There are some powerful new features now available with TOP Server V6.1. In case you missed it, I did a high-level post giving you an overview of the six biggest features from the V6.1 release - click here to see that post.
With Siemens controllers being one of the most widely used PLC brands in the automation world, we understand the importance of offering current connectivity for the latest Siemens devices. To that end, the Siemens Plus Suite is now available with TOP Server V6.1. Here are some of the key benefits available in the Siemens Plus Suite.
S7-1500 Symbolic Access
For several years, we've fielded requests from many of you, our users, asking for the ability to access the latest Siemens S7 controllers via symbolic addressing references (optimized block access). With the Siemens Plus Suite, we now include the OPC UA Client driver with updated support for complex structures for connectivity to the embedded OPC UA Server in your Siemens S7-1500 controller.
This is the method approved by Siemens for third-party access to symbolic addressing in the S7-1500. Yes, there are other methods being used to provide this functionality - but be aware of the risks involved when not using the Siemens-approved UA method. Any changes to the S7 Ethernet protocol by Siemens will result in these other methods being rendered non-functional.
Using an industry standard such as OPC UA ensures your S7-1500 connectivity will remain reliable and secure now and in the future. The embedded OPC UA Server is available for S7-1500 controllers running the latest Siemens firmware, V2.0.1, released in October 2016. Talk to your Siemens distributor about compatibility with your S7-1500 controllers and how to enable licensing for the embedded OPC UA Server.
Future S7-1200 Symbolic Access
And if you also have S7-1200 controllers, you're likely also aware that Symbolic Addressing is available with those controllers, as well. Siemens plans to also add support for an embedded OPC UA Server for the S7-1200 in a future firmware revision.
Legacy Access to Your Existing Siemens Installed Base
And last, but not least, the Siemens Plus Suite includes all of the classic Siemens connectivity drivers that have always been available in TOP Server for integrating your older models of S5 and S7 controllers including S7-200, S7-300 and S7-400 controllers:
- S7 Ethernet
- S7 Ethernet Unsolicited
- S7-200 PPI/PPM Serial
- S7-MPI
- S5 AS511 Serial
- S5 3964/3964R Serial
The latest TOP Server makes sure you have the ability to integrate all of your Siemens devices. And if you have an existing TOP Server Siemens Suite with a current support/maintenance agreement, upgrades are available to the Siemens Plus Suite - contact us to find out more.
If you're interested in learning more about the other features introduced with TOP Server V6.1, don't forget to have a look at my TOP Server V6.1 main features post. Or, have a look at the full release notes - click for details.
And please visit our updated TOP Server V6 Focus Website for other useful information. Download your free trial of TOP Server V6.1 today to get started integrating your Siemens devices.
