Introduction

Product overview
2

SIMATIC Installing
3

S7-PLCSIM Advanced Communication paths

4

Function Manual
Simulating
5

Virtual time response

6

Restrictions, messages, and

solution
7

List of abbreviations
A

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Legal information
Warning notice system
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.

Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens Aktiengesellschaft. The remaining trademarks in
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.

Siemens Aktiengesellschaft A5E37039512-AH Copyright © Siemens 2024.

Digital Industries Ⓟ 11/2024 Subject to change All rights reserved
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Table of contents

1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 General information.......................................................................................................... 6
1.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced documentation guide....................................................................... 7
1.3 Tool support..................................................................................................................... 12
1.4 Cybersecurity information................................................................................................. 13
1.5 Administrator rights.......................................................................................................... 13

2 Product overview ............................................................................................................................... 14

2.1 What is S7-PLCSIM Advanced? .......................................................................................... 14
2.2 S7-PLCSIM products.......................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Supported CPUs................................................................................................................ 17
2.4 Compatibility in case of updates........................................................................................ 18
2.5 Security for S7-PLCSIM Advanced...................................................................................... 19
2.6 Supporting simulation....................................................................................................... 20
2.7 Differences between a simulated and a real CPU................................................................ 20
2.7.1 Restrictions for all supported CPUs.................................................................................... 21
2.7.2 Notes............................................................................................................................... 22
2.8 Password to protect confidential configuration data.......................................................... 24

3 Installing............................................................................................................................................. 26
3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................... 26
3.1.1 System requirements........................................................................................................ 26
3.1.2 Restrictions due to antivirus programs .............................................................................. 27
3.1.3 Licenses............................................................................................................................ 28
3.1.4 Trial License...................................................................................................................... 28
3.1.5 Installation log.................................................................................................................. 29
3.1.6 Contents of the S7-PLCSIM Advanced package................................................................... 30
3.2 Installing S7-PLCSIM Advanced.......................................................................................... 30
3.3 Changing an installation................................................................................................... 32
3.4 Repairing an installation.................................................................................................... 32
3.5 Uninstalling the product................................................................................................... 33

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Table of contents

4 Communication paths........................................................................................................................ 35
4.1 Local communication ....................................................................................................... 36
4.2 Communication via TCP / IP............................................................................................... 37
4.2.1 Communication via TCP/IP in Single Adapter Network Mode (promiscuous mode).............. 37
4.2.2 Communication via TCP/IP in Multiple Adapter Network Mode (non-promiscuous .... 40
mode)
4.2.3 Using a Software/Open Controller with a TCP/IP communication interface.......................... 43
4.3 Enable distributed communication ................................................................................... 44

5 Simulating.......................................................................................................................................... 47
5.1 Simulating a CPU.............................................................................................................. 47
5.1.1 Basic procedure for the simulation.................................................................................... 47
5.1.2 Control Panel - User interface............................................................................................ 48
5.1.2.1 S7-PLCSIM Advanced Symbol............................................................................................ 48
5.1.2.2 Control Panel quick view and window............................................................................... 48
5.1.2.3 S7-PLCSIM Advanced Control Panel................................................................................... 50
5.1.2.4 Importing instances.......................................................................................................... 54
5.1.3 Downloading a STEP 7 project........................................................................................... 55
5.1.4 Network addresses in the simulation................................................................................. 59
5.1.4.1 Siemens PLCSIM Virtual Ethernet Adapter.......................................................................... 59
5.1.4.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced instances......................................................................................... 60
5.1.5 Simulate communication.................................................................................................. 62
5.1.5.1 Communication services that can be simulated................................................................. 62
5.1.5.2 Communication between instances................................................................................... 63
5.1.6 Provide project data offline for simulation ........................................................................ 64
5.2 Simulating a CPU with ODK functionality........................................................................... 66
5.2.1 Special features of ODK..................................................................................................... 66
5.2.2 Loading functions ............................................................................................................ 69
5.2.3 Calling functions............................................................................................................... 69
5.2.4 Unloading functions......................................................................................................... 70
5.3 Simulating the SIMATIC Drive Controller............................................................................ 72
5.4 Simulating a redundant S7-1500R/H system...................................................................... 74

