
How to use the TLS protocol is described in this entry:
Industry Online Support: WinCC V7 - Secure Communication
([Link]

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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9 General

9 General
9.1 Creating a new connection with its own name at
runtime
When WinCC Runtime is activated, the name of a connection cannot be changed.
If you create a new connection, it is automatically named "NewConnection_x".
The following description shows you how to create a new S7-1500 connection with
WinCC Runtime activated and specify a connection name of your choice.

Table 9-1
No. Description
1. In Tag Management, go to "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel" and select the
"OMS+" object.
2. Select the "Connections" tab.
3. In the "Name" column, directly enter the name of the new connection and press
"Return" to confirm it.
4. Now you can specify the connection parameters for the CPU.
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

Note The description is not valid for WinCC V7.5.

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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9 General

9.2 Update function overview table

This table shows the project changes after which you should use the "Update"
function.

Table 9-2
DB
The address
Description relevant to Update function
changes
HMI
Data type of tags
relevant to HMI Old address
changed in DB and becomes red, tag Yes Necessary
symbols reloaded gets new address
from AS
CPU from backup Old address
project loaded with becomes red, tag Yes Necessary
identical DB structure gets new address
Old address
DB between two
becomes red, DB Yes Necessary
CPUs replaced
gets new address
Old address
DB from reference
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

becomes red, DB Yes Necessary

project added
gets new address
Old address
Change of data type
becomes red, tag Yes Necessary
on CPU
gets new address
Tag name already
A new tag with the
exists, AS symbols
tag name of the AS
are read and Yes Not necessary
symbol + _1 is
selected to be
created
applied
DBs from global
Addresses have not
library added to No Not necessary
changed
project
CPU firmware Addresses have not
- Not necessary
upgrade changed
Device change of Addresses have not
Yes Not necessary
CPU changed
AS symbol must
Change of symbol be re-read, re-
Yes Yes
name on CPU applied and re-
connected.

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9 General

9.3 "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel" channel

diagnosis
For the channel diagnosis of the "SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500 Channel"
communication channel, WinCC provides the following tools:
• "Status - Logical Connections" function
• "WinCC Channel Diagnosis Control" ActiveXControl
• "Channel Diagnosis" program
The channel diagnosis allows you to query the status of the current connections.

"Status - Logical Connections" tool

The "Status - Logical Connections" function is a tool integrated in SIMATIC WinCC.
To use it, you must start Runtime. Select "Tools > Connection Status" to access
the function.
The tool displays the most important parameters of all the connections that have
been created. This includes the following connection parameters:
• Connection ID
• Connection name
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

• Current connection state

• Number of tags read
• Number of read requests
• Number of tags written
• Number of write requests

You can cyclically update the connection parameters. You will find the "Cyclic
update" setting in the bottom part of the dialog.
Figure 9-1

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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9 General

"WinCC Channel Diagnosis Control" ActiveXControl

For the channel diagnosis in Runtime, SIMATIC WinCC provides the "WinCC
Channel Diagnosis Control" ActiveXControl.
Just like the "Status - Logical Connections" tool, it displays the most important
connection parameters of all the connections that have been created. Use the
"Controls" toolbar to add the control to your Runtime screen.
Figure 9-2
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

In addition, the ActiveXControl provides a trace function. This function allows you
to trace the behavior of a channel in a trace file. Moreover, the connection
parameters are recorded in a log file.
Figure 9-3

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

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9 General

"Channel Diagnosis" tool

The "Channel Diagnosis" tool is a program that works independently of SIMATIC
WinCC. To analyze the connections, Runtime must be active. It reflects the
structure and functionality of the "WinCC Channel Diagnosis Control"
ActiveXControl. To find the tool, enter the term "Channel Diagnosis" in the
Windows search box.

Note For more information on channel diagnosis, please refer to the "Channel
Diagnosis" chapters of the following manuals:
WinCC V7.3: Communication
WinCC V7.4: Communication
WinCC V7.5: Communication
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

Entry ID: 101908495, V2.2, 07/2021 58
10 Appendix

10 Appendix
10.1 Service and Support
Industry Online Support
Do you have any questions or need assistance?
Siemens Industry Online Support offers round the clock access to our entire
service and support know-how and portfolio.
Industry Online Support is the central address for information about our products,
solutions and services.
Product information, manuals, downloads, FAQs, application examples and videos
– all information is accessible with just a few mouse clicks at:
[Link]

Technical Support
The Technical Support of Siemens Industry provides you with fast and competent
support regarding all technical queries with numerous tailor-made offers
– ranging from basic support to individual support contracts.
You send queries to Technical Support via Web form:
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

[Link]/industry/supportrequest

SITRAIN – Digital Industry Academy

With our globally available training courses for our products and solutions, we help
you achieve with practical experience, innovative learning methods and a concept
that’s tailored to the customer's specific needs.
For more information on our offered trainings and courses, as well as their
locations and dates, refer to:
[Link]/sitrain

Service offer
Our service offer includes the following services:
• Product training
• Plant data services
• Spare parts services
• Repair services
• On-site and maintenance services
• Retrofitting and modernization services
• Service programs and contracts
You can find detailed information on our range of services in the service catalog:
[Link]

Industry Online Support app

You will receive optimum support wherever you are with the "Siemens Industry
Online Support" app. The app is available for iOS and Android:
[Link]

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

Entry ID: 101908495, V2.2, 07/2021 59
10 Appendix

10.2 Links & Literature

Table 10-1
Topic
\1\ Siemens Industry Online Support
[Link]
\2\ Link to this entry
[Link]
\3\ SIMATIC S7-1500 Getting Started
[Link]
\4\ "WinCC V7.2: Communication" manual
[Link]
\5\ "WinCC V7.3: Communication" manual
[Link]
\6\ "WinCC V7.4: Communication" manual
[Link]
\7\ Which quantity framework must you pay attention to for communication between an
S7-1200 or S7-1500 controller and WinCC Runtime Professional?
[Link]
© Siemens AG 2021 All rights reserved

\8\ Compatibility Tool for Automation and Drive Technology

[Link]
\9\ Why is the connection from WinCC to the S7 controller not established via TCP/IP?
[Link]
\10\ Joint Operation of WinCC V7 or WinCC V14/15 RT Prof. and Software Controller
[Link]

10.3 Change documentation

Table 10-2
Version Date Modifications
V1.0 10/2014 First version
V1.1 06/2015 CPU ET 200SP added.
V1.2 06/2016 Chapter 4 "Better overview of a large number of tags"
added.
V2.0 01/2018 Document revised regarding new functions with V7.4 SP1.
Several chapters added.
V2.1 04/2019 Document revised for WinCC V7.5.
V2.2 07/2021 Document revised for WinCC V7.5. SP1 and
WinCC V7.5. SP2

WinCC Communication to S7-1200/ S7-1500

Entry ID: 101908495, V2.2, 07/2021 60