How to launch the PLC program simulation for Siemens TIA Portal

Follow these steps to load, configure, and simulate a proposed solution using Siemens TIA Portal and Machines Simulator.

Step 1: Accessing the Solution

1. In the Tutorial Manager, click the Solution button.
2. Select the Siemens platform from the top-right toggle.
3. Click the See Solution button. A Windows Explorer window will open automatically showing the TIA Portal project.
4. Open the project with Siemens TIA Portal.

NOTE

If you are using a version higher than v15, allow TIA Portal to perform the project upgrade.

Step 2: Compiling and Simulating (PLCSIM)

1. Once the project structure is loaded, click the Start Simulation icon on the TIA Portal toolbar to launch PLCSIM.
2. In the Extended download to device window:
   • Click Start Search.
   • Once the device is found, click Load.
   • Click Load again in the following prompt.
3. Click Finish and then select Start CPU.

Step 3: Network Configuration (NetToPLCsim)

To enable communication between the Siemens emulator and the simulation, you must use NetToPLCsim (run as Administrator).

1. If a port 102 warning appears, click YES.

2. Click the Add button and configure the following:
   • Network Address: Set to 127.0.0.1.
   • PLCSIM IP Address: Click the browse button and select your CPU's IP.
   • Rack / Slot: Set to 0 / 1.

3. Click OK and then click Start Server.

Step 4: Launching the 3D Simulation

1. In the Tutorial Manager, click the Launch MS3 Simulation button.
2. Once Machines Simulator starts, click the IO Drivers button.

3. Go to File -> Open Driver Configuration and select the S7_1200_1500.drv file (or the appropriate Siemens driver). Click Load.

4. Finally, go to the Exit menu and select Start Driver and Exit.

The simulation is now active, and the logic is being managed directly from TIA Portal.