6 Virtual time response......................................................................................................................... 77

6.1 Speed up and slow down simulation................................................................................. 78

7 Restrictions, messages, and solution................................................................................................. 79

7.1 OPC UA server................................................................................................................... 79
7.2 Web server....................................................................................................................... 79
7.3 Backing up and restoring the configuration of an S7-PLCSIM Advanced instance................ 80
7.4 Loading project data of an F-CPU to a standard CPU .......................................................... 80
7.5 Update of a TIA Portal project to a new CPU firmware........................................................ 81
7.6 Restrictions for storage paths............................................................................................ 81
7.7 Restrictions for instance names......................................................................................... 82

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 Table of contents

7.8 Restrictions for communications services........................................................................... 82

7.9 Restrictions for instructions............................................................................................... 82
7.10 Restrictions to local communication via Softbus................................................................ 83
7.11 Unknown data records...................................................................................................... 83
7.12 Messages for communication via TCP/IP............................................................................ 83
7.13 Time synchronization via NTP mode ................................................................................. 85
7.14 Restrictions of security with VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi)......................................... 85
7.15 Restrictions for Hyper-V..................................................................................................... 86
7.16 Restrictions for AWS Cloud................................................................................................ 86
7.17 Monitoring overflow ........................................................................................................ 86
7.18 Deviating I/O values in the STEP 7 user program ............................................................... 87
7.19 Multiple simulations and possible collision of IP addresses................................................. 87
7.20 Lacking access to an IP address......................................................................................... 87
7.21 Simulation in standby mode.............................................................................................. 87
7.22 Simulation start of SIMIT with S7-PLCSIM Advanced........................................................... 88
7.23 Known restrictions when operating with a co-simulation, for example, SIMIT..................... 88
7.24 ET 200SP CPUs: Use of BusAdapters with fiber-optic interface............................................ 88
7.25 Installing SIMATIC NET...................................................................................................... 89
7.26 No simulation for configuration control............................................................................. 90
7.27 Communication interface is not updated on the control panel when using an older API...... 90
7.28 Trace jobs with duplicate timestamps for motion OBs........................................................ 90
7.29 The control panel shows VPNs........................................................................................... 90
7.30 Downloading a central CP with S7-1500R/H CPU family using TCP/IP.................................. 90
7.31 Axis control panel functionality......................................................................................... 90
7.32 Cannot locate S7-PLCSIM Advanced Instances................................................................... 91
7.33 Synchronization of IRT systems......................................................................................... 91
7.34 Simulated PLC will not RUN with local I/O send clock.......................................................... 91
7.35 Download error after change to "IP address from DHCP server" in STEP 7............................ 91
7.36 Software PLC interfaces not showing after download........................................................ 92

A List of abbreviations........................................................................................................................... 93

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Introduction 1
1.1 General information

Purpose of the documentation

This function manual describes the simulation software, SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced. You
can use this software to simulate and test your SIMATIC STEP 7 programs on a simulated PLC
instance. You can also use an API to connect the simulated PLC instance to a system or
machine simulation (co-simulation).

Basic knowledge required

The software must only be used by qualified staff.
The following knowledge is required:
• Industrial Automation and Automation Technology
• Programming with STEP 7 (TIA Portal)
• SIMATIC CPUs and CPU programming
• PC-based automation using S7‑1500 and WinCC Runtime Advanced
• Knowledge of programming with C++ or C#
• PC technology
• Windows operating system

Conventions
STEP 7: In this documentation, "STEP 7" is used as a synonym for all versions of the
configuration and programming software "SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal)".
Also observe notes marked as follows:

NOTE
A note contains important information on the product described in the documentation, on
the handling of the product or on the section of the documentation to which particular
attention should be paid.

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 Introduction
1.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced documentation guide

Scope
This function manual is valid for the following product variants:

Article number Product variants

6ES7823-1FA06-0YA5 SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V7.0
6ES7823-1FE06-0YA5 SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V7.0 Download
6ES7823-1FA06-0YE5 SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V7.0 Upgrade V1.0 -> V7.0
6ES7823-1FE06-0YE5 SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V7.0 Upgrade V1.0 -> V7.0 Download
6ES7823-1FE06-0YA7 SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V7.0 POC
6ES7823-1FE00-0YN5 SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced Subscription Download
The articles each contain one license, which is valid for two instances.

