TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Contents
1.

Use ............................................................................................................................... 2

2.

AutomationML GUID ................................................................................................... 3

3.

Settings at PLC devices .............................................................................................. 4

4.

Settings at PLC connection points (inputs / outputs)............................................. 18

5.

Settings at PLC connection points (bus ports) ....................................................... 22

6.

Settings at bus-compatible devices and devices that are assigned to a drive ..... 29

7.

Specification of bus data at the PLC box ................................................................ 30

1

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

1. UseThis TechTip helps you to set the required properties at the PLC connection points and PLC
devices for a PLC data exchange with PLC configuration programs in the format"AutomationML AR APC" (short: "AML AR APC").

For the fundamental description of a property please refer to the current Eplan help:•

Terminals, Cables, Plugs, and PLC Information > PLC > Basics•

Eplan Properties: Overview

This TechTip provides supplementary information about the properties.
With Version 2.7 of Eplan Electric P8 numerous new check runs were implemented in the
PLC field which help you in configuring the PLC data exchange.

Information for reading
Structure of the individual tables:
Property<ID>

Input format
Notes (for example from parts management, designation in other PLC configuration
programs)
Particular aspects for PLC data exchange2TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

2. AutomationML GUID
GUIDs are used for identification of the individual objects during data exchange using theAutomationML format. These GUIDs are generated as required before a data export (theproject must therefore be writeable for a data export) and should no longer be modified by
the user:
AutomationML GUID

25030

In accordance with AutomationML specification. https://www.automationml.org/

AutomationML GUID 2

25031 [1...12]

In accordance with AutomationML specification. https://www.automationml.org/

Current Index 1 is used:-

At PLC connection points (input or output)
At PLC cards

AutomationML GUID (accessories)

20399 [1...50]

In accordance with AutomationML specification. https://www.automationml.org/

A PLC type designation must be entered for these parts in the parts management to allow
export of the accessory parts.

An AutomationML GUID has the format "xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx", with "x"standing for one of the characters "0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 a b c d e f A B C D E F".

3

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

3. Settings at PLC devices
PLC devices are always to be configured as PLC boxes. This includes devices with I/Oconnection points or devices that require further PLC settings (PLC structure data).
Tip: Use the "Edit in table" function to achieve effective editing of the data.
Rack

20427

Numerical value equal to or greater than 0
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Rack
The value has to be filled in at all the PLC cards that represent either a rack or a headstation.
Numbering of the racks begins with the value 0 ("Main rack") at each station. Numbering iscarried out without gaps and has to be unique within a station. Extension racks therefore
have values greater than 0.
If the rack is simultaneously a head station, an additional Bus coupler / head station checkbox has to be activated for the AutomationML AR APC format.
Racks without specification of a PLC type designation or of a device description file withspecification of an index are handled as virtual racks when imported into Eplan, meaningthat a separate PLC box is not created to this purpose.
iQ Works: maximum value: 7
TwinCAT3: always 0 since there is only one rack per workstation.

PLC card is placed on rack ID

20410

Numerical value equal to or greater than 0

The value has to be filled in at all the PLC cards that are mounted on a rack
or are adjoined at a head station.

PLC card is placed on head station

20444

Check box
Is taken from the parts management
AML AR APC: Identifies a PLC card which is placed on the head station or is integrated
into it and not adjoined next to the head station, e.g. bus adapter.

4

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Position (slot / module)

20411

Numerical value
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Slot
The value has to be filled in at all the PLC cards that are mounted on a rack
or are adjoined at a head station.

Drive

20576 [1…64]

Any string

Specifies the association of a device to a drive.
A device (for example, power converter) can belong to several drives, a motor usually only
belongs to one drive.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.2.0.

Drive: Device type20577

Any string

The specification of this value takes place in the part reference data. For devices that areassigned to a drive you specify the type of device, for example "Synchronous motor","Inverter", "Encoder" ,etc. more exactly.

