Introduction

S7-PLCSIM overview
2

SIMATIC Working with simulated PLC

instances
3
Engineering Tools
S7-PLCSIM online help Working with SIM views
4

Operating Manual
Simulating motion control
5

Error conditions and

limitations
6

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Legal information
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This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent
damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert
symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are
graded according to the degree of danger.

DANGER
indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.

WARNING
indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.

CAUTION
indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.

NOTICE
indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.
If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will
be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to
property damage.
Qualified Personnel
The product/system described in this documentation may be operated only by personnel qualified for the specific
task in accordance with the relevant documentation, in particular its warning notices and safety instructions.
Qualified personnel are those who, based on their training and experience, are capable of identifying risks and
avoiding potential hazards when working with these products/systems.
Proper use of Siemens products
Note the following:

WARNING
Siemens products may only be used for the applications described in the catalog and in the relevant technical
documentation. If products and components from other manufacturers are used, these must be recommended or
approved by Siemens. Proper transport, storage, installation, assembly, commissioning, operation and
maintenance are required to ensure that the products operate safely and without any problems. The permissible
ambient conditions must be complied with. The information in the relevant documentation must be observed.

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this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of
the owner.
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software
described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the
information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent
editions.

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Table of contents

1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 S7-PLCSIM documentation guide....................................................................................... 6
1.2 SIMATIC Technical Documentation.................................................................................... 7
1.3 Tool support..................................................................................................................... 9
1.4 Cybersecurity information................................................................................................. 10

2 S7-PLCSIM overview........................................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Workspaces and starting S7-PLCSIM.................................................................................. 12
2.2 Creating, opening, and saving S7-PLCSIM workspaces....................................................... 13
2.3 S7-PLCSIM Essentials view................................................................................................. 15
2.4 Configuring the settings for S7-PLCSIM............................................................................. 15
2.5 Using and customizing keyboard shortcuts........................................................................ 15
2.6 Differences between a simulated PLC and a physical PLC................................................... 17
2.6.1 Overview of differences.................................................................................................... 17
2.6.2 Differences common to all supported PLCs........................................................................ 17
2.6.3 S7-1200: Technology support........................................................................................... 19
2.6.4 S7-1200 G2, S7-1500, ET 200SP, and ET 200pro: Technology support............................... 19

3 Working with simulated PLC instances............................................................................................... 20

3.1 Starting a simulated PLC instance...................................................................................... 20
3.2 Downloading a PLC from STEP 7 to a simulated PLC instance............................................. 23
3.3 Viewing the exact quantity structure allocations for S7-PLCSIM Advanced instances........... 24
3.4 Virtual time scaling........................................................................................................... 24
3.5 Communication modes..................................................................................................... 25
3.6 Resetting a simulated PLC instance.................................................................................... 26
3.7 Performing a memory reset (MRES)................................................................................... 27
3.8 Removing a simulated PLC instance................................................................................... 27

4 Working with SIM views..................................................................................................................... 28

4.1 Introduction to SIM views................................................................................................. 28
4.2 SIM tables......................................................................................................................... 29
4.2.1 Creating, editing, and deleting SIM tables......................................................................... 29
4.2.2 Importing SIM table files................................................................................................... 31
4.2.3 Monitoring and modifying values in a SIM table................................................................ 31
4.3 Event simulation............................................................................................................... 32

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Table of contents

4.3.1 Configuring events........................................................................................................... 32

4.3.2 Configuring LADDR........................................................................................................... 33
4.3.3 Simulating a pull or plug of modules event........................................................................ 33
4.3.4 Simulating a rack or station failure event........................................................................... 34
4.3.5 Simulating a hardware interrupt event.............................................................................. 34
4.3.6 Simulating a diagnostic error interrupt event..................................................................... 35
4.3.7 Triggering events.............................................................................................................. 36
4.4 Sequences........................................................................................................................ 36
4.4.1 Adding and configuring a sequence.................................................................................. 36
4.4.2 Importing sequence files................................................................................................... 37
4.4.3 Adding and working with sequence steps.......................................................................... 37
4.4.4 Working with actions in a sequence step........................................................................... 38
4.4.5 Running the sequence...................................................................................................... 40