NOTE
You can obtain online readme updates to the S7-PLCSIM manuals on the Internet
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/us/en/view/109824282).

You can find the following application examples for S7‑PLCSIM Advanced on the Internet:
• SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced: Co-Simulation via API
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/de/view/109739660/en)
• Digitalization with TIA Portal: Virtual commissioning with SIMATIC and Simulink
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/document/109749187)

Recycling and disposal

For environmentally sustainable recycling and disposal of your old equipment, contact a
certified electronic waste disposal service and dispose of the equipment according to the
applicable regulations in your country.

Industry Mall
The Industry Mall (https://mall.industry.siemens.com) is the catalog and order system of
Siemens AG for automation and drive solutions on the basis of Totally Integrated Automation
(TIA) and Totally Integrated Power (TIP).

1.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced documentation guide

The control panel buttons display the English S7­PLCSIM Advanced Function Manual and API
Manual in PDF format. Download the free Adobe Reader if necessary to view PDFs. The
installation folder of S7­PLCSIM Advanced includes German PDFs and English PDFs.
Other display formats are available at Siemens Industry Online Support
(//https://support.industry.siemens.com/) (SIOS).

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Introduction
1.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced documentation guide

Accessing documentation on SIOS

Documentation for this product is available at Siemens Industry Online Support
(//https://support.industry.siemens.com/). Formats include the following for display or
download:
• PDF document
• Multimedia document (HTML5 Web site)
• Website with chapter structure (useful for providing a specific topic link to other people)
From the Web site, search for your product name. Filter the search results by manuals if you
are only looking for documentation. For your product, select the edition that corresponds to
the version of your product. You can switch the display language for the page and the
documents from the menu.
The various document formats provide navigation and search features based on their
documentation format.

Navigating an HTML5 site

When you open an HTML5 Web site, click Begin from the Start page.
The table of contents displays on the left. Each chapter collapses as you navigate from one
chapter to the next to optimize screen space on devices such as phones and tablets. You can
also click the button to hide the table of contents. Click to restore it.
Left and right arrow buttons allow to navigate back and forward through topics that you have
previously viewed:
Previous and next page buttons allow you to navigate sequentially through topics and
chapters in the order of the table of contents:

Searching in an HTML5 site

To search an HTML5 Web site, click the button on the right. When you enter your search
text, you see a list of topics that contain the search text. Click any topic to view it. The page
highlights occurrences of the matched search text.
To see where the topic exists in the table of contents, click the button to switch from the
search view to the table of contents view. To switch back to your search, click again. The
search functions much the same as any search from a Web browser. Ctrl+F searches within
the displayed topic.

Changing the language of the HTML5 site

The S7­PLCSIM Advanced HTML5 documentation includes German and English. Click the
button to switch to another language.

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 Introduction
1.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced documentation guide

The documentation for the SIMATIC S7‑1500 automation system, for the 1513/1516pro-2 PN,
SIMATIC Drive Controller CPUs based on SIMATIC S7‑1500 and the SIMATIC ET 200MP,
ET 200SP, ET 200AL and ET 200eco PN distributed I/O systems is arranged into three areas.
This arrangement enables you to access the specific content you require.
You can download the documentation free of charge from the Internet
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109742705).

Basic information
The system manuals and Getting Started describe in detail the configuration, installation,
wiring and commissioning of the SIMATIC S7‑1500, SIMATIC Drive Controller, ET 200MP,
ET 200SP, ET 200AL and ET 200eco PN systems. Use the corresponding operating instructions
for 1513/1516pro-2 PN CPUs.
The STEP 7 online help supports you in the configuration and programming.
Examples:
• Getting Started S7-1500
• System manuals
• Operating instructions ET 200pro and 1516pro-2 PN CPU
• Online help TIA Portal

Device information
Equipment manuals contain a compact description of the module-specific information, such
as properties, wiring diagrams, characteristics and technical specifications.
Examples:
• Equipment manuals for CPUs
• Equipment manuals for interface modules
• Equipment manuals for digital modules
• Equipment manuals for analog modules
• Equipment manuals for communication modules
• Equipment manuals for technology modules
• Equipment manuals for power supply modules
• Equipment manuals for BaseUnits

