Maple Systems is dedicated to making integration between your devices as straightforward as possible. In this guide, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of how to establish communication between a Maple Systems HMI and a Siemens S7-200 Series PLC. From configuring the network settings to importing tags and verifying data flow, this guide has everything you need to get started.
Quick Start Guides
Our quick start guides are here to help you get your HMI and PLC talking to each other quickly and painlessly. Click on the button below to show more details for the protocol you are using, and learn how to connect your devices in a few easy steps.
Ethernet Connection
This guide walks you through connecting a Siemens S7-200 PLC to EBPro using an Ethernet driver, configuring communication settings, and using PLC addresses in your HMI project. Follow these steps to establish communication and begin building and testing your screens with confidence.
Instructions: Ethernet Connection
Start a New EBPro Project
Open the EBPro application and start a new project, or load an existing one.
Add the Siemens S7-200 Ethernet PLC Device
In the System Parameters window, click New Device/Server and select the Siemens S7-200 Ethernet driver.
Configure and Confirm the Communication Settings
Open the settings menu to configure the communication settings for the Siemens PLC. These settings must match what has been configured for the PLC or communication errors may occur. Once these are set, press OK to confirm.
Place an Object and Link It to a PLC Address
Once you have configured the communication settings, you may now assign objects to read or write to addresses on the PLC. Let’s add a Bit Lamp object to our project to use as an example. To do this, navigate to the Object menu and select the Bit Lamp object. In the properties window, select the Siemens PLC from the Device dropdown, then configure the register type and address.
Run the Project in Simulation or Download to the HMI
The Siemens S7-200 is now ready to use within your EBPro project. Once you are ready, you can run the project in one of EBPro’s simulation modes or download the project to an HMI for testing. To learn more about HMI project simulation, check out our Try Before You Buy page.
Serial Connection
This guide walks you through connecting a Siemens S7-200 PLC to EBPro using an Serial driver, configuring communication settings, and using PLC addresses in your HMI project. Follow these steps to establish communication and begin building and testing your screens with confidence.
Instructions: Serial Connection
Start a New EBPro Project
Open the EBPro application and start a new project, or load an existing one.
Add the Siemens S7-200 PLC Device
In the System Parameters window, click New Device/Server and select the Siemens S7-200 driver.
Configure and Confirm the Communication Settings
Open the Settings menu to configure the communication settings for the Siemens PLC. These settings must match what has been configured for the PLC, or communication errors may occur. Once these are set, press OK to confirm.
Place an Object and Link It to a PLC Address
Once you have configured the communication settings, you may now assign objects to read or write to addresses on the PLC. Let’s add a Bit Lamp object to our project to use as an example. To do this, navigate to the Object menu and select the Bit Lamp object. In the properties window, select the Siemens PLC from the Device dropdown, then configure the register type and address.
Run the Project in Simulation or Download to the HMI
Once you are ready, you can run the project in one of EBPro’s simulation modes or download the project to an HMI for testing. To learn more about HMI project simulation, check out our Try Before You Buy page.
Demo Project
Our EBPro S7-200 demo project has been preconfigured to to communicate with a Maple Systems HMI, and demonstrates the usage of multiple EBPro features. Play the video below to see a preview of this demo project in action, then follow the instructions to install and run the project on your development PC.
Follow the steps below to open this demo project in EBPro:
- Download the compressed S7-200 Demo Project folder.
- Extract the files from the zipped folder and save them to a local drive on your PC.
- Open the EBPro configuration software.
- Open the FILE menu and select Compress/Uncompress.
- In the Uncompress section of the window, click Browse, then select the Siemens_S7200_Pump_Demo_EBPro.ccmp file that was just extracted from the zipped folder in step two. Click Uncompress.
- The uncompressed project file will now be saved in the same location as the .ccmp file with a .cmtp file extension.
- Use File > Open in EBPro to open the uncompressed project file.
Controller Information Sheets
Controller Information Sheets provide information to help connect to an Omron PLC, including connection tips, tag imports, and more. If you’re experiencing connection issues, download and review the info sheet for your device using the buttons below.
Serial
Controller information and connection guide for the S7-200 PLC using serial communication.
Ethernet
Controller information and connection guide for the S7-200 PLC using Ethernet communication.
Any VD Address
Controller information and connection guide for the S7-200 PLC using serial communication (any VD address).
PPI
Controller information and connection guide for the S7-200 PLC using Point-to-Point Interface (PPI) over serial.
SMART PPI
Controller information and connection guide for the S7-200 PLC using the SMART Point-to-Point Interface (PPI) over serial.
SMART Ethernet
Controller information and connection guide for the S7-200 PLC using the SMART Point-to-Point Interface (PPI) over Ethernet.
Communication Cables
Selecting the correct communication cable is essential for establishing reliable communication between a Maple Systems HMI and an Siemens PLC. Different PLC models and communication protocols require specific cable types to ensure proper signal compatibility and data transfer.
Maple Systems HMIs connect directly to Siemens PLCs. Cable requirements may vary depending on the PLC model, communication method, and physical connection type used in your system.
To determine the correct cable for your specific HMI and PLC combination, use the HMI/cMT Cable Configurator.
Additional Resources
For answers to common questions about Maple Systems HMIs, PLCs, and general product usage, visit our FAQ page. This resource covers frequently asked topics related to hardware, software, and system configuration.
For a complete list of Siemens SIMATIC controllers, including the S7-200, available from SIMATIC, refer to the manufacturer’s official website for the most up-to-date product information.
Would you like to know more? Our friendly and knowledgeable sales team can connect you to the resources you need.
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