Using The S7-1500 Cpu As An Opc Ua Client; Overview And Requirements - Siemens SIMATIC ET 200AL System Manual

OPC UA communication

9.4 Using the S7-1500 CPU as an OPC UA client

9.4 Using the S7-1500 CPU as an OPC UA client
9.4.1

Overview and requirements

With STEP 7 (TIA Portal) Version V15.1 and higher, you can assign parameters and program
an OPC UA client that can read PLC tags in an OPC UA server. Furthermore it is possible to
transfer new values for PLC tags to an OPC UA server. In addition, you can call methods that
an OPC UA server provides in your user program. You use the instructions for OPC UA clients
in your user program for this.
The instructions of the OPC UA client are based on the standard "PLCopen OPC UA Client for
IEC61131-3".
PLCopen specification
With these standardized instructions, you can develop an OPC UA client functions in your user
program that can be executed in an S7-1500 CPU.
In addition, it is possible with just a few adaptations to run this user program in controllers of
other manufacturers if these manufacturers have also implemented the OPC UA Specification
"PLCopen OPC UA client for IEC61131-3".
Convenient editors in STEP 7
For the parameter assignment of the instructions for OPC UA clients, a convenient editor is
available in the TIA Portal – the connection parameter assignment (Page 218).
As of Version 15.1, STEP 7 also features an editor for client interfaces (Page 322).
This section describes how you work with these editors.
First, you will be shown how to create and configure a new interface with the interface
editor, because you need this type of interface for the subsequent connection parameter
assignment.
The description uses an example for better comprehensibility, see Description of the example
(Page 320).
Requirements
• You have the required runtime license for OPC UA and have configured the license in STEP
7 (CPU Properties > Runtime Licenses).
• The client of the S7-1500 CPU is activated.
To use the client of the S7-1500 CPU, you must enable it:
1. Select the area "OPC UA > Client" in the properties of the CPU.
2. Select the "Enable OPC UA client" option.
If you do not enable the client, the connection is not established. You receive a
corresponding error message at the instructions, for example "OPC_UA_Connect".
For information about the application name, which also applies to the server and the client,
see here (Page 218).
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Function Manual, 05/2021, A5E03735815-AJ
Communication