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Introduction
1.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced documentation guide

General information
The function manuals contain detailed descriptions on general topics relating to the
SIMATIC Drive Controller and the S7-1500 automation system.
Examples:
• Function Manual Diagnostics
• Function Manual Communication
• Function Manuals Motion Control
• Function Manual Web Server
• Function Manual Cycle and Response Times
• PROFINET Function Manual
• PROFIBUS Function Manual

Product Information
Changes and supplements to the manuals are documented in a Product Information. The
Product Information takes precedence over the device and system manuals.
You will find the latest Product Information on the Internet:
• S7-1500/ET 200MP (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/de/en/view/68052815)
• SIMATIC Drive Controller
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/de/en/view/109772684/en)
• Motion Control (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/de/en/view/109794046/en)
• ET 200SP (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/de/en/view/73021864)
• ET 200eco PN (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109765611)

Manual Collections
The Manual Collections contain the complete documentation of the systems put together in
one file.
You will find the Manual Collections on the Internet:
• S7-1500/ET 200MP/SIMATIC Drive Controller
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/86140384)
• ET 200SP (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/84133942)
• ET 200AL (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/95242965)
• ET 200eco PN (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109781058)

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.

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 Introduction
1.2 S7-PLCSIM Advanced documentation guide

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)

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)

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Introduction
1.3 Tool support

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)

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
1.5 Administrator rights

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.

1.5 Administrator rights

NOTE
Administrator rights
For normal operation, the standard user rights are sufficient. You need administrator rights
only when you install or repair S7‑PLCSIM Advanced or change the network configuration.

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Product overview 2
2.1 What is S7-PLCSIM Advanced?
You use S7‑PLCSIM Advanced to simulate your CPU programs on a simulated PLC instance.
You do not need any real controllers for simulation. You configure your CPU with STEP 7 in
TIA Portal, program your application logic and then load the hardware configuration and the
program into the simulated CPU. From STEP 7, you run your program logic, monitor the
effects of simulated inputs and outputs, and adapt your programs.
In addition to communication via Softbus, which limits communication to a local PC or virtual
machine, S7‑PLCSIM Advanced offers a full Ethernet connection and thus also supports
distributed I/O systems.
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced also includes an application programming interface (API), which enables
interaction with native C++/C# programs or simulation software. The API extends simulation
capabilities and provides features such as the following:
• Simulation of hardware interrupts
• Stopping a simulation
• Synchronization with simulation partners
For these and other API functions, refer to the S7‑PLCSIM Advanced API manual included with
your release.

Application areas
Typical application areas of S7‑PLCSIM Advanced are:
• Verification of the user program (TIA Portal)
• Testing of the STEP 7 program
• Software in the loop simulation for the virtual commissioning of machine tools/production
machines, production cells, and production lines in a plant.
• Operator training through the connection of a real HMI

Advantages
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced offers numerous advantages:
• Improve the quality of automation projects by early error detection
• Avoid costs for hardware in simulation environments
• Shorten commissioning time
• Reduce risk for commissioning
• Train operators earlier
• Increase production efficiency by optimizing program components

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 Product overview
2.2 S7-PLCSIM products

