This guide explains how to simulate a PLC project in TIA Portal V16 using PLCSIM, and how to establish communication with WinCC 7.5. The process includes preparing the simulation environment, configuring communication settings, and verifying that the runtime is connected to the simulated CPU.
To complete the following steps, it is necessary to create a new WinCC project
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Open TIA Portal V16
Start TIA Portal V16 and create (or open) a project.
For this initial test, it is sufficient to include only the CPU in your project.
2. Start the Simulation
Click the Simulation icon to launch PLCSIM.
3. Download the Program to PLCSIM
Once PLCSIM is running, perform a Download to transfer your program to the simulated CPU.
4. Open the Windows Control Panel
Go to Control Panel → Set PG/PC Interface
5. Verify the Interface Selection
Ensure that the selected interface is:
S7ONLINE → PLCSIM.TCPIP
6. Open or Create a WinCC 7.5 Project
Launch WinCC 7.5 and wait for WinCC Explorer to open.
7. Open Tag Management
Double-click Tag Management in the project tree.
8. Edit Connection Parameters
Right-click the connection you have created and select Connection Parameters.
9. Set the IP Address
Enter the IP address of the CPU used in your TIA Portal project.
10. Select the Access Point
Set Access Point to: S7ONLINE
11. Select the Product Family
Choose S7-1500 connection (for this example).
12. Open Graphics Designer
Return to WinCC Explorer and double-click Graphics Designer.
Your first screen will open—do not edit it yet.
13. Save the Screen
Save the screen and name it, for example, mainScreen.
14. Set the Start Picture
Close the screen.
In the Graphics Designer folder, right-click the newly created screen and select Define Picture as Start Picture.
15. Start Runtime
From WinCC Explorer, select Start Runtime.
16. Check the Connection Status
Go to Tag Management and verify whether the connection shows “connected” or “disconnected.”
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