S7 Charts is a new tool for programming automation projects using simple flowcharts within the SIMATIC STEP 7
S7 Charts is a new tool for programming automation projects using simple flowcharts within the SIMATIC STEP 7 programming and configuration suite. The tool allows users to design, develop and program flowcharts for the SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-400 programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and WinAC PC-based control platforms. It provides a complete development environment for control applications, including full graphical editor for multi-chart programs, powerful instruction editor with compiler, system wide cross-referencing and tag name browsing, and state-of-the-art documentation printing with preview capabilities. With a limited set of symbols, users can create process logic that is visually understandable and intuitively programmable, making flowcharts an ideal programming language for control application.
Executed code produced in the tool will not affect elements that have already been executed in an existing scan cycle, regardless of hardware platform (PLC, PC). S7-Charts has an open interface for generating flowcharts automatically by using common languages such as Visual Basic. This reduces the development time for creating large amounts of standard flowcharts that would otherwise be programmed manually. It uses Structured Text as it is defined in the IEC 61131-3 standard to program the flowchart elements. This language supports high-level language elements such as math and trig functions for complex calculations, array manipulation or control statements for data management.
Siemens Industry, Inc., Solutions, Automation & Drive Technologies, 4900 Old Ironsides Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95052-8075. Tel: ; Fax: 408-492-4703.