• Increase efficiency during replacement of machine components

• Increase efficiency during expansion of existing plants

2.2 S7-PLCSIM products

Comparison of S7-PLCSIM simulation software products

Function S7‑PLCSIM Advanced S7‑PLCSIM Vxx S7‑PLCSIM V5.x

User interface S7‑PLCSIM Advanced Control S7‑PLCSIM UI Look&Feel of STEP 7 V5.x
Panel
Communication Softbus 4, TCP/IP Softbus 4, TCP/IP Softbus 4
Supported CPU families Supported CPUs (Page 17) S7-1200 S7‑300, S7‑300F,
S7-1200 (F), S7-1500 (C, T, F), S7‑400, S7‑400F
1500R/H,
SIMATIC Drive Controller,
ET 200SP, ET 200SP F,
SIPLUS CPUs (S7-1500; Stand­
ard and F-CPUs, S7-1500R/H
and ET 200SP; Standard and
F-CPUs)
Software/Open Controller
API for co-simulation1 ✓ - ✓
Web server ✓ via TCP/IP - -
ODK ✓ - -
OPC UA ✓ via TCP/IP - -
Process diagnostics ✓ ✓ -
S7 communication ✓ Using Softbus Using Softbus
Open user communication ✓ UDP via TCP/IP Using Softbus -
Secure Communication ✓ via TCP/IP - -
Traces2 ✓ - -
Motion ✓ ✓3 -
Protected blocks (KHP) ✓ ✓ for S7-1500 CPUs only -
Multiple instances Up to 16 Up to 2 Up to 8
Support of distributed ✓ via TCP/IP - -
instances
Virtual time ✓ - -
Connection of real CPUs/HMIs ✓ via TCP/IP - ✓
DHCP/DNS use ✓ via TCP/IP - -
1 Via C++ and C# programs and simulation software
2 Can be monitored with S7‑PLCSIM V16 and higher in the TIA Portal; can also be monitored with S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V3.0
and higher on the Web server.
3 With S7‑PLCSIM V16 and higher, the axes are always in simulation mode irrespective of the axis configuration.
With S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V3.0 and higher, the axes can also be operated in "Real" mode over the API.
4 You can find more information on Softbus (online access PLCSIM) in the "Communication" section.

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2.2 S7-PLCSIM products

Function S7‑PLCSIM Advanced S7‑PLCSIM Vxx S7‑PLCSIM V5.x

Virtual memory card ✓ - -
Communication between the - S7‑PLCSIM as of V12 and S7‑PLCSIM V5.x can be installed and
instances operated on the same PC or the same virtual machine.
- Instances of S7‑PLCSIM as of V12 can communicate via Soft­
bus with S7‑PLCSIM V5.x.
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V3.0 and higher and S7‑PLCSIM V15 and -
higher can be installed and operated on the same PC or the
same virtual machine. The communication between the two
applications cannot be simulated.
S7‑PLCSIM V5.4 SP8 is automatically installed with S7‑PLCSIM Advanced. The communication
between the two applications can be simulated. Instances of S7‑PLCSIM Advanced can com­
municate via Softbus with S7‑PLCSIM ≥ V5.4 SP8.
1 Via C++ and C# programs and simulation software
2 Can be monitored with S7‑PLCSIM V16 and higher in the TIA Portal; can also be monitored with S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V3.0
and higher on the Web server.
3 With S7‑PLCSIM V16 and higher, the axes are always in simulation mode irrespective of the axis configuration.
With S7‑PLCSIM Advanced V3.0 and higher, the axes can also be operated in "Real" mode over the API.
4 You can find more information on Softbus (online access PLCSIM) in the "Communication" section.

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2.3 Supported CPUs

2.3 Supported CPUs

Supported CPUs from the S7‑1500 family

S7‑PLCSIM Advanced supports the simulation of the following CPUs:

