Siemens Welding System ST PCS 7 User Manual

System architecture

Siemens ST PCS 7 · November 2007

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SIMATIC PCS 7 system configuration

The SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system is a significant com-

ponent of Totally Integrated Automation (TIA), the unique basis 

offered by Siemens for uniform and customized automation in all 

sectors of the production, process and hybrid industries. Using 

TIA, Siemens is the only company able to offer uniform automa-

tion technology on one single platform for all applications of pro-

cess automation, starting with input logistics, covering produc-

tion or primary processes as well as downstream (secondary) 

processes, up to output logistics. This is suitable for optimization 

of all operating sequences of an entire company, i.e. from the 

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) level and MES (Manage-

ment Execution System) level to the control level, right down to 

the field level. 
Integrated in a holistic automation solution for a production site, 

automation of the primary processes is the prime task of SI-

MATIC PCS 7. On the other hand, secondary processes (e.g. fill-

ing, packaging) or input/output logistics (e.g. raw material distri-

bution, storage) are frequently implemented using the PLC-

based or PC-based components of SIMATIC.
The advantages of Totally Integrated Automation, in particular 

the uniform data management, communication and configura-

tion, are already evident during planning and engineering, but 

also during installation and commissioning, everyday operation 

as well as maintenance, repairs and modernization.

Uniform data management means that all software components 

access a common database. Within a project, inputs and modi-

fications are therefore only necessary at one point. This reduces 

the work required, and simultaneously avoids potential faults. 

Once symbolic identifications have been introduced, they are 

understood by every software component. Data consistency is 

also guaranteed even if several persons are working simulta-

neously on a project. Parameters defined in the engineering sys-

tem can be transferred beyond the network limits down to sen-

sors, actuators or drives in the field.
Uniform communication from the corporate management level 

down to the field level is based on internationally recognized 

standards such as Industrial Ethernet or PROFIBUS, and also 

supports the global flow of information via the Internet. Since the 

hardware and software components involved also use these 

communications mechanisms, connections are extremely easy 

to configure, also cross-system or over different networks. 
The use of an engineering system with a uniform and matched 

range of tools minimizes the configuration overhead. The engi-

neering tools for the application software, the hardware compo-

nents and the communications functions can be called from a 

central project manager (SIMATIC Manager). This is also the ba-

sic application for creation, management, saving and documen-

tation of a project. 
Compatibility of further developments is guaranteed within TIA. 

This also guarantees that the company’s investments have a se-

cure future, and allows the company to modernize and expand 

the plants throughout the complete lifecycle.

INTERNET

INTERNET

DP/FF Link

FF-H1

SAP 

PROFIBUS PA 

PROFIBUS DP

PROFIBUS DP

 

PROFIBUS DP

Ethernet 

PROFIBUS PA 

MTA 

CO

x

, NO

x 

PROFIBUS PA

PROFIBUS DP

PROFIBUS PA

ET 200iSP
HART

Office LAN (Ethernet)

Active Field Splitter

Active Field Distributors

DP/PA link
with redundant
DP/PA couplers

Integrated Drives

ET 200M
single/redundant

ET 200M
with CP 341

Modbus, serial connection

DP/AS-Interface link

Industrial Ethernet, single/redundant

Management information/
Manufacturing Execution System

OS-LAN,  single/redundant

Standard and
F modules

ET 200M
F modules

Weighing systems

Ex operator
terminal

Ex I/O, HART

© Siemens AG 2007