Device tag

20006

String in accordance with the rules for Device tag

STEP 7 Classic V5.6: limited to 32 characters
STEP 7 TIA Portal:- AML AR APC Version 1.0.0: limited to 32 characters for the function designation and to
22 characters for the remaining designation (location designations and device tags).
- As of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0: limited to 32 characters for the function designation,and limited to 22 characters for the location designation and to 54 characters for the devicetag.

5TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Bus coupler / head station

20164

Check box
Is taken from the parts management.
AML AR APC: Identifies a head station which is simultaneously a rack.
STEP 7 Classic: not used.

Bus distribution device

20189

Check box
Is taken from the parts management.
Is not used for: AML AR APC, STEP 7 Classic
PLC cards identified as bus distribution devices are not taken into consideration in the
check runs 4035, 4037 and 4072.

CPU

20167

Check box
Is taken from the parts management.
Every PLC box that represents a CPU is to be identified as a CPU by activating the checkbox.
For a successful data exchange at least one CPU must exist on the main rack within aconfiguration project.
AML AR APC: The assignment list ("TagTable") is only exported at PLC cards which are
identified as a CPU via the check box.

6

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

CPU: Name

20253 [1...128]

Any string

Value has to be filled.
The property CPU: Name is specified in all modules as a complete name in the form
[Configuration project].[Station ID].[CPU identifier], for example Siemens SIMATIC
S7.Station 300.1. The CPU name has to be unique within the Eplan project.
The correct specification of the CPU name at the PLC box is required so that theassignment list ("TagTable") is exported completely.
128 input fields (indices) are available for entering the CPU name. Currently only the firstentry is used for data exchange.
AML AR APC: The CPU identifier must be an integer equal to or larger 1.
STEP 7 Classic: permitted values for the CPU identifier are 1, 2, 3 or 4

Function text

20031

Any string, multi-language
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Comment
STEP 7 Classic: limited to 80 characters. Quotation marks (") and line breaks areimpermissible.
STEP 7 TIA Portal: Line breaks are impermissible.
AML AR APC: The function text is always output in all languages stored at the function
text.

Integrated module

20289

Check box

Identifies an integrated module, the PLC box in this case often has no own PLC typedesignation.

7

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Configuration project

20161

Any string, a decimal point (".") is not permissible.

The value has to be filled at all the PLC cards.
All objects assigned to the same configuration project belong together and represent a
PLC configuration. The data of the devices specified in this manner can be exchanged with
the PLC configuration programs of the PLC manufacturers.

Safety address: Target

20439

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

Safety address at safety modules (for example F-address for PROFIsafe).
In general this value is entered at the modules that are participants of a safety network.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

Safety address: Source

20615

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

Safety address at safety modules (for example F-address for PROFIsafe).
In general this value is entered at the module that is the source of the safety network.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

Safety address: Upper value

20616

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

The value is filled during the import of PLC configuration files.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

8

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Safety address: Lower value

20617

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

The value is filled during the import of PLC configuration files.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

PLC card name20437

Any string
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Name, module
The value must be filled and contains the designation of the PLC box. Depending onwhether the PLC box represents a PLC card, a rack or a CPU, the PLC card name must
be unique within a rack, a station or a configuration project.
PLC box represents:

Unique PLC card name required within:

PLC card

Rack

Rack

Configuration project

CPU or head station

Configuration project

STEP 7 Classic: The Object description is used instead of the PLC card name.
iQ-Works 3: limited to 32 characters. For impermissible characters please refer to thecorresponding reference manual of the manufacturer.

9TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

PLC station: ID

20408

Any string, a decimal point (".") is not permissible.

Value has to be filled at all the PLC cards and specifies the association of the PLC card toa station.
iQ-Works 3: limited to 32 characters. For impermissible characters please refer to thecorresponding reference manual of the manufacturer.