Type Firmware version V1.8 to V4.0

Standard Fail-safe
CPUs1 CPU 1511‑1 PN CPU 1511F‑1 PN
CPU 1513‑1 PN CPU 1513F‑1 PN
CPU 1515‑2 PN CPU 1515F‑2 PN
CPU 1516‑3 PN/DP CPU 1516F‑3 PN/DP
CPU 1516‑3 PN CPU 1517F‑3 PN/DP
CPU 1517‑3 PN/DP CPU 1517F-3 PN
CPU 1517-3 PN CPU 1518F‑4 PN/DP
CPU 1518‑4 PN/DP CPU 1518F-4 PN/DP ODK
CPU 1518-4 PN/DP ODK CPU 1518F-4 PN/DP MFP
CPU 1518-4 PN/DP MFP
Compact CPUs2 CPU 1511C‑1 PN -
CPU 1512C‑1 PN
ET 200SP CPUs1 CPU 1510SP-1 PN CPU 1510SP F-1 PN
CPU 1512SP-1 PN CPU 1512SP F-1 PN
CPU 1514SP-2 PN CPU 1514SP F-2 PN
CPU 1514SP T-2 PN CPU 1514SP TF-2 PN
CPU 1514PA-2 PN CPU 1515SP PC2 (F/TF)4
CPU 1515SP PC2 (T)4 CPU 1515SP PC3 (F/TF)4
CPU 1515SP PC3 (T)4
Technology CPUs CPU 1511T-1 PN CPU 1511TF-1 PN
CPU 1515T-2 PN CPU 1515TF-2 PN
CPU 1516T-3 PN/DP CPU 1516TF-3 PN/DP
CPU 1516T-3 PN CPU 1516TF-3 PN
CPU 1517T-3 PN/DP CPU 1517TF-3 PN/DP
CPU 1517T-3 PN CPU 1517TF-3 PN
CPU 1518T-3 PN CPU 1518TF-4 PN/DP
CPU 1518T-4 PN/DP
R/H-CPUs 1, 2 CPU 1513R-1 PN CPU 1518HF-4 PN
CPU 1515R-2 PN CPU 1518F-3 PN
CPU 1517H-3 PN
CPU 1517H-4 PN
CPU 1518-3 P
1 SIPLUSand SIPLUS RAIL CPUs are supported. They are of the same design as the standard and fail-safe CPUs listed here but
have their own article numbers.
2 Theon-board I/O of the CPUs is not simulated. The simulation interface corresponds to the process image. For the R/H CPUs,
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced supports firmware version 2.9 and higher.
3 Versions30.0 and 30.1. STEP 7 only simulates the S7-1500 Software Controller. PC station configuration is not supported.
You must set the IP address of the network interface on the simulated PLC to match the STEP 7 project. If you change the
firmware version in the STEP 7 project, you must delete the simulated PLC instance at the former version and simulate a new
PLC instance for the changed version. You can then download from the TIA Portal to the new instance.
4 Open Controller

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Product overview
2.4 Compatibility in case of updates

Type Firmware version V1.8 to V4.0

Standard Fail-safe
ET 200pro CPUs CPU 1513pro-2 PN CPU 1513pro F-2 PN
CPU 1516pro-2 PN CPU 1516pro F-2 PN
SIMATIC Drive Controller CPU 1504D TF
CPU 1507D TF
S7-1500 Software/Open Controller3 CPU 1505SP CPU 1505SP F
CPU 1505SP T CPU 1505SP TF
CPU 1507S CPU 1507SP F
CPU 1508S CPU 1508S F
CPU 1508S T CPU 1508S TF
1 SIPLUSand SIPLUS RAIL CPUs are supported. They are of the same design as the standard and fail-safe CPUs listed here but
have their own article numbers.
2 Theon-board I/O of the CPUs is not simulated. The simulation interface corresponds to the process image. For the R/H CPUs,
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced supports firmware version 2.9 and higher.
3 Versions30.0 and 30.1. STEP 7 only simulates the S7-1500 Software Controller. PC station configuration is not supported.
You must set the IP address of the network interface on the simulated PLC to match the STEP 7 project. If you change the
firmware version in the STEP 7 project, you must delete the simulated PLC instance at the former version and simulate a new
PLC instance for the changed version. You can then download from the TIA Portal to the new instance.
4 Open Controller

Unsupported CPUs
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not simulate S7‑1200 or S7‑1200 G2CPUs.
To simulate CPUs of the S7‑1200 or S7‑1200 G2 product family, use the latest edition of
S7‑PLCSIM (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109826203).
If you download a TIA Portal project whose configuration includes an unsupported CPU, the
following error message appears:
"Loading of hardware configuration failed (0020 -3 2 0). Please check the diagnostic buffer of
the target hardware."

2.4 Compatibility in case of updates

When you install S7‑PLCSIM Advanced, you update any earlier version to the current version.

Compatibility with TIA Portal and with CPU firmware versions

A simulated PLC instance in S7‑PLCSIM Advanced corresponds to that of a CPU S7‑15xx V4.0.

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2.5 Security for S7-PLCSIM Advanced

NOTE
Password encryption in case of updates
When a TIA Portal project is updated from CPU firmware version < V2.0 to CPU firmware
version ≥ V2.0, the following error message is displayed during a download of the project to
SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced:
"Loading of hardware configuration failed (0020 -3 2 0). Please check the diagnostic buffer of
the target hardware."
To successfully download such a project to SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM Advanced, click the "Update
password encryption" button while updating the project.

