Training Curriculum

TIA Portal Module 010

Global Data Blocks
for the SIMATIC S7-1500

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Table of contents
1 Goal................................................................................................................................................. 313
2 Prerequisite...................................................................................................................................... 313
3 Required hardware and software..................................................................................................... 314
4 Theory.............................................................................................................................................. 315
4.1 Data blocks.............................................................................................................................. 315
4.2 Data types of the SIMATIC S7-1500........................................................................................316
4.3 Optimized blocks..................................................................................................................... 317
4.4 Download without reinitialization.............................................................................................. 317
5 Task................................................................................................................................................. 318
6 Planning........................................................................................................................................... 318
6.1 Global data block for speed control and speed monitoring of the motor..................................318
6.2 Technology diagram................................................................................................................ 318
6.3 Reference list........................................................................................................................... 319
7 Structured step-by-step instructions................................................................................................. 320
7.1 Retrieve an existing project...................................................................................................... 320
7.2 Create the global data block "SPEED_MOTOR".....................................................................321
7.3 Access to data of the data block in the organization block.......................................................325
7.4 Save and compile the program................................................................................................ 329
7.5 Download the program............................................................................................................. 330
7.6 Monitor/modify values in data blocks.......................................................................................330
7.7 Initialize setpoints/reset start values........................................................................................ 331
7.8 Snapshots in data blocks......................................................................................................... 333
7.9 Expand data block and download it without reinitialization......................................................335
8 Checklist.......................................................................................................................................... 339

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GLOBAL DATA BLOCKS FOR THE

SIMATIC S7-1500
1 Goal
In this chapter, you will become acquainted with the use of global data blocks for the SIMATIC
S7-1500 with the TIA Portal programming tool.
The module explains the structure and creation of and access to global data blocks for the
SIMATIC S7-1500. It also shows the steps for creating a global data block in the TIA Portal
and for accessing this data in the program with read and write access.

2 Prerequisite
This chapter builds on the chapter Analog Values with the SIMATIC S7 CPU1516F-3 PN/DP.

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3 Required hardware and software

1 Engineering station: requirements include hardware and operating system
(for additional information, see Readme on the TIA Portal Installation DVDs)

2 SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional software in TIA Portal – as of V1X

3 SIMATIC S7-1500/S7-1200/S7-300 controller, e.g. CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP –

Firmware as of V1.6 with memory card and 16DI/16DO and 2AI/1AO
Note: The digital inputs and analog inputs and outputs should be fed out to a control
panel.

4 Ethernet connection between engineering station and controller

2 SIMATIC STEP 7
Professional (TIA
1 Engineering station Portal) as of V1X

4 Ethernet connection

Control panel
3 SIMATIC S7-1500 controller

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4 Theory
4.1 Data blocks
In contrast to logic blocks, data blocks contain no instructions. Rather, they serve as memory
for user data.
Data blocks thus contain variable data that is used by the user program. You can define the
structure of global data blocks as required.
Global data blocks store data that can be used by all other blocks (see Figure 1). Only the
associated function block should access instance data blocks. The maximum size of data
blocks varies depending on the utilized CPU.

Function_10

Global DB Access for all blocks

(DB_Global)

Function_11

Function_ Instance DB Access only for

block_12 (DB_Instance) Function_data_block_12

Figure 1: Difference between global DB and instance DB.

Application examples for global data blocks are:

 Saving of information about a storage system. "Which product is located where?"
 Saving of recipes for particular products.
The data in data blocks is stored retentively in most cases. This data is then retained in the
event of a power failure or after a STOP/START of the CPU.

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4.2 Data types of the SIMATIC S7-1500

The SIMATIC S7-1500 has many different data types for representing different numerical
formats. A list of some of the elementary data types is given below.