5 Simulating motion control.................................................................................................................. 41

5.1 Motion control overview................................................................................................... 41
5.2 Simulations and homing mode.......................................................................................... 41
5.3 Isochronous mode not possible error................................................................................. 41
5.4 Motion OB overruns.......................................................................................................... 42
5.5 Simulation deactivates MC-PreServo and MC-PostServo..................................................... 42
5.6 Technology objects not loaded.......................................................................................... 42
5.7 Upgraded projects containing MC-Servo (OB91) and MC-Interpolator (OB92) blocks.......... 42
5.8 Maximum of 5,120 motion control resources.................................................................... 43
5.9 High Speed Counter.......................................................................................................... 43
5.10 Wait after going to RUN mode to access motion control technology objects....................... 43
5.11 High-Speed Counter functionality for S7‑1500C (compact) PLCs........................................ 43
5.12 TO_PositioningAxis........................................................................................................... 44
5.13 TO_ExternalEncoder......................................................................................................... 44

6 Error conditions and limitations......................................................................................................... 45

6.1 Simulating instances with IP address from DHCP server...................................................... 45
6.2 Simulated PLC will not RUN with local I/O send clock.......................................................... 45
6.3 Synchronization of IRT systems......................................................................................... 45
6.4 Using a proxy server with S7-PLCSIM................................................................................. 45
6.5 Cannot locate S7-PLCSIM Advanced Instances................................................................... 45
6.6 S7-1200 Fail-Safe simulation............................................................................................. 46
6.7 Value status defaults......................................................................................................... 46
6.8 Processor requirements for S7‑PLCSIM............................................................................... 46
6.9 High feature module support............................................................................................ 47

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 Table of contents

6.10 HMI type-safe array element display.................................................................................. 47

6.11 Saving S7-1500 retentive data block (DB) values............................................................... 47
6.12 Yellow coloring for fail-safe I/O.......................................................................................... 47
6.13 Scan cycle overflow.......................................................................................................... 47
6.14 Incompatible diagnostic status for simulated S7‑1500 PLCs with firmware version 1.8....... 48
6.15 Simulating HMI connections.............................................................................................. 48
6.16 HMI Accessible tags.......................................................................................................... 48
6.17 Compile error after attempting to download to S7-PLCSIM................................................. 48
6.18 Simulating communication with an HMI and multiple PLCs................................................ 49
6.19 Simulating fail-safe programs............................................................................................ 49
6.20 Use STEP 7 safety system library V1.3 or later for Fail-Safe I/O............................................ 49
6.21 Working with global libraries............................................................................................. 50
6.22 Incorrect RET_VAL parameter values for S7-1500 EN_AIRT and DIS_AIRT instructions .... 50
that are called from multiple OBs
6.23 HMI password protection levels and simulation................................................................. 50
6.24 STEP 7 online & diagnostics functions................................................................................ 50
6.25 Simulation during standby mode....................................................................................... 50
6.26 Working with automatically synchronized network drives.................................................. 51
6.27 Decimal place character.................................................................................................... 51
6.28 Modbus V5.2 not supported.............................................................................................. 51
6.29 Error returned by High_Speed_Counter instruction............................................................ 51
6.30 Restrictions for instructions............................................................................................... 52
6.31 Simulating the Drive controller.......................................................................................... 52

Index................................................................................................................................................... 53

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Introduction 1
1.1 S7-PLCSIM documentation guide
S7-PLCSIM and the TIA Portal provide a variety of documentation and other resources for
finding the technical information that you require.
• The S7-PLCSIM Online help provides specific information about simulating and testing
your PLC programs without the need for physical hardware.
• The S7-PLCSIM Online help is available in multiple languages and is accessible in the
following ways:
– From the ? icon in the top right of the user interface
– From the S7-PLCSIM Online help
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/us/en/view/109972225) page at Siemens
Industry Online Support (https://support.industry.siemens.com/).
• The TIA Portal Information System provides access to the conceptual information and
specific instructions that describe the operation and functionality of the programming
package and basic operation of SIMATIC CPUs.
You can also follow or join product discussions on the Service & Support technical forum
(https://support.industry.siemens.
com/tf/ww/en/?Language=en&siteid=csius&treeLang=en&groupid=4000002&extranet=stand­
ard&viewreg=WW&nodeid0=34612486). These forums allow you to interact with various
product experts, for example, the forum for TIA Portal
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/tf/ww/en/threads/243?title=step-7-tia-
portal&skip=0&take=10&orderBy=LastPostDate+desc).
Contact your Siemens distributor or sales office for assistance in answering any technical
questions, for training, or for ordering products. Because sales representatives are technically
trained and have knowledge about your operations, process and industry, as well as about
the Siemens products that you are using, they can provide efficient answers to problems you
might encounter.

