Key Takeaway
Yes, TIA Portal includes Step 7, but it’s much more.
Step 7 is the programming component within TIA Portal for Siemens PLCs.
However, TIA Portal also integrates:
WinCC for HMI configuration
Startdrive for drive integration
Safety Advanced for safety programming
SCADA extensions
Thus, while Step 7 Classic was standalone, in TIA Portal, Step 7 becomes part of a broader, more powerful engineering suite.
TIA Portal simplifies working with multiple device types (PLCs, HMIs, drives) under one project file, making project management more efficient and reducing engineering effort.
Relationship Between STEP 7 and TIA Portal
The question “Is TIA Portal STEP 7?” is common for engineers new to Siemens PLCs. To put it simply, TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal) is the modern environment for configuring, programming, and maintaining Siemens automation systems. But when it comes to STEP 7, it refers to Siemens’ programming software that was widely used for Siemens PLC systems before TIA Portal took over.
Think of STEP 7 as a specific part of the broader TIA Portal ecosystem. The TIA Portal brings together several engineering functions into one integrated platform, and STEP 7 is the core PLC programming component inside it. TIA Portal is much more than just STEP 7—it’s an environment that combines PLC programming, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) configuration, motion control, and more, all in one seamless platform.
So, while TIA Portal includes STEP 7, it’s much more than just that. STEP 7, historically, was used in isolated instances, but with the release of TIA Portal, Siemens took the next big step to unify these tools under one roof.
Evolution from STEP 7 Classic to TIA
STEP 7 was Siemens’ go-to programming tool for their PLCs for years, especially for the S7-300 and S7-400 models. However, with the evolution of automation technology and the need for more integrated solutions, Siemens launched TIA Portal as an advanced version of STEP 7.
This evolution isn’t just about a new name or interface—it’s about making engineering more efficient and less fragmented. Before TIA Portal, different programming, configuration, and diagnostic tools were scattered across various platforms. But TIA Portal unifies them all into a single platform. It integrates all elements of automation, from hardware configuration to programming and diagnostics.
In terms of programming, the jump from STEP 7 Classic to TIA Portal meant more powerful tools, a more user-friendly interface, and support for newer, more powerful PLC families like the S7-1200 and S7-1500. The TIA Portal platform also supports more advanced capabilities, such as safety integration and motion control—features that STEP 7 Classic could not handle.
Advantages of Using STEP 7 Inside TIA Portal
Now that we’ve covered the relationship and evolution, let’s look at the advantages of using STEP 7 inside TIA Portal. TIA Portal offers a more integrated and streamlined approach to automation, and here’s why it’s a game-changer:
Single Engineering Framework: With TIA Portal, you don’t need separate tools for different tasks. Whether it’s PLC programming, HMI configuration, or motion control, everything can be done in one place. This reduces the time spent switching between different programs and enhances productivity.
User-Friendly Interface: One of the most significant benefits of TIA Portal is its intuitive and modern interface. It’s designed to be easier for engineers to use, even those who are new to automation. The interface includes tools like drag-and-drop functionality, graphical programming, and more—features that STEP 7 Classic lacked.
Support for Advanced Technologies: TIA Portal supports new and emerging technologies in automation, such as IoT (Internet of Things), cloud integration, and big data. By using STEP 7 within the TIA Portal, you get access to these cutting-edge capabilities that make your systems more flexible and future-proof.
Faster Configuration and Diagnostics: TIA Portal simplifies diagnostics with tools like online monitoring and real-time visualization of machine data. This helps engineers identify issues and solve them quickly, leading to increased uptime and reduced maintenance costs.
Seamless Integration: Whether you’re working with HMI panels, safety systems, or motion control modules, everything within TIA Portal is seamlessly integrated, allowing for smoother workflows and better project management.
Supported PLC Families in Both Platforms
STEP 7 and TIA Portal both support a wide range of Siemens PLC families, but there are some key differences in terms of the PLC models each platform can handle. Let’s explore these:
STEP 7 (Classic) is used primarily for the older PLC families like S7-300 and S7-400. These PLCs are still widely used in various industries, especially in complex control systems.
TIA Portal, however, expands the support to include the S7-1200, S7-1500, and S7-1500 T PLCs, which are newer, more powerful, and have enhanced capabilities for modern automation requirements. The S7-1200, for instance, is often used in smaller or modular applications, while the S7-1500 is aimed at high-performance applications that require more extensive control and monitoring.
Migrating Projects from STEP 7 to TIA Portal
As many industries transition to TIA Portal for their newer automation needs, engineers often face the challenge of migrating existing projects from STEP 7 Classic to the TIA environment. This migration can be tricky, but it’s essential for upgrading systems to stay competitive.
The good news is that Siemens has made migrating projects relatively straightforward. Here’s how it works:
Project Conversion Tool: TIA Portal comes with a built-in tool that automatically converts most STEP 7 Classic projects into the TIA format. This tool handles code translation, hardware configuration, and other elements needed to adapt your projects to TIA Portal.
Manual Adjustments: While the conversion tool handles a lot, there might still be a need for some manual adjustments. Some advanced functions or custom configurations might not be transferred correctly, so engineers need to review and tweak them to ensure everything works as expected.
Testing: After the migration, it’s crucial to thoroughly test the system to ensure that all functions operate as they did in STEP 7 Classic. TIA Portal’s simulation tools can help with this process, allowing for virtual testing of the project before it goes live.
Benefits of Migrating: By migrating, you get to leverage new features that weren’t available in STEP 7 Classic, such as integrated motion control, better diagnostic tools, and improved system security.
Conclusion
To sum it up, TIA Portal and STEP 7 are closely related, but TIA Portal is the future of Siemens PLC programming. While STEP 7 forms a crucial part of TIA Portal, the modernized, integrated environment that TIA Portal provides is far superior for both new and existing automation projects. If you’re looking to migrate or upgrade your existing STEP 7-based systems, adopting TIA Portal will provide you with a more powerful, efficient, and future-proof solution.
With its intuitive interface, advanced features, and seamless integration, TIA Portal is now the go-to environment for Siemens PLC programming. For engineers new to the industry, understanding how TIA Portal builds on the legacy of STEP 7 is a crucial first step in becoming proficient in modern industrial automation. So, don’t hesitate—start exploring TIA Portal today!