New Step 7 features for Simatic S7-1200 controller and HMIs

A new FieldRead command enables data to be read from tables with a variable index and the new FieldWrite command enables writing. Indirect addressing tasks can therefore be easily implemented in the user program.

For HMI tasks the number of configurable internal and external variables for the Basic Panels has been increased: 250 variables for the KTP400 Basic mono PN and 500 variables for each of the KTP600 Basic mono PN, KTP600 Basic colour PN, KTP1000 Basic colour PN and TP1500 Basic colour PN versions.

The new converting tool enables Simatic S7-200 project programs to be reused in Simatic S7-1200 controllers, which means that Step 7 Micro/Win programs can be easily converted to Step 7 Basic. In the process, functions are automatically divided into individual program blocks, and the comments and titles of the networks and the network numbers are retained. Nearly all the commands can be converted directly, and non-convertible code is specially highlighted. The converter is available for downloading free of charge from the service and support pages of the Simatic section of the Siemens website.

With the Chinese program interface, Step 7 Basic now has six language versions, the others being English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Language selection is by means of a mouse click.

For more information go to www.siemens.com/simatic-step7.