Readme updates
When needed, changes and supplements to Online help documents are available in a Readme
document. These updates take precedence over the system manual. You can find the latest
Readme updates on S7-PLCSIM Readme
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109972226)

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 Introduction
1.2 SIMATIC Technical Documentation

1.2 SIMATIC Technical Documentation

Additional SIMATIC documents will complete your information. You can find these
documents and their use at the following links and QR codes.
The Industry Online Support gives you the option to get information on all topics. Application
examples support you in solving your automation tasks.

Overview of the SIMATIC Technical Documentation

Here you will find an overview of the SIMATIC documentation available in Siemens Industry
Online Support:

Industry Online Support International

(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109742705)

Watch this short video to find out where you can find the overview directly in Siemens
Industry Online Support and how to use Siemens Industry Online Support on your mobile
device:
Quick introduction to the technical documentation of automation products per
video (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/us/en/view/109780491)

YouTube video: Siemens Automation Products - Technical Documentation at a

Glance (https://youtu.be/TwLSxxRQQsA)

Retention of the documentation

Retain the documentation for later use.
For documentation provided in digital form:
1. Download the associated documentation after receiving your product and before initial
installation/commissioning. Use the following download options:
– Industry Online Support International: (https://support.industry.siemens.com)
The article number is used to assign the documentation to the product. The article
number is specified on the product and on the packaging label. Products with new,
non-compatible functions are provided with a new article number and documentation.
– ID link:
Your product may have an ID link. The ID link is a QR code with a frame and a black
frame corner at the bottom right. The ID link takes you to the digital nameplate of your
product. Scan the QR code on the product or on the packaging label with a smartphone
camera, barcode scanner, or reader app. Call up the ID link.
2. Retain this version of the documentation.

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Introduction
1.2 SIMATIC Technical Documentation

Updating the documentation

The documentation of the product is updated in digital form. In particular in the case of
function extensions, the new performance features are provided in an updated version.
1. Download the current version as described above via the Industry Online Support or the ID
link.
2. Also retain this version of the documentation.

mySupport
With "mySupport" you can get the most out of your Industry Online Support.

Registration You must register once to use the full functionality of "mySupport". After registra­
tion, you can create filters, favorites and tabs in your personal workspace.
Support requests Your data is already filled out in support requests, and you can get an overview of
your current requests at any time.
Documentation In the Documentation area you can build your personal library.
Favorites You can use the "Add to mySupport favorites" to flag especially interesting or fre­
quently needed content. Under "Favorites", you will find a list of your flagged
entries.
Recently viewed The most recently viewed pages in mySupport are available under "Recently viewed
articles articles".
CAx data The CAx data area gives you access to the latest product data for your CAx or CAe
system. You configure your own download package with a few clicks:
• Product images, 2D dimension drawings, 3D models, internal circuit diagrams,
EPLAN macro files
• Manuals, characteristics, operating manuals, certificates
• Product master data
You can find "mySupport" on the Internet. (https://support.industry.siemens.com/My/ww/en)

Application examples
The application examples support you with various tools and examples for solving your
automation tasks. Solutions are shown in interplay with multiple components in the system -
separated from the focus on individual products.
You can find the application examples on the Internet.
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/ps/ae)

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 Introduction
1.3 Tool support

1.3 Tool support

Tools
The tools described below support you in all steps: from planning, over commissioning, all
the way to analysis of your system.

