Siemens announces the release of two firmware updates for Simatic controllers that provide new functions. The Simatic S7-1500 firmware V2.8 from Siemens improves cross-device capabilities for data integration and diagnostics functions.
The new Simatic S7-1200 firmware V4.4 extends the communication functions of the Simatic S7-1200, enhancing cross-platform data transfer with other controllers and higher-level or cloud-based systems such as ERP, SCADA and Mindsphere. The applications are numerous, ranging from industrial use to agriculture and infrastructure projects.
The V2.8 firmware for the Simatic S7-1500 CPUs now makes remote access to the Simatic S7-1500 controllers possible via different IP networks. Sensitive email data is protected and encrypted via secured emails with a file attachment. An innovated web server provides easy and secure data integration. This allows users, for example, to make standardized access to variables for their own evaluations. In addition, the new Simatic S7-1500 CPUs offer a wide range of diagnostics functions: The cross-device project trace permits improved plant diagnostics – regardless of the CPU involved. The diagnostics functions for the OPC UA server have also been extended. Thanks to the online diagnostics view, diagnostics buffer entries and the OPC UA connection display, communication errors can be found and rectified more quickly. With the new firmware 2.8, it is only necessary to restart the OPC UA server for TIA Portal downloads when changes have been made to OPC UA-relevant data, which shortens loading times.
The new Simatic S7-1200 firmware V4.4 improves connectivity with new communication functions. OPC UA Data Access as a server enables standardized horizontal and vertical communication as well as the fulfilment of industry-specific standards such as OMAC PackML or Weihenstephan. This helps the user to securely transmit sensitive email data as well as machine-to-machine communication via data access. The Siemens OPC UA Modelling Editor (SiOME) means that users can define OPC UA information models as well as map exiting industry-specific companion specifications on the Simatic control. Optional push-in terminal blocks simplify handling through tool-free installation.