2.5 Security for S7-PLCSIM Advanced

Restrictions for security

S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not provide options for authentication and authorization.
Communication is not protected by authentication.

Communication
• The multi-computer simulation communication is not encrypted.
• A TCP/IP port is opened on the PC for cross-network communication.
• The installed Npcap program library provides access to TCP/IP network communication.

NOTE
For cross-computer communication, use a closed simulation network that is not connected to
a production network.

Know-how protection

NOTE
Know-how protected blocks
If know-how-protected blocks for the simulation support are enabled, the know-how
protection is limited.

NOTE
CPU function libraries for ODK
The SO files (shared object files) for ODK are not know-how-protected. The customer is
responsible for the SO files and its know-how protection.

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2.7 Differences between a simulated and a real CPU

2.6 Supporting simulation

Requirement for simulation

NOTE
Enable simulation capability
To use a STEP 7 project with simulation, you must select the "Support simulation during block
compilation" option in the "Protection" tab in the properties of the project and confirm with
OK.

Know-how protection
If a know-how-protected block is to be used for the simulation, it must be unlocked by
entering a password.
After you have unlocked the know-how-protected block, you can activate the option "Can be
simulated with SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM". You will find the option in the properties of the block in
the "General > Compilation" tab.
Additional information can be found on the Internet
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/109754928).

Global libraries
You cannot use know-how protection with global libraries, because the libraries are write-
protected.
The "Can be simulated with SIMATIC S7‑PLCSIM" option must be set when generating the
blocks (source of the blocks).

2.7 Differences between a simulated and a real CPU

A simulated PLC instance cannot fully simulate a real CPU down to the individual details. Even
if a program is downloaded (Page 55) without errors to the simulated CPU and running
successfully, this does not necessarily mean that the simulated CPU behaves exactly like a real
CPU.

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 Product overview
2.7 Differences between a simulated and a real CPU

Deterministic
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced runs on a PC with the Windows operating system. The scan cycle time
and the exact time of actions in S7‑PLCSIM Advanced are not the same as when these actions
run on physical hardware. This is because several programs share the processing resources on
your PC.
To provide the best possible deterministic behavior under these conditions,
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced requires one free Core (CPU core) per instance. Information on the
minimum requirements for the computer hardware or a virtual machine can be found in the
section System Requirements.
If your program depends heavily on the time required to execute actions, then make sure that
you do not evaluate your program based only on the results of the simulation time.

Know-how protection
Projects with know-how protection for blocks can only be simulated if they are enabled for
simulation. You need the block password for this purpose.

Instructions
Instructions are simulated with a few exceptions, see Restrictions for instructions (Page 82).
Programs that are based on the instructions behave differently than real CPUs in the
simulation.

S7-1500R/H
For communication with other devices, you can configure system IP addresses in STEP 7 for a
redundant S7-1500R/H system.

2.7.1 Restrictions for all supported CPUs

Fieldbus systems
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not simulate fieldbus systems (PROFINET IO, PROFIBUS DP).

Intelligent I/O devices (I-devices)

S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not simulate I-Device functionality.

I/O
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced simulates the real CPU, but not configured I/O modules and the on-
board I/O of the compact CPUs.

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2.7 Differences between a simulated and a real CPU

Removal and insertion

In contrast to real systems, S7‑PLCSIM Advanced allows the removal and insertion of head
modules in distributed I/O systems.

Communications modules and communications processors

S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not support CMs and CPs and the related features such as "Access
to PLC via communications module".

Diagnostics / diagnostic alarms

The S7‑PLCSIM Advanced control panel does not enable simulation of diagnostic buffer
entries.

Online and diagnostic functions

Certain online and diagnostic functions (e.g. the "Firmware update" function) are not
supported.

Copy protection
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not simulate copy protection.

Limited support
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced simulates some functions to a limited extent. You can find an overview
in the section Restrictions, messages, and solution (Page 79).