TIA Selection Tool

The TIA Selection Tool tool supports you in the selection, configuration, and ordering of
devices for Totally Integrated Automation (TIA).
As successor of the SIMATIC Selection Tools , the TIA Selection Tool assembles the already
known configurators for automation technology into a single tool.
With the TIA Selection Tool , you can generate a complete order list from your product
selection or product configuration.
You can find the TIA Selection Tool on the Internet.
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/us/en/view/109767888)

SINETPLAN
SINETPLAN, the Siemens Network Planner, supports you in planning automation systems and
networks based on PROFINET. The tool facilitates professional and predictive dimensioning of
your PROFINET installation as early as in the planning stage. In addition, SINETPLAN supports
you during network optimization and helps you to exploit network resources optimally and to
plan reserves. This helps to prevent problems in commissioning or failures during productive
operation even in advance of a planned operation. This increases the availability of the
production plant and helps improve operational safety.
The advantages at a glance
• Network optimization thanks to port-specific calculation of the network load
• Increased production availability thanks to online scan and verification of existing systems
• Transparency before commissioning through importing and simulation of existing STEP 7
projects
• Efficiency through securing existing investments in the long term and the optimal use of
resources
You can find SINETPLAN on the Internet
(https://new.siemens.com/global/en/products/automation/industrial-
communication/profinet/sinetplan.html).

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Introduction
1.4 Cybersecurity information

1.4 Cybersecurity information

Siemens provides products and solutions with industrial cybersecurity functions that support
the secure operation of plants, systems, machines and networks.
In order to protect plants, systems, machines and networks against cyber threats, it is
necessary to implement – and continuously maintain – a holistic, state-of-the-art industrial
cybersecurity concept. Siemens’ products and solutions constitute one element of such a
concept.
Customers are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to their plants, systems,
machines and networks. Such systems, machines and components should only be connected
to an enterprise network or the internet if and to the extent such a connection is necessary
and only when appropriate security measures (e.g. firewalls and/or network segmentation)
are in place.
For additional information on industrial cybersecurity measures that may be implemented,
please visit
https://www.siemens.com/cybersecurity-industry.
Siemens’ products and solutions undergo continuous development to make them more
secure. Siemens strongly recommends that product updates are applied as soon as they are
available and that the latest product versions are used. Use of product versions that are no
longer supported, and failure to apply the latest updates may increase customer’s exposure to
cyber threats.
To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Cybersecurity
RSS Feed under
https://new.siemens.com/cert.

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S7-PLCSIM overview 2
S7‑PLCSIM supports the debugging and validation of PLC programs without requiring actual
hardware. With simulated PLC instances in S7‑PLCSIM, you can use STEP 7 debugging tools,
including the watch table, program status, online & diagnostics functions, and other tools.
S7‑PLCSIM also operates in conjunction with S7-PLCSIM Advanced. You can also download
from STEP 7 to simulated PLC instances that you started from the S7-PLCSIM Advanced
control panel or from the S7-PLCSIM Advanced API.
S7‑PLCSIM provides the following tools for simulated PLCs:
• Support for the latest firmware of the following product families:
– S7-1500
– S7-1200
– S7-1200 G2
– ET 200SP
– ET 200pro
– S7-1500R/H
– Software Controller
• Multiple simulated PLC instances (Page 20)
• Simulation (SIM) tables (Page 29) for monitoring and modifying simulated PLC inputs,
outputs, and data
• Simulation of interrupts to trigger supported event OBs (Page 32)
• Sequences (Page 36) to simulate an external process interacting with your program
• Virtual time scaling (Page 24) for S7-PLCSIM Advanced instances
• The ability to connect to physical communication networks (Page 25) for S7-PLCSIM
Advanced instances
S7‑PLCSIM operates in conjunction with STEP 7 in the TIA Portal. You use STEP 7 to perform
the following tasks:
1. Configure a PLC and any associated modules
2. Program your application logic
3. Start a simulation or download a PLC configuration and program to S7‑PLCSIM
When S7-PLCSIM has a configured simulated PLC instance, you can use the online tools in
STEP 7 to observe simulated program behavior. Observe the requirements for user
authentication based on the communication mode (Page 25).

