Technoshorts

EtherNet/IP Communication with S7-1200/1500 Controllers

The EtherNet/IP protocol in SIMATIC S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers is implemented using function blocks compliant with the Open User Communication standard. Its deployment is supported by two software libraries.The EtherNet/IP Scanner library provides the function blocks required to use a SIMATIC controller as a master device. The second library, EtherNet/IP Adapter, enables communication between a SIMATIC controller and another master PLC supporting the EtherNet/IP protocol.Watch Technoshots to learn how to quickly and easily establish communication between an EtherNet/IP-enabled device and a Siemens SIMATIC S7 series controller.

HMI and PROFINET I/O – What to Do When Communication Is Not Working?

HMI panels and PROFINET I/O devices are among the fundamental components of modern machines and equipment. Over years of market presence, they have rightfully earned a strong position among key industrial solutions. Although they are well known to automation engineers, they can sometimes present unexpected issues—such as a lack of communication.Interestingly, this is usually not the result of a failure, but rather minor mistakes or oversights during the configuration stage. Watch Technoshots to explore the most common challenges associated with these devices and learn how to effectively address them.

LOGO! 8 – A Complete Beginner’s Guide

LOGO! 8 programmable relays are used in a wide range of automation projects. They are an excellent choice wherever fast, simple, and compact solutions are needed for basic control and regulation tasks. This makes them ideal for applications such as small standalone industrial machines or solutions aimed at improving comfort and safety in buildings.Watch Technoshots to learn how to easily configure LOGO! 8 and effectively handle potential challenges that may arise during their implementation.

Technology Objects in TIA Portal

Controlling machine motion can be a significant challenge for automation engineers. However, by using technology objects, this task can be accomplished quickly and easily.Technology objects are specialized program blocks available in SIMATIC controllers. They are used to perform motion control tasks such as speed control, axis positioning, and motion synchronization. They integrate hardware configuration, control functions, and diagnostics, which greatly simplifies the development of Motion Control applications.Watch Technoshots to learn how to configure a positioning axis technology object for the SINAMICS S210 drive system step by step in the TIA Portal environment.

License Management in Automation License Manager

In modern industrial automation, software plays a crucial role. Therefore, proper license management is an important aspect to consider. To make this task easier, Siemens has developed a dedicated tool—the Automation License Manager.It is a platform for managing Siemens software licenses, primarily for the TIA Portal family, STEP 7, WinCC, and other industrial automation tools. The tool provides clear visibility into the software being used.Watch Technoshots to explore the capabilities of this tool and ensure that expired or missing licenses don’t catch you off guard at the most unexpected moment.

Virtual Assistant and Other Ways to Get Technical Support

Siemens has launched the SiePortal platform—a new version of the Siemens Industry Online Support website. It provides a single place to access Siemens products and services, along with related technical support.Support is provided, among other tools, by a Virtual Assistant, which offers real-time assistance 24/7. This means that for many inquiries, there is no need to wait for a response from the technical support team—you can get answers instantly. For more complex issues, direct contact with the technical support team remains available.Watch Technoshots to explore our new platform and learn more about the technical support options offered by Siemens Poland.

How can SIWAREX weighing modules be easily configured using MFCT software and a web server?

Ensuring high precision in processes such as weighing, measuring, and dosing requires the use of appropriate equipment. A good example is SIWAREX weighing modules.

They are available for a wide range of sensor types and integrate seamlessly with SIMATIC devices and the TIA Portal platform. They are widely used in the process industry.

Watch Technoshorts to learn how to easily configure SIWAREX weighing modules using the MFCT software and the integrated web server.

How can servo drives be efficiently configured to operate with torque limiting?

High precision and high performance make servo drives suitable for a wide range of applications. An interesting example of their use is in implementations where motor operation must be carried out with torque limitation.

However, when configuring devices for such tasks, many factors need to be considered, such as the default torque limit value or whether the controller should monitor parameters related to positioning quality. For this reason, the task can sometimes be quite challenging.

Watch Technoshorts to learn how to easily configure servo drives for operation with torque limitation using TIA Portal and the MC_TORQUELIMITING and MC_TORQUERANGE function blocks.

What should be considered when selecting a 24 V DC UPS and batteries for designed applications?

Ensuring a reliable power supply for a control cabinet in the event of a primary power failure is a critical task. Depending on the required backup time, several solutions are available that can provide power continuity for up to several hours.Watch Technoshorts to learn how to optimally select a 24 V DC UPS and batteries for your applications, as well as what to consider when configuring a UPS to ensure reliable operation and appropriate backup times.

How can WinCC Unified PC Runtime applications be implemented effectively and safely, and how can “backdoors” for unforeseen situations be closed?

When commissioning computer‑based visualization systems, it is crucial to ensure that the system operates reliably and without the need for constant supervision. However, it sometimes happens that an application which has been running flawlessly for a long time suddenly stops working.

Many of these issues can be avoided—the key lies in carefully planned configuration during the commissioning phase.

Watch Technoshorts to learn how to effectively and securely deploy WinCC Unified PC Runtime applications, and find out how to “close the gaps” to prevent potential, unforeseen issues.

What features and functionalities does the Cennik 10.0 application offer?

Creating lists of components required for project implementation is a very important task. However, in larger projects, it is easy to make mistakes. To avoid this, it is worth simplifying the process and even partially automating it.

This is possible thanks to our Price List 10.0 application. With its help, you can quickly and efficiently select the necessary components from the current Siemens portfolio.

Watch Technoshorts to learn more about Price List 10.0 and all the features and functionalities available to its users.

When should a standard drive be used, and when is it better to choose a servo drive?

Selecting the right drives for an automation project can be challenging. Much depends on the type of application as well as the nature of the operation the device will be used for. Moreover, within a single system, several types of drives may be used, depending on whether continuous or sequential motion is required.

So when should you use a standard drive, and when is it better to choose a servo drive?

Watch Technoshorts to find the answer and learn which solution is best suited for specific applications, as well as how to easily select the optimal drive for a given task.