2.7.2 Notes

Password applied during CPU swap

Depending on the firmware version of the CPUs affected (the CPU to be replaced and the
replacement CPU), you are either offered an update to the latest algorithm or prompted to
assign a new password because the replacement CPU cannot use the existing password
configuration.
If the CPU to be replaced and the replacement CPU are identical in terms of the algorithm
used, no action is required: the password configuration and the other parameter settings are
transferred.
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not support any password encryption for CPU versions with
firmware less than V2.0.
In order to use protection levels, the Web server and the access protection of the F‑CPU in the
simulation, click on the "Update password encryption" button. The button is located in the
CPU properties in the "Protection & Security" tab under "Access level".

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2.7 Differences between a simulated and a real CPU

HMI devices and CPU protection levels

• S7‑PLCSIM Advanced supports SIMATIC HMI devices as of version 14. Connections to
SIMATIC HMI devices prior to V14 are not supported.
• S7‑PLCSIM Advanced supports protection levels if the virtual S7‑1500 controller is
configured with a firmware version V2.0 or higher.
• It is possible to connect SIMATIC HMI devices as of V14 to virtual S7‑1500 controllers that
are configured with a firmware version V2.0 or higher, with or without protection levels.
• It is possible to connect SIMATIC HMI devices as of V14 to virtual S7‑1500 controllers
which are configured with a firmware version lower than V2.0 without protection levels.

Solution
To establish a connection to the SIMATIC HMI device V13 or earlier, you must update this
SIMATIC HMI device to version V14.
To establish a connection from the simulated PLC instance that is configured with a CPU
firmware version lower than V2.0 to the SIMATIC HMI device, you must remove existing
protection levels from the project.

Safety system versions

To successfully simulate and test a project with fail-safe input and output modules, you need
to use safety system version V1.6, V2.0, V2.1, V2.2, V2.3, V2.4, V2.5, or V2.6. Simulation of
the fail-safe input and output modules does not work correctly with an older version.

Technology module TM Count - Error message of instruction High_Speed_Counter

When you are using S7‑PLCSIM Advanced for the simulation of a high-speed counter in a
TM Count technology module, the instruction High_Speed_Counter signals an error 16#80C7.
The instruction High_Speed_Counter expects that the module has set a bit for "Status ready"
(STS_READY). Because S7‑PLCSIM Advanced does not simulate the module behavior, the
instruction signals an error.
The STS_READY bit is located in the input area of the module at offset 13.4. When the input
area of your TM Count module starts at %I32, for example, the STS_READY bit is located at
%I45.4.
To prevent this error message of the High_Speed_Counter instruction, set the STS_READY bit
accordingly.

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2.8 Password to protect confidential configuration data

2.8 Password to protect confidential configuration data

As of STEP 7 V17, you have the option of assigning a password to protect confidential
configuration data of the respective CPU as of FW version V2.9. This refers to data such as
private keys that are required for the proper functioning of certificate-based protocols.

Assign a password to protect confidential configuration data

You assign the password in STEP 7, in the CPU properties, in the area "Protection & Security >
Protection of the PLC configuration data".
You can use the same password for an S7‑PLCSIM Advanced instance as for the real CPU. This
makes it easier for you to assign it uniquely.
S7‑PLCSIM Advanced stores the password encrypted in a file on the virtual memory card. The
handling of the password is the same as with the real CPU.
Only the current, active Windows user and no other user is allowed to read the password for
the protection of confidential configuration data on the computer.

NOTE
Note that your Windows password protects the password used to protect confidential
configuration data. Therefore, do not share the Windows password with other, untrustworthy
users.

Detailed information on the protection of confidential configuration data and on secure

communication can be found in the Communication function manual
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/view/59192925).

Resetting to factory settings

A reset to factory settings causes the instance to start in fault mode under these
circumstances:
• The CPU instance is protected with a password to protect PLC confidential data.
• You perform a reset to factory settings and select only the option "Delete password for
protection of confidential PLC configuration data".
The instance is in fault mode because the password is missing. You cannot make an online
connection or download to the instance.
You must reset the CPU instance with the "Format memory card" selection. With this
selection, the instance is not in fault after the reset to factory settings. The storage is,
however, cleared out.

Moving the virtual SIMATIC memory card to another virtual machine, for example, SIMIT
If you have not set a password to protect confidential configuration data, there are no
restrictions on move operations.
If you have specified the password to protect confidential configuration data, the following
restriction applies:

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