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S7-PLCSIM overview
2.1 Workspaces and starting S7-PLCSIM

2.1 Workspaces and starting S7-PLCSIM

S7-PLCSIM workspaces
An S7-PLCSIM workspace can contain multiple simulated PLC instances (Page 20) and
simulation views (Page 28) (SIM views) that include SIM tables, events, and sequences. You
can work in a workspace without saving or you can create, save, and reopen workspaces
(Page 13).

Starting S7-PLCSIM
You can start S7-PLCSIM by any of the following means:
• S7-PLCSIM desktop icon
• S7-PLCSIM in the Start menu
• "Start simulation" command from STEP 7 for supported devices

Starting S7-PLCSIM from a desktop icon or the Start menu

When you start S7-PLCSIM from the Start menu or desktop icon, S7-PLCSIM starts in an
unsaved workspace.

Starting S7-PLCSIM from STEP 7

To start simulating a PLC in your STEP 7 project, select your PLC in the project tree and choose
one of the following methods:
• Click the "Start simulation" button on the main toolbar.
• Right-click the PLC in the project tree and select "Start simulation" from the shortcut menu.
From the STEP 7 dialogs, you might need to perform some or all of these tasks:
• Select the PLCSIM PG/PC interface if you have not previously selected it.
• Answer prompts to enable simulation support if necessary.
• Answer the prompt about trusting the device.
• Click "Start search" to find a PLCSIM instance for the download.
• Click Load and Finish to complete the download
If S7-PLCSIM is not running, starting a simulation starts S7-PLCSIM with a new workspace
containing the simulated PLC instance. The workspace name corresponds to the STEP 7
project name. Note that if you start a simulation from STEP 7 with the same project name as a
current workspace, that named workspace will open and will not create a new PLC instance.
If S7-PLCSIM is already running, starting a simulation adds a new simulated PLC instance to
the current workspace.
If the simulated PLC instance name in the workspace is the same as a running instance from
another application such as S7-PLCSIM Advanced, S7‑PLCSIM prompts you for handling of the
instance name conflict. You can choose to remove the instance from the other workspace

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 S7-PLCSIM overview
2.2 Creating, opening, and saving S7-PLCSIM workspaces

and start the simulation. If you do not want S7-PLCSIM to remove the other running instance,
cancel the operation and resolve the instance name conflict manually.

NOTE
If you start simulation from STEP 7 more than once for a PLC, you start multiple simulation
instances for that PLC.

2.2 Creating, opening, and saving S7-PLCSIM workspaces

You can perform the following workspace tasks by selecting the Workspace icon on the
top toolbar of S7-PLCSIM. Use the dropdown menu to select from the following:
• New - Create a workspace.
• Open - Open a previously created workspace.
• Save - Save your workspace.
• Save as - Save your workspace with a new name and/or in a new location.
• Show in File Explorer - Show the location of your current workspace in a File Explorer
window.
• Recent workspaces - Choose and open one of up to three recently saved workspaces.

NOTE
You cannot convert projects from S7-PLCSIM V17 or earlier to workspaces. Project formats
from earlier versions and workspace files are not compatible.

Working in the "Unsaved workspace"

When you open S7-PLCSIM, you can begin working in an unsaved workspace. The "Unsaved
Workspace" allows to you add new simulation instances (Page 20) and SIM views (Page 28).
You can save and name the workspace or close without saving.

Opening a new "Unsaved workspace"

To open a new "Unsaved workspace", click the workspace icon and select "New". You are
prompted to save your current work, or continue without saving, before S7-PLCSIM creates
the new workspace.

NOTE
"New" is only an option in the workspace dropdown menu if you have added at least one
instance in an unsaved workspace, or if you are working in a saved workspace.

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S7-PLCSIM overview
2.2 Creating, opening, and saving S7-PLCSIM workspaces

Opening a saved workspace

To open any saved workspace, follow these steps:
1. Select the Workspace icon
2. Choose "Open"
3. Select your project from the explorer window.

NOTE
You can also use the pre-defined shortcut "Ctrl+O" anywhere within the S7-PLCSIM main
application to open a saved workspace.

