The development merges hardware and network configuration into one editor, thus allowing intuitive, graphical configuration and diagnostics of configured and networked components. In the device view, the Simotion CPU is displayed graphically with all of its interfaces and properties. Any parameter can be selected and modified. In the network view, further components such as the HMIs or drives can be connected to the CPU. The configuration of Profinet networks is claimed to be equally intuitive.

One example of the ease of using TIA Portal for configuring installations is that simply dragging a tag from an on-screen controller project tree to an HMI icon will generate a connection between them automatically.

Siemens realises that not all Simotion customers will want to move to TIA Portal immediately, so it will continue to support configuration using its Simotion Scout tool. This allows users to configure frames and integrate technology objects and drive objects, as well as configuring automatic communications for distributed synchronous operation – between two controllers, for example. Users will be able to decide at the time of installation whether to run the tool within Simatic Manager or TIA Portal. Side-by-side installation will also be possible, as will migrating projects to TIA.

Siemens has also upgraded the performance of Profinet within Simotion. By reducing the bus cycle time to a minimum of 31.25µs, extremely fast motion control applications can be implemented, increasing productivity and maintaining product quality. The short processing cycle provides reserves for high-performance machines, especially in the packaging and tobacco industries.