Hello guys,

Its been a year and I have faced few problems with software issue/ licensing and firmware update.

Please correct me if I am wrong or answer the statements marked as a question.

following are what I have observed please tell me if they are incorrect.

1. I was handed a PLC S7-1500 (CPU 1511 1PN) along with the Software TIA V16 Basic used to program it. This software was used to program the PLC but when I was using it, the Software license required an update to Professional version in order to access/write program inside the PLC.
2. If the PLC s7-1500 has a program downloaded into it with V16 TIA and I have version V17/V18 I will not be able to see the code inside the PLC.
3. If the PLC has an old firmware (2.1) S7-1200 CPU 1214C DC/DCRLY (6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0) and Siemen does not provide the firmware update for this model,  I wont be able to program it using the latest version of TIA V17 ( I will require an TIA V15 to program the PLC sitting on my desk).

Questions :

1. If Siemens releases a new software every time, it not being backward compatible to look into PLC that were programmed using old version of TIA ? That means a software (program has to be saved as a Golden unit) soi t can be used to update the older PLC’s?
2. Can in a 10-15 years times, will the PLC s7-1500( 1511-1PN) also run out of firmware updates Like S7-1200 mention earlier. Is there a solution to this ?
3. Does Siemen provide subscriptions etc to provide all the firmware/TIA/PLC updates. 
4. Details about CPU adn till when they will keep providing firmware updates are provided prior to buying the PLC?.

i have faced these problem over the a few months. and the kit will be installed where it will be in service for 15-20 years. and these questions are casuing a prblem of whether to Go with Siemen PlC.

Hello mohammed.hussain,

I tell you in parts:

- S7-1500 can only be programmed with the TIA Portal Professional license, TIA Portal Basic only allows S7-1200 to be programmed

- The 6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0 CPU only has up to firmware version V2.2, starting with this model they released new CPUs (6ES7 214-1HE31-0XB0 and 6ES7 214-1HE40-0XB0) with the new firmware versions but This does not prevent the CPU 6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0 from being used in TIA Portal V17/V18.

- The message you attach refers to the PLCSIM software which does not allow simulating S7-1200 CPUs with firmware lower than V4.0

- The CPUs that you mention that will no longer release firmware updates does not mean that they cannot continue to be programmed in new versions of TIA Portal, they simply do not release new firmwares.

JBS98

Hello mohammed.hussain,

I tell you in parts:

- S7-1500 can only be programmed with the TIA Portal Professional license, TIA Portal Basic only allows S7-1200 to be programmed

- The 6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0 CPU only has up to firmware version V2.2, starting with this model they released new CPUs (6ES7 214-1HE31-0XB0 and 6ES7 214-1HE40-0XB0) with the new firmware versions but This does not prevent the CPU 6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0 from being used in TIA Portal V17/V18.

- The message you attach refers to the PLCSIM software which does not allow simulating S7-1200 CPUs with firmware lower than V4.0

- The CPUs that you mention that will no longer release firmware updates does not mean that they cannot continue to be programmed in new versions of TIA Portal, they simply do not release new firmwares.

But just like V10,11 or12 are not avaialble to download any more. similarly after a few years will be the case with V17,V18.  ANd these would have to be kept in the locker so if they are needed we dont lose them?

The plan is to use PLC on Tankers to monitor some features. But these tanker comes back for service/maintance/upgrade after years. and a person going to fix / Miantain these PLC would have to have all the Versions. 

or if the firmware update runs out then you are left with no option but to upgrade the CPU.

( i know if i have the Plc and the current software to program it i should not worry about it new versions as i can use the one i have.) But how long does this last for.how frequent are these changes any idea?

sorry if im talking nonsense, 

JBS98

Hello mohammed.hussain,

- The 6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0 CPU only has up to firmware version V2.2, starting with this model they released new CPUs (6ES7 214-1HE31-0XB0 and 6ES7 214-1HE40-0XB0) with the new firmware versions but This does not prevent the CPU 6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0 from being used in TIA Portal V17/V18.

 But when i try to Downlaod the the simple 1 network code in PLC 6ES7 214-1HE30-0XB0 CPU

I face this, 

so i cant use any version of TIA to program a CPU

Also, this is the error i see when I try to access the code inside a CPU from accessible devices. With later version of TIA software.

TIA V15 f has been discontued stated by Siemen.

So if i am going to make somthing that will be in operation for next 10-15 years in 10 , 20 different places then if  recieve for isntance this unit, and realise that  the software does not support download/upload , due to old firmare, or nor can see what i wrote inside the PLC.

firmare stops , i have to upgrade the CPU to for example in this scenario with CPUs (6ES7 214-1HE31-0XB0 and 6ES7 214-1HE40-0XB0).

Or are these CPU's all released at the same time and is upto us to decide which one to choose?

Because keeping a track of all the softwares and firmwares etc can become hectic when the operating unit is in the Ocean.

How do other companies deal with this issue.

this might be extra problametic to mee as i am not a professional PLC guy

The software is removed from SIOS but if you contact Technical Support or a sales representative, it can continue to be provided to you.

Regarding the error that you attach in the images, you can update the program that is loaded on the CPU in the following way:

1. You open the version with which it was programmed. For example TIA V15

2. Download the PLC project and save it.

3. You open that saved project with another version of TIA (for example TIA V17) and it is updated

4. Load that updated project back into the PLC

The CPUs are not released all together, but new ones with improvements and behavioral corrections. From my point of view, it will take many years for an old CPU to no longer appear in new software.