To open a recent workspace, select the Workspace icon and choose your project from the list
under "Recent workspaces". Note that this menu will show only up to the three most recent
workspaces saved.
S7-PLCSIM opens the workspace and displays the project name beside the Workspace icon.
You can then use the icons to switch to the Instances window or the SIM view window(s).
If a simulated PLC instance name in the workspace is the same as a running instance from
another application such as S7-PLCSIM Advanced, S7‑PLCSIM prompts you to handle the
instance name conflict. You can choose to remove the instance from the other workspace
and continue to open the workspace. If you do not want S7‑PLCSIM to remove the other
running instance, cancel the open operation and resolve the instance name conflict
manually.

Saving a workspace
Click the Workspace icon and choose "Save" from the dropdown menu to save your current
workspace.

NOTE
You can also use the pre-defined shortcut "Ctrl+S" anywhere within the S7-PLCSIM main
application to save your current work.

Deleting a workspace
You can only delete a workspace from Windows File Explorer. Click the Workspace icon and
select "Show in file explorer" to open Windows File Explorer. Delete the folder that
corresponds to the workspace you want to delete.

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 S7-PLCSIM overview
2.5 Using and customizing keyboard shortcuts

2.3 S7-PLCSIM Essentials view

S7-PLCSIM offers an "Essentials view" that allows you to perform the following quick
functions in a smaller window on your screen:
• Add/Delete simulated PLC instances
• Power on PLC instances
• Place PLC instances into RUN or STOP mode
• Configure the network
• Set virtual time scaling (Advanced instances only)
• Perform Scan control operations
To access the "Essentials view", launch S7-PLCSIM and click the icon in the top right of the
home page.
For full functionality, view and use S7-PLCSIM from the main application view.

2.4 Configuring the settings for S7-PLCSIM

To adjust the settings for S7-PLCSIM, click the settings icon on the bottom left side of
S7-PLCSIM. Settings contains the following three tabs:
1. General - allows you to do the following:
– Set the default language
– Set the appearance of all S7-PLCSIM screens to either dark or light mode
– Choose the Home workspace location - S7-PLCSIM automatically stores workspaces
that you save in this location
– View the Keyboard shortcuts (Page 15) menu
– Reset general settings to default
2. Instance - allows you to set your default instance type as either Standard or Advanced.
3. About - contains the following information:
– Installed Components
– Copyright

2.5 Using and customizing keyboard shortcuts

Access the S7-PLCSIM "Keyboard shortcuts" in the Settings by clicking the
button.
Keyboard shortcuts are divided into the following main categories and displayed in a
dropdown menu under each category:
• General
• Navigation
• Instance
• Simulation

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2.5 Using and customizing keyboard shortcuts

You can edit the keyboard shortcuts in each category following these steps:
1. Click the vertical ellipsis menu on the top right of the shortcut category.

2. Select "Edit".
3. Click to place your cursor in the shortcut field that you want to change.
4. Add the new shortcut by entering a key combination (ctrl/shift/alt + a keystroke) or using a
command key.
5. Click "Save".

NOTE
Do not duplicate a custom shortcut in S7-PLCSIM that you already use with any application
running on the same machine.

Reset keyboard shortcut

Select "Reset" from the vertical ellipsis menu on the top right of the shortcut category to reset
all shortcuts within that category to the default setting.
To reset all shortcuts for S7-PLCSIM to the default, repeat this process in each category.

Conflict detected for a custom shortcut

To avoid conflicts, do not to create custom shortcuts that are already assigned. If you attempt
to assign a conflicting shortcut, S7-PLCSIM displays a warning symbol in the edited field. If
you hover over the warning symbol icon, a tooltip above the field identifies which shortcut is
conflicting. To clear the error, choose another key combination or command key for your
shortcut and click "Save".

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2.6 Differences between a simulated PLC and a physical PLC

2.6 Differences between a simulated PLC and a physical PLC

2.6.1 Overview of differences

A simulated PLC can behave differently than a physical PLC.
Many CPU System Functions (SFCs) and System Function Blocks (SFBs) have limited behavior
for simulation. Programs that rely on this functionality behave differently during simulation.
Program dependencies on PLC clock times or specific hardware timing, for example, will
behave differently in a Windows simulated PLC.
Also, programs that are highly dependent on timing might be difficult to debug with a
simulation due to differences in timing between a software-based simulation and physical
hardware.

