Automating with SIMATIC

Book excerpt: Totally Integrated Automation is the concept by means of which SIMATIC controls machines, manufacturing systems and technical processes. Taking the example of the S7-300/400 programmable controller, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the architecture and operation of a state-of-the-art automation system. It also gives an insight into configuration and parameter setting for the controller and the distributed I/O. Communication via network connections is explained, along with a description of the available scope for operator control and monitoring of a plant. As the central automation tool, STEP 7 manages all relevant tasks and offers a choice of various text and graphics-oriented PLC programming languages. The available languages and their respective different features are explained to the reader. For this third edition, the contents of all sections of the book have been revised, updated and the new data communications with PROFINET IO have been added. The STEP 7 basic software is explained in its latest version. The book is ideal for those who have no extensive prior knowledge of programmable controllers and wish for an uncomplicated introduction to this subject.