PLC station: Type

20409

String, depending on the target system
Is taken from the parts management.
The value is specified at PLC boxes that represent a CPU or a head station.
Value must be used for STEP 7 Classic: Valid values are S7300, S7400, S7400H,
PC_BASED, HMI_BASED
Value is to be used for STEP 7 TIA Portal : Valid values are amongst others S7300,
S7400, S71200, S71500, ET200AL, PC, ET200ecoPN, ET200SP, ET200ISP, ET200M,
ET200S, ET200Pro, ASi, S7mEC, SCALANCE/X200IRT

PLC station: TemplateIdentifier

20614

Any string

The value is specified at PLC boxes that represent a CPU or a head station.
Name of the template which is used in the PLC configuration program for the definition ofconfigurable properties. Some PLC configuration programs support a template technology
at which only the reference to the template is exchanged. Details are provided in the
TechTip "TechTip-PLC-data-exchange-with-device-related-configuration-values".
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.2.0.

10

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

You will find detailed information on the use of PLC type designation, Device description:
File name and Device description: Index in file in the Eplan Help in the section "Data
Exchange of PLC Configuration Files" with the keyword "Device identification".
PLC type designation

20416

StringIs taken from the parts management.
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Order number, Catalog number
The value has to be filled in at all the PLC cards if the Device description: File name is not
filled in.
As a rule the original order number under observance of any blanks and separators is tobe specified. Every PLC card can only have one PLC type designation. A combination ofseveral parts by entering several PLC type designations is not supported. If the device isdivided into subdevices, the PLC type designations are entered in the corresponding
properties PLC subdevice [n]: PLC type designation.
STEP 7 Classic or STEP 7 TIA Portal:
If the original type designation from the hardware catalog contains the character "x" as aplaceholder character, each "x" in Eplan must be replaced by a "?" for the device to berecognized in TIA Portal during importing.
Example: For some racks, "xxx" must be replaced by "???".
Device description: File name20415

File name of the device description file with file name extension and without file path
specification
Is taken from the parts management.
The value has to be filled in at all the PLC cards if the PLC type designation is not filled in.
Is used together with Device description: Index in file.
Is only exported if no PLC type designation is specified.
The specified device description file must be installed in the hardware catalog of the PLC
configuration program.

11

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Device description: Index in file

20381

Reference to the device in the file specified by means of device description: File nameIs taken from the parts management.
Is used together with Device description: File name.
STEP 7 Classic: The Object description is used instead of this property.
Note: The indexes of the device description files additionally have the specification of apreceding context in the AML file (for example "M/1000"). This context is automaticallydetected and supplemented by Eplan during importing and exporting and therefore does
not have to be explicitly specified in Eplan during the configuration:
•
•
•
•

D/
R/
DAP/
M/

(Device)(Rack)(Device Access Point)(Module)If the index contains forward slashes (for example "M/1000/2"), the context is not detected
automatically and must be entered as well.
The context (SM/) must always be specified for submodules.

Object description

20417

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Module, DP identifier
Designation of the PLC box.
AML AR APC: Is used when the PLC card name is not filled.
STEP 7 Classic: If a device description file is specified, this property is used instead of
Device description: Index in file.

12

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

PLC device: TemplateIdentifier

20580

Any string

The value is specified at PLC boxes which do not represent a CPU or a head station.
Name of the template which is used in the PLC configuration program for the definition ofconfigurable properties. Some PLC configuration programs support a template technology
at which only the reference to the template is exchanged. Details are provided in the
TechTip "TechTip-PLC-data-exchange-with-device-related-configuration-values".
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.2.0.

Start address of PLC card,
Start address 2 of PLC card

20419,
20255

Numerical value (decimal system)

Start value for the address range of an input or output card.
Start address of PLC card: Start value for the address range of the inputs.
Can also be used for outputs if the card only has outputs.
Start address 2 of PLC card: Start value for the address range of the outputs.
iQ-Works 3: Values are a multiple of 8 (0, 8, 16, etc.).

Address range (SIEMENS STEP 7 Classic),
Address range 2 (SIEMENS STEP 7 Classic)

20432,
20299

Numerical value
Is taken from the parts management.
Address range (SIEMENS STEP 7 Classic): Specification for inputs.
Can also be used for outputs if the card only has outputs.
Address range (SIEMENS STEP 7 Classic) 2: Specification for outputs.
Is only used at STEP 7 Classic and, depending on the PLC card, determines the numberof input / output bits or bytes.
If the address range is not specified for STEP 7 Classic or is specified incorrectly, the Start
address is not taken into consideration during data import in STEP 7 Classic.

