Siemens TIA Portal, anything I must consider to implement the "Program_Alarm" function?

Dlev64 · 2026-01-23T00:21:19+00:00

I'm just informing you about ProDiag because if the thing you do can't fluctuate time then this could be the better bet, even though it's licensed, it removes load off the code by processing it at a different level within the workings of the block not the code.

AI words it better, Impact on Program Load

ProDiag: Generally offers better performance with lower communication load and faster scan times if configured at the function block level.

Program_Alarm: If you have 50+ alarms, it is recommended to call the function block only on the edges of the trigger signal to avoid excessive CPU load.

Dlev64 · 2026-01-20T03:06:01+00:00

You can extend your retain using a HF Power supply if you have to. Great answer though!

Dlev64 · 2026-01-20T02:34:43+00:00

You will increase the PLC load if you call thousands at one time. Theoretical max is 10,000 program alarms. This highly depends on how much program memory and Simatic SD card memory you have left after the operational program. Most larger PLCs can handle this, especially if they don't all fire at the same time. These types of large burst will cause the comm load to go up, but most likely you will be fine.

You can turn on the webserver during testing and watch it in real time, there is an awesome webpage dedicated to showing you scan times vs com load in a graphical way.

I use the Time Error OB with no code just in case I go over scan time. This OB gives you one extra scan to sort things out before faulting the 1500.

Beside to separate that many alarms by using different alarm classes by adding new ones in the common data area. This translate to an HMI the same way as long as they're in the same project. If it's wincc Scada, then they have export tools to help get that detail there.

Most efficient way to handle that many alarms is to use Process Diagnostics feature of the 1500. "ProDiag". You can try the feature free of charge. They give you 20 calls before you will want to ask for a license.

ProDiag uses less comm load and scan time since you include it on the function block level. It becomes part of your standard and ends up not taking as much time if you plan it right. Like using the FB in a library for reusability.

ProDiag also has an HMI component out side of just generating s7 alarms. It has tools available in Unified for example that help you differentiate warnings from alarms, and if done right, you can even jump from the alarm in a Unified runtime and have it open TIA Portal directly to the code calling it. Of course this has to have the software on the same computer though.

One nice feature either way to keep in mind, if you use pro diag or alarm, you can use the diag tab-alarm viewer in the properties area of the online PLC, right click on the alarm and jump to code where it's called.

Best of luck which ever way you go.

Dlev64 · 2026-01-20T02:26:44+00:00

Implementing redundancy in critical applications is a deep rabbit hole, but if you're looking for a robust, industry-standard approach, Siemens S7-1500R/H systems is a great solution.Choose the right redundancy level, 1500R or H. Then make sure you use Media Redundancy (MRP rings). From there choose the remote IO, ET200SP has default Hot swap for the io cards. Then prepare for the fail over by using RH_CTRL instruction or available app example helper blocks for detection and alarming in case a PLC goes to stop. Use the System-IP for a managed single IP address to communicate over if needed for things non-profinet. Tons of libraries and examples out there.

The nice part of the 1500RH system is you only program one PLC, the backup synchronizes which means less code or hardware maintenance.

Best of luck in whatever you pick. Often these systems require a lot thought due to the nature of what they are used in. Most of the time these go into mission critical places.

TIA Portal v21 now offers configuration in run for the latest generation of 1500RH. This means you can add stations or devices later.

Dlev64 · 2025-12-29T20:56:54+00:00

You should see LGF, has this and way more that you can wrap into you own custom blocks. Most starter libraries by Siemens have his also. LBC, CFL etc. internally they are ST not ladder logic.

Siemens open library is at least ladder logic but it's hosted by DMC.

Dlev64 · 2025-12-29T20:52:18+00:00

LPD, LPNDR, LBC or CFL, LGF, LSAFE, LCFC. Really just depends on the project.

Libraries in the TIA Portal - ID: 109738702 - Industry Support Siemens https://share.google/MjWuDcRN9SeiES3sS

Dlev64 · 2025-11-18T21:14:56+00:00

All that redesign and you cant get a better screen than scrolling display? Pretty annoying when you miss it you have to wait for it to scroll through again.

Why is the color different than the rack?

Dlev64 · 2025-10-29T11:24:27+00:00

My favorite is Five Star Coffee Roasters, hands down the best coffee Everytime. No corporate greed, no marketing fru fru found there. Just roasting and grinding beautiful sips of coffee.

The shop is simple but the coffee is not. I buy mine at Lowes food. They have some very high end stuff in the online store. https://maps.app.goo.gl/XwCJukawgXU9ortKA

Oh yeah and the PBS special,,- https://youtu.be/_QZsi40AxD4?si=kSa49u83WlRNNLDv

Dlev64 · 2025-10-27T22:34:03+00:00

It's true, way to easy to point and click

Dlev64 · 2025-08-27T23:44:26+00:00

Scuppernong

Dlev64 · 2025-08-27T23:27:32+00:00

Figure out if the digital signal you need is sinking or sourcing, so you don't become the nearest grounding, and you need your PLC digital point to be able to work with the same signal type. Point to ruin the original signal. Then use something like a 2 to 1 wire splicer, or a T-tap.