2.6.2 Differences common to all supported PLCs

S7-PLCSIM differs from physical PLCs in the following areas.

Diagnostics
S7‑PLCSIM does not support all of the error messages written to the diagnostic buffer. For
example, S7‑PLCSIM does not simulate messages about bad batteries in the CPU, or EPROM
errors. However, S7‑PLCSIM simulates most program errors.

Time-based performance
Because S7‑PLCSIM is software running on a programming device under the Windows
operating system, the scan cycle time and the exact time of actions in S7‑PLCSIM are not the
same as if PLC firmware performed those actions.
If your program is highly dependent upon the time that actions execute, do not evaluate your
program based only on the time results of your S7‑PLCSIM simulation.

Access and copy protection

S7‑PLCSIM does not simulate access protection or copy protection.

Know-how protection
You must enable simulation of know-how protected blocks to simulate them in S7-PLCSIM. To
enable know-how protection for a block, follow these steps:
1. Right-click the project in STEP 7.
2. Select Properties.
3. From the Protection tab, select the check box "Support simulation during block
compilation".

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2.6 Differences between a simulated PLC and a physical PLC

Flashing LEDs
STEP 7 and other tools can only flash LEDs on physical PLCs. You cannot flash the LEDs on a
simulated PLC from STEP 7 or any other tool.

Features that require a memory card

S7‑PLCSIM does not simulate CPU functionality that requires a memory card, such as data
logging and recipes.

Web server
S7-PLCSIM supports the Web server only when the instance is an Advanced instance and the
communication mode (Page 25) is a TCP/IP mode.

PROFIBUS
If your STEP 7 project contains PROFIBUS elements, S7‑PLCSIM will not simulate the PROFIBUS
elements, but simulates the remainder of your project.
You do not need to remove the PROFIBUS elements from your project before starting your
simulation. Just be aware that S7‑PLCSIM ignores the PROFIBUS elements.

F-CPU simulation
To simulate an F-CPU, you must adjust the F‑parameter F‑monitoring time in your STEP 7
project before you download to S7‑PLCSIM. This is due to the difference in timing between a
software-based simulation and physical hardware.
To adjust the F‑monitoring time, follow these steps:
1. In the STEP 7 Project tree, right-click your F‑CPU and select "Properties".
2. In the Properties dialog, navigate to "Fail‑Safe > F‑parameter > Default F‑monitoring time
for central F‑I/O".
3. Adjust the F‑monitoring time from the default of 150 ms to a higher value.
4. Click OK.
You might need to repeat this procedure until you find an F‑monitoring value that allows
your F‑CPU simulation to run without errors.

Instruction support
S7‑PLCSIM supports most instructions for the simulated S7‑1200 and S7-1200F in the same
way as for a physical PLC.
You can download all programs that successfully compile to the virtual PLC. However, some
instructions call SFCs (system functions) or SFBs (system function blocks) that are only
partially supported, and your simulation might not function as you expect.

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2.6 Differences between a simulated PLC and a physical PLC

For programs with partially supported instructions, S7‑PLCSIM validates input parameters and
returns outputs that are valid, but not necessarily what a real PLC with physical I/O would
return. For example, S7‑PLCSIM does not support the SIMATIC SD memory card, so program
instructions that save data on a memory card do not actually save data when a simulation
executes.

2.6.3 S7-1200: Technology support

S7‑PLCSIM does not simulate the following technology features for the S7‑1200:
• Counting, measurement, and position detection
• PID Control
• Motion control

2.6.4 S7-1200 G2, S7-1500, ET 200SP, and ET 200pro: Technology support

Technology support
S7‑PLCSIM supports the following technology features for the S7-1200 G2, S7‑1500,
S7‑1500F, Software Controller, ET 200SP, and ET 200pro:
• Counting, measurement, and position detection
• PID Control
• Time-based IO
• Motion control

S7-1500R/H simulation differences

You can simulate an S7‑1500R/H in RUN-Solo mode only. You can run only one instance of
S7-PLCSIM for an S7‑1500R/H.

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