Connection parameters

HMIs are designed to offer an interface for a machine or process, hence the name Human Machine Interface. Before the HMI can be downloaded to, a connection must be made between the PLC and the HMI. This connection is then used to pass information between the HMI and the PLC.

Note

Connections must be made before the HMI is able to access variables created in the associated PLC.

TIA Portal offers many different communication drivers for HMIs, allowing communication between all Siemens devices and even other vendors such as Allen Bradley and Mitsubishi. This enables a single HMI to talk to multiple PLCs, even if they are not of the same type.

Creating connections

Inside the project tree and within the HMI object, you will find the Connections object. By opening the Connections object, the Connections window opens. Here, connection definitions can be made, including those connections that are not Siemens devices.

A new connection can be added by...