Hi Everyone,

We haven't used software controller yet, but have experience with S7-1500 hardware controllers. For a current project we are leaning towards the software controller based on IPC427E, because of following advantages that I found from going through various manuals and datasheets

1) S7-1507S running on IPC has performance speed comparable to S7-1518, and it is cheaper in price.

2) IPC can run WinCC Advanced, so we don't have to buy another Comfort panel and cut cost, and spare inventory.

3) Using IPC it will be easier to interface SQL database and generate reports

So far software controller seems to be the way to go, but what are the drawbacks? Is there something I am missing out?

Please note that my application will require IO on ET200SP and ISOCHRONOUS mode.

Best Regards,
Anas

Hi,

for isochronous Prifinet you need aditional CP (CP1625) in the IPC.

Regards

Christoph

ChristophD

Hi,

for isochronous Prifinet you need aditional CP (CP1625) in the IPC.

Regards

Christoph

 Thank you for the tip.

Any other caveats/gotchas that I should be aware of while working with software controller and running HMI on same machine? Could you comment on my 1st point?

hi,

which 1st point exactly

Regards
Christoph

cnmautomation

Hi Everyone,

We haven't used software controller yet, but have experience with S7-1500 hardware controllers. For a current project we are leaning towards the software controller based on IPC427E, because of following advantages that I found from going through various manuals and datasheets

1) S7-1507S running on IPC has performance speed comparable to S7-1518, and it is cheaper in price.

2) IPC can run WinCC Advanced, so we don't have to buy another Comfort panel and cut cost, and spare inventory.

3) Using IPC it will be easier to interface SQL database and generate reports

So far software controller seems to be the way to go, but what are the drawbacks? Is there something I am missing out?

Please note that my application will require IO on ET200SP and ISOCHRONOUS mode.

Best Regards,
Anas

In regards to cost,

You need

S7-1507 Runtime License. 

Wincc Advanced Runtime including Tag License

Wincc Recipe/Logging License (for Alarm History)

If you want interface with external DB you may need an ODK License

I would also suggest to purchase the NV Ram option and a UPS1600 and install the Siemens Shutdown Manager.

I case of PC failure, make sure you have a HD image on hand you can reload on a new System and someone on hand that knows how to do it in when it happens at 2am in the morning

Regards / m.f.g