PLC Software Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 Lite Programming
When you hear the word “Lite” software, and you tend to think that software is really useful. Depending on your needs, this may not be the case with Siemens STEP 7 Lite package. Four major constraints in the STEP 7 Lite verses advanced STEP 7 package are:
Support for SIMATIC S7-300 PLC, C7 all-in-One HMI and PLC are limited, intelligent CPU ET200M Distributed I / O family. So no programming S7-200 or S7-400 series PLC.
No network at all. Remote I / O racks (IM modules) are supported, but not for Profibus DP, even if you have a DP port on the CPU.
No support for multi-projects or HMI integration.
No communication processors (CP) or functional modules (FM) supports.
If you would like further information, see our chart of differences between the STEP 7 program packages. Thus, there is quite a big limitation, Step 7 Lite software to further your reading this review at the end of May.
On the other hand, the current availability of free download SIMATIC Step 7 Lite software enables incredibly tempting to look at it. If you are on Siemens S7-300 C7 ET200M or a standalone application without special needs (CP or FM), then I could recommend the Lite package. This is to facilitate same functions as regular Step 7 software packages, plus some excellent surface characteristics of eye and brain. It is possible (though not easy to convert) No software in STEP 7 STEP 7 Lite, and vice versa created with regard to restrictions on the Lite version. Because the packets bear many similarities there are also easy for students in any learning about Lite package for transmission via STEP 7
For regular users of the STEP 7 software, the first thing to note is SIMATIC Manager. This is because the Lite version does not support multi-projects or networks. STEP 7 Lite software will be open to the editor.
The overall objective of the package Lite is a simpler interface for new users. I think they do when it friendly for all concerned. Added graphics and color are a welcome addition. Another nice feature is a friendly extended hover help menu and icons, click on the tool tip, where it expands into additional help. On the pop-up dialogue clearer than its counterparts in STEP 7 are known.
One major difference is in the left window to see. Almost everything the programmers needed for the maintenance of the project is properly organized here. There is also a convenient thumb tack icon or pin it to the film automatically and, if necessary.
On the right side is the old familiar tree structure of commands and units. It lacks a little fast with the windows down, just moving the mouse pointer over the command that was given to Fuller’s (F1 replaced, works the same way). FC and FB-blocks have been moved here from a logical point in the project panel on the left side.
On the left side bar - CPU Score and Window project
The upper part contains a CPU box with easy access to controls, diagnostics (Ctrl + D) and set the CPU. This is not something I feel is essential that all the time, so I minimized it. Pity that there is no obvious way to get rid of just all be together again.
The project window is beneath great. Everything is there for your hardware documentation. Something I am excited to bookmarks under a separate offline and online versions. At a regular STEP 7 software, there is often confusion when you are offline or online. STEP 7 Lite minimize that through planned and clearly differentiated by color for the confusion, while blocking open online. And if that’s not all, say the icon next to the hardware, each block once, the difference between offline and online versions. You simply get the mouse on the icon for more information.
It is also beautiful, clear all the blocks of color-coded and nicely decorated. You can drag and drop that somewhere in the list. There is also a new feature “Category”, which only adds organizational label between the blocks. In this picture, I added the category “Data Engine” and “specific information”. This could be very useful for grouping logical units in larger projects.
I also like the new way of building blocks. From the drop-down menu, select Add | Block … and this handy dialog box opens with all the selections from it. Even the OB has a nice selection drop-down box of all OBs are available with their symbolic names.
Hardware Manager
The biggest change of all is the new hardware manager. The layout is great and will be expected without the need for network factor. Just drag and drop your hardware for image and off you go. There is also a nice feature hardware comparison shows clearly the differences between offline and online settings.
Editor Dialog
Much of the editor is just like her big sister STEP 7 Much, “is missing in action” is a detailed view that provides quick access to information, cross reference, address info, etc. Some I can give is to restore a simple explanation of the table. Instead of a tree like structure, it is a simple table with a column indicating a statement. This means that without the knowledge to dig through the tree, only to see the declaration of all variables.
Completion
Other then what we are all ready provided there are no other significant differences. Symbol table monitor / change (aka VAT) and reference data are very similar 7 Overall, the pace when you can live with the restrictions, STEP 7 Lite version of a great little package. Hopefully some of the better implementations, see the STEP 7 software.
