SIMATIC facts for kids

SIMATIC is a special computer system made by a German company called Siemens. It helps control big machines used in factories to make things. SIMATIC makes these machines work all by themselves, automatically! To make a machine do what you want, you put a special program onto the SIMATIC unit. This unit is usually kept in a box called a control cabinet, right next to the machine it controls.

How SIMATIC Works

SIMATIC is a lot like a small computer. It can store and run programs. It also has special connections called inputs and outputs. The program running on the SIMATIC controls these inputs and outputs. Wires connect the SIMATIC to the machine. This allows them to talk to each other.

The program sends out electrical signals. These signals are either "High" or "Low". These signals tell the machine what to do. They decide if an action happens or not.

Here are some examples:

• Output to a motor:
  • "High" signal: The motor starts.
  • "Low" signal: The motor stops.

• Input from a thermometer:
  • "High" signal: The temperature is too high.
  • "Low" signal: The temperature is okay.

How Machines and SIMATIC Talk

There are two main ways SIMATIC communicates with machines.

From the Machine to SIMATIC

Machines have special parts called sensors. Sensors gather information about what's happening. For example, a sensor can tell how fast a motor is spinning. It can also check the temperature. Or it can know when a task is finished.

This information is very important for the program. Sensors send electrical signals through wires to the SIMATIC's inputs. This way, the program knows exactly what's going on. Knowing this helps the program decide the next step. For instance, if a motor gets too hot, the program knows. Then it can switch off the motor to prevent damage.

From SIMATIC to the Machine

Machines also have parts called actuators. Actuators make things move or change. Motors, heaters, or lights are examples of actuators.

If the program decides it's time to turn on a light, it sends a signal. The right output on the SIMATIC unit becomes active. An electrical signal travels through a wire to the machine. This signal then switches on the light.

The Name SIMATIC

The name SIMATIC is a special brand name. The company Siemens registered it in 1958. The name combines "Siemens" and "Automatic" into one word.

SIMATIC Product Lines

Siemens has created several different SIMATIC systems over the years:

• 1958: SIMATIC Version G
• 1973: SIMATIC S3
• 1979: SIMATIC S5
• 1995: SIMATIC S7

Software Used with SIMATIC

Every automation system needs a program to control machines. To create these programs, you need special software. Siemens made its own software for its SIMATIC products.

• The SIMATIC S5 systems use software called Step5.
• The SIMATIC S7 systems use software called Step7. They can also use a newer system called TIA Portal. TIA Portal means "Totally Integrated Automation."

Images for kids

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  Siemens SIMATIC S7-300 PLC CPU with three I/O modules attached