The X5-X7 card with dual S5 and S7 CPUs, distributed by Er-Soft, offers the following advantages:
• Modern construction with robust and reliable microelectronics.
• The card is easy to use by simple replacement (same dimensions as S5 CPU cards).
• Extends the life of all Simatic S5 hardware.
• You can convert the S5 code to S7 and put it into operation calmly over time and without stress (to ensure good quality), then prepare to install the new S7 hardware in case elements of the Simatic S5 hardware fail permanently.
The phases to be carried out are as follows:
1. Phase: Conversion of the S5 PLC software for the new X5 CPU:
• The S5 PLC software (the code) typically requires some adaptation to run on the new X5 CPU. This adaptation also applies to the Function Blocks (FBs). If the FBs are closed, they must first be opened.
• The new X5 CPU is compatible with the S5-948 CPU. If the old CPU is of another type, adaptation is required.
• Tools exist for this conversion of the S5 PLC software (the code), but a simple "Plug-n-Play" is not guaranteed. Much depends on the author of the original software.
• When the S5 PLC software (the code) is converted to run on the new X5 CPU, the S5 CPU is removed from the rack, the new X5-X7 CPU is placed in the rack, and the converted software is loaded.
• Now the commissioning process begins, which consists of ensuring that the software functionality has been preserved during the code conversion.
• Once the system is functioning satisfactorily, it can remain in that state for an extended period, or phase 2 can be initiated at a controlled pace or with minimal urgency.
• ER-Soft, SA offers support for the conversion process.
Phase 2: Optional conversion of X5 software to X7 compatible with Step7:
• If it has already been decided that the Simatic S5 hardware will be replaced with new S7-compatible hardware, this step is essential.
• Before starting the conversion, it is advisable to determine which type of S7 CPU the X5-X7 CPU will replace, in order to perform a proper conversion. The X7 CPU is compatible with the S7-416 CPU. It is possible that a lower-end CPU can perform the tasks currently handled by the X5-X7 CPU. An S7-416 CPU can execute code designed for lower-end CPUs, and the reverse is not necessarily true.
3. Phase: Optional Conversion of S5 Hardware to S7 Compatible Hardware:
• The hardware change is probably the most impactful aspect of the installation.
• Several hardware manufacturers already offer products capable of running S7 code. Therefore, we will limit ourselves to mentioning some good, economical products supplied by ER-Soft, SA:
• CPUs manufactured by Beckhoff but equipped with S7 firmware from IBH-softec. These CPUs include an EtherCAT fieldbus master, one of the most modern fieldbuses on the market.
• Cost-effective Beckhoff inputs and outputs for EtherCAT.
• The EtherCAT fieldbus is based on Ethernet, is ultra-fast, and allows for redundant networks. These are very important characteristics for a fieldbus.
• S5 + S7 management software from IBH-softec, and more...