Data type Size (bits) Range Example of constant entry

Bool 1 0 to 1 TRUE, FALSE, O, 1
Byte 8 16#00 to 16#FF 16#12, 16#AB
Word 16 16#0000 to 16#FFFF 16#ABCD, 16#0001
DWord 32 16#00000000 to 16#FFFFFFFF 16#02468ACE
Char 8 16#00 to 16#FF 'A', ‘r’, ‘@’
Sint 8 -128 to 127 123,-123
Int 16 -32,768 to 32,767 123, -123
Dint 32 -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647 123, -123
USInt 8 0 to 255 123
Ulnt 16 0 to 65,535 123
UDInt 32 0 to 4,294,967,295 123
Real 32 +/-1.18 x 10 -38 to +/-3.40 x 10 38 123.456, -3.4, 1.2E+12
3.4E-3
LReal 64 +/-2.23 x 10 -308 to +/-1.79 x 10 308 12345.123456789
-1.2E+40
Time 32 T#-24d_20h_31 m_23s_648ms to T#5m_30s
T#24d_20h_31 m_23s_647ms 5#-2d
Saved as: -2,147,483,648 ms to T#1d_2h_15m_30x_45ms
+2,147,483,647 ms
String Variable 0 to 254 characters in byte size 'ABC'
Array With arrays, data of a uniform data
type is arranged one after the other
and addressed consecutively in the
address area. The properties of
each array element are identical
and are configured in the array tag.
Struct The STRUCT data type represents
a data structure that consists of a
fixed number of components of
different data types. Components of
STRUCT or ARRAY data type can
also be nested in a structure.
… For other data types, refer to the
online help.

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4.3 Optimized blocks

S7-1500 controllers have optimized data storage. In optimized blocks all tags are
automatically sorted based on their data type. The sorting ensures that data gaps between the
tags are minimized and the tags are stored in a manner that optimizes their access by the
controller.
– The tags are always accessed as fast as possible because the file storage by the
system is optimized and is independent of the declaration.
– There is no danger of inconsistencies due to incorrect, absolute accesses because
symbolic access is generally used.
– Declaration changes do not result in access errors because accesses by process
visualization systems, for example, occur symbolically.
– Individual tags can be selectively defined as retentive.
– No settings are needed or possible in the instance data block. Everything will be set in
the assigned FB (e.g., retentivity).
– Memory reserves in the data block enable changes to be made without loss of actual
values (download without reinitialization).

4.4 Download without reinitialization

To enable the subsequent editing of user programs that are already running in a CPU, the S7-
1500 controllers support the option of expanding the interfaces of optimized function or data
blocks during operation. You can download the modified blocks without switching the
controller to STOP mode and without affecting the actual values of previously downloaded
tags.

Figure 2: Download without reinitialization

The following steps can be performed while the controller is in RUN mode:
1. Activate "Download without reinitialization"
2. Insert newly defined tags in an existing block
3. Download expanded block to the controller
The newly defined tags are initialized. The existing tags retain their current value.
Prerequisite: a memory reserve must have been defined for the block beforehand and the
block with this memory reserve must have downloaded to the CPU.

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5 Task
In this chapter, the program from chapter Analog will be expanded to include a data block that
centrally provides the parameters for the two functions "MOTOR_SPEEDCONTROL“ [FC10]
and "MOTOR_ SPEEDMONITORING“ [FC11].

6 Planning
The data management and setpoint setting for the "MOTOR_SPEEDCONTROL" [FC10] and
"MOTOR_SPEEDMONITORING" [FC11] functions will be carried out using the global data
block "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2].
This will be added to the "032-500_Analog_Values" project. This project must be retrieved
from the archive beforehand.
In the "Main" [OB1] organization block, the two functions "MOTOR_SPEEDCONTROL" [FC10]
and "MOTOR_SPEEDMONITORING" [FC11] must then be connected with the tags from
global data block "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2].

6.1 Global data block for speed control and speed monitoring of the
motor
Speed setpoint and actual speed value will be created in Real data format (32-bit floating-point
number) as the first tags in the "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2] data block. The speed setpoint is
thereby given the start value + 14 U/min
A structure (Struct) 'Positive_Speed' will then be created for monitoring the positive speed
limits.
This structure contains the 2 tags 'Threshold_Error' (start value + 15 rpm) and
'Threshold_Warning' (start value + 10 rpm) in Real data format (32-bit floating-point number)
and the 2 tags 'Error' and 'Warning' in Bool data format (binary number).
The structure (Struct) 'Positive_Speed' will then be inserted again as a copy and renamed to
'Negative_Speed' for monitoring the negative speed limits.
The 'Threshold_Error' tag is given the start value - 16 rpm and the 'Threshold_Warning' tag
the start value - 14 rpm.

6.2 Technology diagram

Here you see the technology diagram for the task.

Figure 3: Technology diagram

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Figure 4: Control panel

6.3 Reference list

The following signals are required as global operands for this task.

