S7-1200 flexible configuration or CM disable at runtime

Hello,

I have a machine that is mass produced. This machine has various options, one of them is, that it offers Modbus RTU communication. I want to have just one PLC program for S7-1200 for all variants of the machine. Even if it has different HW configuration. I tested Configuration control feature:

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/de/en/view/29430270

and it works ok, BUT, only for HW modules that are attached to the right of the S7-1200 PLC (slots 2 to 9). But not for communication modules (slots 101 to 103). CM can only be present or not configured, no option for “not present” like for other slots. I don’t understand why this limitation exists for slots 101 to 103.

In cases when customer orders machine without Modbus RTU communication option, module CM1241 in not necessary, so it’s not installed physically in the machine electrical cabinet. Consequently, red ERROR LED on PLC is lit and fault code is present on the PLC: 16# 02:3951   Error: Hardware component removed or missing

It's not acceptable to leave it like that, since anyone who sees red ERROR led on the PLC is concerned.

Does anyone have any other idea how I could “disable” CM1241 module when it’s not needed. Or perhaps mask “Hardware component removed or missing” error for this particular module or slot.

I have some experience with B&R PLCs and they have some system libraries that allow such things, but for SIEMENS I wasn’t able to find such options so far.

Thank you for your support, best regards.

Hi simuser888,

I've the situation and I like to know if there is found a solution for this? (How to configure the CM modules from code)


Best regards,

jeroen