Integrating Siemens SIMATIC HMI with Skills Ontario Stations

The Project

In one of my lab projects, I had access to a spare Siemens SIMATIC HMI and decided to integrate it with the Skills Ontario stations I had been working on. These stations were controlled using an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC, and I saw an opportunity to enhance their functionality by adding an HMI interface.

The Implementation

To connect the Siemens SIMATIC HMI with the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC, I used Ethernet I/O, ensuring a seamless communication setup between the two systems. I then programmed the HMI using TIA Portal (WinCC), creating a sequence inspired by the Skills Ontario 2016 program. This setup allowed the sequence to be monitored and controlled directly through the HMI, providing a user-friendly interface for managing the stations.

The process involved:

• Connecting the Siemens SIMATIC HMI to the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC using Ethernet I/O.

• Programming the HMI to monitor and control the station sequences.

• Testing and fine-tuning the interface to ensure smooth operation.

This integration showcased the flexibility and interoperability of different industrial systems, as well as my ability to adapt and combine technologies effectively.

Showcase

I’ve documented this project with a video that demonstrates how the HMI controls and monitors the sequence. This video highlights the seamless integration and the enhanced user experience achieved through the HMI.