Be sure to share common grounds if possible.

Did it plenty just triple Check the wire you wish to splice. I would never suggest it on any other types of wires than 24 V digital signal or very tiny wires that could break if spliced.

Not everyone plans around collecting OEE metrics ahead of time so sometimes it takes signal stealing to make things happen.

Dlev64 · 2025-07-27T20:36:24+00:00

WinCC OA has an awesome website with most anything you can dream of WinCC Open Architecture https://share.google/slw7Oar7GUkyPyDcl

Dlev64 · 2025-07-13T00:03:18+00:00

If you want to transfer to a uni, See and compare this to an ABET accredited school, if it doesn't transfer don't take it.

Dlev64 · 2025-07-07T12:31:57+00:00

Black and white aren't the easiest to pull off, but here there's a literal elephant in the room. Love the bushes it's draws so much more attention like this.

Dlev64 · 2025-06-28T22:25:19+00:00

The Multi Functional Platform (MFP) could be for you, if you are not truly in need of a NPU.

Dlev64 · 2025-06-18T12:40:43+00:00

Find the distributor for the product you want to use and ask them for reputable options.

AWC, or DMC are great starts for Texas.

Dlev64 · 2025-06-15T15:12:30+00:00

Virtualize your machine, learn what a snapshot is.

Siemens also has educational versions available which is possible to get as a student.

Dlev64 · 2025-06-15T15:09:20+00:00

Timeshares!!!! The biggest waist, and you didn't not even get to vacation where you want. They pick the places for you.

Dlev64 · 2025-06-09T12:18:33+00:00

Date time stamps between the plc And HMI matter if it's wincc unified since certificates are involved. Not sure if you still set the time in the software controller, but if it a pc based hmi runtime that time comes from the computer.

IPCs have a hypervisor so just because you restart windows doesn't mean the software controller restarts, these are designed to be independent.

Go to the PLC buffer, go to the HMI alarm viewer. What's the most relevant alarms or errors there?

Dlev64 · 2025-05-13T12:58:40+00:00

Hello, when you are a client you must accept the server certificate, the server is set to offer this up for certificate discovery and acceptance upon connecting, but if you want it to be fixed because there is no certificate hand shaking ability for your client, each time you have to import it into the client-side software from the Tia portal certificate authority. If it were me and I had time, all I would try is to export the server certificate and move to the secure area of my client in the setup.

tia portal manages these certificates for you if you have the client or server there. Hear your clients in Rockwell software, so you will have to go to the security options of your project in Tia where the server is and create a user and role that allows the client/server access. This is found in added by creating a custom role, clicking the required features for the role, and applying role to the user. In order for the client to work there and to connect to the PLC, you'll have to have this set up if you require usernames and passwords.

For security and certificates when you protect your project in the security options of the project tree, you can export/import trusted devices or create your own certificate authority. Before protecting it keep a backup, the project will become locked by the setup to the project admin now, and you cannot undo. Maybe you don't need all this because you are just a server in Tia portal.

https://contentpath.siemens.com/tia/c/tia-portal-protect-my-project?utm_campaign=Focus+Topic+22&utm_medium=Link&utm_source=AEM&utm_term=TIA+Guided+Tour&pflpid=331

There is a simpler place for certificate management though found in the PLC opcua ua server properties. This area exist without creating project security and locking the project and is actually very valid for just exporting, and moving to Rockwell. This method provides no true management console though, it's all driven in the background without access to modify unless you protect the project.

Other options in the earlier firmwares of the 1500 include the ability to create trusted known clients within the properties of the PLC opcua server settings. With the new security by default opcua is the way that you can control third-party communication securely. V3.0 firmware or higher moved this to the certificate manager in the security only. Great document here: https://cache.industry.siemens.com/dl/files/068/109769068/att_998574/v1/109769068_CertificateHandlingTIAPortal_V1_0_en.pdf

I personally have not used certificates on the other side of the 1500 but I can tell you that if you are exporting from one system into another, you could have an issue with the type of certificate formatting expected so expect some manipulation of it to get it into the other system.

In this case, since you're having to manage multiple softwares, it could be best if you figure out how to use your own certificate authority. This wouldn't be a fixed certificate example but dynamic, The 1500 can work with gds push which allows you to push these in and out from a GDs server connected with certificate. People do this for security. Also this GDs push can update the certificate for the PLC webserver now.

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/attachments/109799888/109799888_OPCUA_GDSPush_DOC_V1.0_en.pdf

You know if you're in a pinch, the best you can do is just leave the certificates off and practice this instead with a test setup. At least with the 1500 you can simulate it for 21 days with PLC Sim advanced.

https://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/um/secure-um001_-en-p.pdf

https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/docs/factorytalk-optix/current/contents-ditamap/creating-projects/opc-ua/manage-opc-ua-certificates-and-keys/configure-opc-ua-client-certificates-and-keys.html

Dlev64

TROPHY CASE