SIMATIC AX - Introduction to ST Programming

Description

A comprehensive learning path for automation engineers transitioning from TIA Portal to SIMATIC AX with Structured Text (ST) programming.

📚 Overview

This repository contains a complete training module designed to teach ST programming concepts and SIMATIC AX development practices. The training covers everything from basic program organization to advanced system functions and practical automation applications.

🎯 Learning Objectives

After completing this training, participants will be able to:

• Analyze: Compare ST program structure vs. TIA Portal approach (15 min)
• Create: Build CONFIGURATION with tasks, global variables, and I/O mapping (30 min)
• Implement: Write FUNCTION, FUNCTION_BLOCK, and PROGRAM units with proper interfaces (45 min)
• Organize: Structure code using namespaces and access modifiers (20 min)
• Design: Define custom data types, enumerations for type-safe programming (25 min)
• Apply: Build a complete tank control application with valve function blocks (60 min)

Total Duration: ~3 hours | Assessment: Hands-on tank application project

📋 Prerequisites

Essential Requirements

• Solid SCL programming knowledge in TIA Portal
• Function blocks, data types, program organization experience in Step 7
• SIMATIC AX basics: Basic understanding of SIMATIC AX development environment
• Development setup: SIMATIC AX installed and configured for development
• Background: Industrial automation, PLC programming, Siemens ecosystem

⚠️ Important: Basic SIMATIC AX knowledge is mandatory to successfully complete this training

Recommended Preparation

• Complete SIMATIC AX Getting Started tutorials
• Practice basic project creation and building
• Familiarize yourself with the development workflow

🏗️ Repository Structure

axlp_introduction_to_st/
├── slides/                     # Training presentation
│   ├── slides.md              # Main slide content
│   └── theme/                 # Custom styling
│       ├── simatic-ax.css     # SIMATIC AX theme
│       └── siemens.svg        # Siemens logo
├── exercises/                  # Hands-on exercises
│   ├── 1_implement_valve/     # ST01: Basic valve function block
│   ├── 2_implement_tank/      # ST02: Tank with valve integration
│   ├── 3_extend_tank_functionality/  # ST03: Enhanced tank features
│   ├── 4_timer_for_tank/      # ST04: Timer-based valve control
│   └── 5_solution_exercise_4/ # ST05: Complete solution
├── src/                       # Example implementations
│   ├── configuration.st       # Configuration examples
│   ├── ExampleProgram.st      # Program structure examples
│   ├── TankFb.st             # Tank function block
│   ├── Valve.st              # Valve function block
│   └── Namespace/            # Namespace examples
└── .github/workflows/         # CI/CD automation

📖 Training Modules

Chapter 1: ST Program Architecture & Configuration (45 min)

• ST Program Structure Overview
• Configuration & Tasks setup
• Global Variables & I/O Mapping
• Program Organization fundamentals

Chapter 2: Program Organization Units - POUs (60 min)

• FUNCTION vs FUNCTION_BLOCK comparison
• Function Block structure and encapsulation
• Access Modifiers (PRIVATE, PROTECTED, PUBLIC)
• Function Overloading techniques

Chapter 3: Namespaces & Code Organization (30 min)

• Namespace Declaration & Syntax
• USING Directives implementation
• Naming Conflict Resolution
• Hierarchical Organization patterns

Chapter 4: Custom Data Types & Enumerations (40 min)

• Data Type fundamentals
• Enumeration Declaration & Usage
• Named Value Types comparison
• Type Safety best practices

Chapter 5: System Functions & Libraries (45 min)

• System Function overview
• Library Installation & Management
• Timer Functions (OnDelay, OffDelay)
• Error State Management

🛠️ Hands-On Exercises

ST01-03: Basic Tank Application

Build a foundational tank control system with valve function blocks:

• ST01: Create Valve Function Block with proper interface
• ST02: Implement Tank Function Block with valve integration
• ST03: System integration and testing

ST04-05: Enhanced Valve Control

Extend the application with advanced features:

• ST04: ValveWithClosedSensor using enumerations
• ST05: Enhanced Tank with new valve types

ST06: Advanced Timer Integration

Professional-grade valve control:

• ST06: ValveClosedSensorMon with OnDelay timer functionality
• Error state management and diagnostics

🚀 Getting Started

You can view the interactive training presentation here:

Open Presentation

📊 Assessment

The training includes a comprehensive assessment through:

• Practical Implementation: Complete tank control application
• Code Review: Professional code organization and structure
• Technical Discussion: Understanding of ST programming concepts
• Real-world Application: Industrial automation best practices

🎓 Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will have:

• Solid ST Programming Foundation: Ready for advanced SIMATIC AX development
• Professional Development Skills: Modern automation programming practices
• Practical Experience: Complete industrial automation application
• Advanced Concepts Ready: Prepared for OOP, design patterns, and architecture

🔗 Additional Resources

• SIMATIC AX Documentation
• ST Language Reference
• System Libraries
• SIMATIC-1500 Libraries

🤝 Contributing

This training material is designed for automation engineers. Contributions, feedback, and improvements are welcome:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Submit pull request with detailed description

📄 License

Copyright © Siemens AG. All rights reserved.

📞 Support

For questions about this training material:

• Create an issue in this repository
• Contact your local SIMATIC AX training coordinator
• Visit the SIMATIC AX community forums

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Ready to master ST programming with SIMATIC AX? Start with Chapter 1 and build your way to professional automation development! 🚀