DI Type Identifier Function NC/NO

I 0.0 BOOL -A1 Return signal emergency stop OK NC
I 0.1 BOOL -K0 Main switch "ON" NO
Manual = 0
I 0.2 BOOL -S0 Mode selector manual (0)/ automatic (1)
Auto = 1

I 0.3 BOOL -S1 Pushbutton automatic start NO

I 0.4 BOOL -S2 Pushbutton automatic stop NC

I 0.5 BOOL -B1 Sensor cylinder -M4 retracted NO

I 1.0 BOOL -B4 Sensor part at slide NO
I 1.3 BOOL -B7 Sensor part at end of conveyor NO

Sensor actual value speed +/-10V

IW64 BOOL -B8
corresponds to +/- 50 rpm

DO Type Identifier Function

Q 0.2 BOOL -Q3 Conveyor motor -M1 variable speed

Manipulated value speed of the motor in 2

QW 64 BOOL -U1
directions +/- 10V corresponds to +/- 50 rpm

Legend for reference list

DI Digital Input
DO Digital Output
AI Analog Input
AO Analog Output
I Input
Q Output
NC Normally Closed

NO Normally Open

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7 Structured step-by-step instructions

You can find instructions on how to carry out planning below. If you already have a good
understanding of everything, it will be sufficient to focus on the numbered steps. Otherwise,
simply follow the detailed steps in the instructions.

7.1 Retrieve an existing project

 Before we can expand the "SCE_EN_032-500_Analog_Values_R1508.zap13" project
from chapter "SCE_EN_032-500 Analog Values", we must retrieve this project from the
archive. To retrieve an existing project that has been archived, you must select the
relevant archive with  Project  Retrieve in the project view. Confirm your selection
with Open.
( Project  Retrieve  Select a .zap archive  Open)

 The next step is to select the target directory where the retrieved project will be stored.
Confirm your selection with "OK".
( Target directory  OK)

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 Save the opened project under the name 032-600_Global_Data_Blocks.

( Project  Save as …  032-600_Global_Data_Blocks  Save)

7.2 Create the global data block "SPEED_MOTOR"

 Select the 'Program blocks' folder of your CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP and then click "Add new
block" to create a new global data block there.

( CPU_1516F [CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP]  Add new block)

 Select in the next dialog and rename your new block to: "SPEED_MOTOR". Select
'Global DB' as the type. The number '2' will be automatically assigned. Select the "Add
new and open" check box. Click "OK".

(  Name: SPEED_MOTOR  Type: Global DB  Add new and open  OK)

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 The "SPEED_MOTOR" data block is automatically displayed. Start by creating the

'Speed_Setpoint' and 'Speed_Actual_Value' tags shown here with their associated
comments. Select 'Real' as the data type. Also set a start value of 10.0 rpm for the
'Speed_Setpoint'.
( Speed_Setpoint  Real  14.0  Speed_Actual_Value  Real)

Note: Be sure to use the correct data types.

 Next we create a tag structure 'Struct' so it can be duplicated later.

( Struct)

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 Name the structure 'Positive_Speed' and enter a comment.

( Positive_Speed)

 Create the tags for the speed monitoring below the structure as shown here.

Note: Be sure to use the correct data types.

 Then select the structure and copy it.

( Copy)

 Paste the copied structure below the 'Positive_Speed' structure again.

( Paste)

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 Rename the new structure to 'Negative_Speed' and enter a comment.

( Negative_Speed)

Do not forget to click . The finished global data block "SPEED_MOTOR"

[DB2] is shown below. Check to verify that Retain is selected and the corresponding
start value is entered for all tags. The data will thus be retained in the data block even
after a power failure or a STOP/START of the CPU. The check boxes for 'Accessible from
HMI' and 'Visible in HMI' should also all have a check mark so that all tags in future
expansions of this project will be accessible by the visualization systems (HMI). We will
select the 'Setpoint' check box only for the default values in our data block.
( )

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Note: The use of setpoints is described further below in the step-by-step instructions of the
module.

7.3 Access to data of the data block in the organization block

 Open the "Main [OB1]" organization block with a double-click.

 Delete the temporary tags in Main [OB1] that are no longer needed. Only the Boolean tag
'Motor_Speed_Control_Ret_Val' is still needed.
( Delete)

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 Have the "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2] data block and the "Main" [OB1] organization block
displayed side by side by clicking the ' ' icon to vertically split the editor area.

( )

 Use drag-and-drop to move the tags needed for the interconnection from the
"SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2] data block onto the connections of the called functions and
function blocks in the "Main" [OB1] organization block. First we move the
'Speed_Actual_Value' tag onto the 'Actual_speed' output of the
"MOTOR_SPEEDMONITORING" [FC11] block.
( Speed_Actual_Value)

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 Also connect the other contacts in Network 1 with tags from the "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2]
data block as shown here.

