I have upcoming modifications to make on a redundant S7-1500R/H system that must continue to operate without interruption. While I am experienced in working with individual S7-1500 PLCs, this will be my first time working with redundant Siemens PLCs. I have a few questions: 1. In the TIA Portal setup, I noticed that only PLC_1 contains the program blocks. Can I make software changes solely in PLC_1? 2. Once the changes are made, is it sufficient to download them to PLC_1 only? Will the changes automatically synchronize to PLC_2? I noticed an option to download to the backup PLC as well, and I would like confirmation that it will synchronize similarly to an Allen-Bradley redundant system, or if it requires separate downloads to both PLCs like an older GE Proficy redundant system. 3. During a software-only change download, will the PLC continue to operate without any interruptions? Thank you.
1. When making code changes, PLC1 always points to the primary CPU, which controls the system. This could be either CPU1 or CPU2, but in the TIA portal, it always refers to CPU1. It is important for the system to be in a redundant state before making online changes to both CPUs simultaneously. 2. Synchronization or downloading to CPU 2 is only necessary after hardware modifications. Both CPUs need to be stopped during hardware changes. While it is possible to make some hardware changes in the code, there are limited resources available on how to do so. 3. Only hardware downloads will halt the CPUs. However, making online changes may slow down the PLC scan during the download process.
Working with S7-1500R/H redundant PLCs can be quite similar to working with a standalone S7-1500 PLC. To answer your questions: 1. Yes, you can make the changes in PLC_1. The modifications are carried out in PLC_1 considering it is the main controller while PLC_2 mirrors PLC_1. Ensure that redundancy is established correctly. 2. Ideally, when you download changes to PLC_1, the updates should sync across to PLC_2. However, I recommend downloading to the backup PLC as well, just to be on the safe side; not all systems work like Allen-Bradley's. 3. Typically, during a software change, you'll want to temporarily disable your redundancy, download the changes, and then re-enable the redundancy. Your PLC should continue to operate smoothly with the backup controller in control during the brief period you're downloading changes. Remember, always perform a complete backup before making any changes. Also, if the system allows, try testing in a non-production environment or during a low-risk time period. Good luck!
Redundant S7-1500R/H systems indeed operate a little differently. 1. While working in TIA Portal, typically, PLC_1 acts as the "master" and thus holds the program blocks. This said, any software changes you make should be made here for them to reflect across the system. 2. When it comes to downloading these changes, you'll need to download to both PLCs. Unlike the Allen-Bradley systems, these changes will not automatically synchronize. Therefore, after programming changes on PLC_1, perform a "Load to synchronized device" process. This will ensure the same changes are implemented in PLC_2. 3. Yes, the PLC should continue to operate without interruptions during a software-only change download. But to be safe, do this during a maintenance window or period of low activity to minimize any potential impact on operations. Remember to double-check and test everything before applying the changes to the live system to ensure there are no surprises!
From my experience with redundant S7-1500R/H systems, the changes you make need to be downloaded to both PLCs. The synchronization does not happen automatically like in an Allen-Bradley system. When you make the software changes in TIA Portal, focus on PLC_1, but remember to download them to PLC_2 as well; this ensures both PLCs are operating with the same updated logic. As for your last question, if you're only making software changes, the PLCs should continue to operate seamlessly without interruption. However, extreme caution should be exercised to avoid causing any unexpected process stoppages.
From my previous experience working with Siemens redundant systems, here's what I can tell you: 1. Even though only PLC_1 shows the program blocks, any changes you want to make should ideally be done on both PLCs. This is mainly because the system works on a redundancy principle - if PLC_1 fails, PLC_2 takes over, and it should have the exact same programming. 2. Post changes, you'd need to download them to BOTH PLCs, unfortunately it doesn't synchronize automatically like an Allen-Bradley system. The TIA Portal offers the option to download to the backup PLC for this very reason. 3. As far as interruptions during a software-only change download, it won't interrupt the hardware operation, but it might pause the software process for the few seconds it takes to download the changes. So no significant interruptions, but tiny pauses are to be expected. I hope this helps!
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Answer: - Yes, software changes can be made solely in PLC_1 as it contains the program blocks.
Answer: - Yes, after downloading changes to PLC_1, they will synchronize to PLC_2. It is not necessary to download separately to both PLCs.
Answer: - Yes, the PLC will continue to operate without interruptions during a software-only change download.
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