 Connect the contacts in Network 2 with tags from the "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2] data block
as shown here.

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 Connect the contacts in Network 3 with tags from the "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2] data block
as shown here.

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7.4 Save and compile the program

 To save your project, click the button in the menu. To compile all blocks,

click the "Program blocks" folder and select the icon for compiling in the menu.

(  Program blocks  )

 The "Info", "Compile" area shows which blocks were successfully compiled.

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7.5 Download the program

 After successful compilation, the complete controller with the created program including
the hardware configuration can, as described in the previous modules, be downloaded.

( )

7.6 Monitor/modify values in data blocks

 The desired block must be open for monitoring the tags of a downloaded data block. The

monitoring can then be activated/deactivated by clicking the icon.

( SPEED_MOTOR [DB2]  )

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 In the 'Monitor value' column, the values currently available in the CPU can be monitored.

 If your right-click on one of the values, the 'Modify' dialog for modifying this value opens
( Modify  Modify value: 14.0  OK)

7.7 Initialize setpoints/reset start values

 The setpoints can be initialized by clicking the ' ' icon. For the tags whose 'Setpoint'
check box is selected , the start value will then be applied as the current value.

( )

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 All start values can be reset by clicking the icon.

( )

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7.8 Snapshots in data blocks

 If you click the ' ' icon, a snapshot of the monitored values can be taken in order to
apply these values as start values or to transfer them back to the CPU later

( ).

 Alternatively, values from the snapshot can be applied by clicking the ' ' icon for all

values or by clicking the ' ' icon for the start values only. Only the setpoints are needed
here in most cases

( )

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 To transfer data captured in the snapshot back to the CPU, you must click ' '.

( )

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 If you want to overwrite all setpoints with the start values, you can initiate this by clicking '

'. The values in the CPU for which the 'Setpoint' check box was not selected are
thereby retained.

( )

7.9 Expand data block and download it without reinitialization

 To enable 'Download without reinitialization' for the "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB2] data block,

you must ' ' and then open the properties of the data block.

(  SPEED_MOTOR [DB2]  Properties)

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 Select the 'Optimized block access' check box in the properties under 'General',
'Attributes'.
( General  Attributes  Optimized block access)

 Assign a 'Retentive memory reserve' to the data block for 'Download without
reinitialization'.
(Download without reinitialization  Retentive memory reserve  10 bytes  OK)

 Download your "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB] data block to the controller again and select '

'.

(SPEED_MOTOR [DB]   )

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 Then click the ' ' icon to activate download without reinitialization and confirm the safety
prompt with 'OK'.

(  OK)

 Next add any tag in your data block

( Name: Value_test  Data type: Real  Start value: 99)

 Download your "SPEED_MOTOR" [DB] data block to the controller again.

(SPEED_MOTOR [DB]   Download)

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 If you click ' ' to monitor the block again, you will see that the monitored values have
not been overwritten with the start values.

( )

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8 Checklist
No. Description Completed

1 Data block SPEED_MOTOR [DB2] successfully created.

2 Program changes made in Main [OB1].

3 Compiling successful and without error message

4 Download successful and without error message

Switch on station (-K0 = 1)

Cylinder retracted / Feedback activated (-B1 = 1)
EMERGENCY OFF (-A1 = 1) not activated
AUTOMATIC mode (-S0 = 1)
Pushbutton automatic stop not actuated (-S2 = 1)
5 Briefly press the automatic start pushbutton (-S1 = 1)
Sensor part at slide activated (-B4 = 1)
then Conveyor motor M1 variable speed (-Q3 = 1)
switches on and stays on.
The speed corresponds to the speed setpoint in the range +/-
50 rpm
Sensor part at end of conveyor activated (-B7 = 1)  -Q3 = 0
6
(after 2 seconds)
Briefly press the automatic stop pushbutton (-S2 = 0)  -Q3 =
7
0

8 Activate EMERGENCY OFF (-A1 = 0)  -Q3 = 0

9 Manual mode (-S0 = 0)  -Q3 = 0

10 Switch off station (-K0 = 0)  -Q3 = 0

11 Cylinder not retracted (-B1 = 0)  -Q3 = 0

12 Speed > Motor_speed_monitoring_error_max  -Q3 = 0

13 Speed < Motor_speed_monitoring_error_min  -Q3 = 0

14 Project successfully archived

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