13

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

PLC device: Data length (inputs),
PLC device: Data length (outputs)

20548,
20550

Numerical value
Is taken from the parts management.

Version20418

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Firmware
STEP 7 Classic: if "Latest" is specified, the most recent firmware version is used.
STEP 7 TIA Portal: If nothing is specified, the most recent version is used.
Specific PLC devices consist of multiple integrated modules (PLC subdevices), that eachhave their own Address ranges and start addresses. Such a device can consist, for example,of an internal CPU module, an internal input / output module, internal analog module as wellas an internal counter module - however with only one part number. In order to map suchlogical function units within a PLC device, up to twelve PLC subdevices are available to you.
Each PLC subdevice is defined by the corresponding properties (x in the following describes
the number of PLC subdevice 1…12). You can find further information in the TechTip"TechTip-Preparation-of-master-data-for-PLC-data-exchange" in the chapter "PLC
devices with subdevices".
PLC subdevices are exported if they have at least one start address or one bus port or one
I/O connection point or one Device identification.
Note:
If a PLC card has no PLC subdevices (meaning that it only consists of one module),
definitions for these can be omitted. The value "0" is entered at the PLC subdevice: Index
property at the associated PLC connection points.
You can obtain further information on the definition of subdevices from the manufacturer of
the PLC device or in the TechTip "TechTip-Configuring-PLC-devices-with-devicedescription-files".
PLC subdevice x: Position (slot / module)

20533 ff.

Numerical value
Is taken from the parts management.

14

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

PLC subdevice x: Name

20521 ff.

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.

PLC subdevice x: Start address (inputs)

20454, 20382, 20392 ff. 20452 ff.

Numerical value (decimal system)

Start value for inputs.
iQ-Works 3: Values are a multiple of 8 (0, 8, 16, etc.).

PLC subdevice: Start address (outputs)

20455 ff., 20478 ff., 20515 ff.

Numerical value (decimal system)

Start value for outputs.
iQ-Works 3: Values are a multiple of 8 (0, 8, 16, etc.).

PLC subdevice x: Data length (inputs),
PLC subdevice x: Data length (outputs)

20547 ff.,
20549 ff.

Numerical value
Is taken from the parts management.

PLC subdevice x: PLC type designation

22365, 22341 ff.

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.
This property has to be filled for PLC subdevices if these are expected as independent
devices in the PLC configuration program.
As a rule the original order number under observance of any blanks and separators is tobe specified. Every PLC subdevice can only have one PLC type designation. A
combination of several parts by entering several PLC type designations is not supported.

15

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

PLC subdevice x: Device description: Index in file22366, 22352 ff.

Reference to the device in the device description file that is entered at the PLC box (maindevice) in the property Device description: File name.
This property has to be filled for PLC subdevices if these are expected as independent
devices in the PLC configuration program and are identified via a device description fileand the associated index.
Notes: The device description file is specified at the PLC box (main device). The indexesof the device description files additionally have the specification of a preceding context in
the AML file (for example "M/1000"). For a PLC subdevice this context must always be
specified during the configuration:
•
•
•
•
•

D/
R/
DAP/
M/
SM/

(Device)(Rack)(Device Access Point)(Module)(Submodule)

PLC subdevice x: Safety address: Target

20622 ff.

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

Safety address at PLC subdevices of safety modules (for example F-address for
PROFIsafe).
In general this value is entered at the modules that are participants of a safety network.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

PLC subdevice x: Safety address: Source

20634 ff.

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

Safety address at PLC subdevices of safety modules (for example F-address for
PROFIsafe).
In general this value is entered at the module that is the source of the safety network.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

16

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

PLC subdevice x: Safety address: Upper value

20646 ff.

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

The value is filled during the import of PLC configuration files.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

PLC subdevice x: Safety address: Lower value

20658 ff.

Numerical value, range 1 to 65535

The value is filled during the import of PLC configuration files.
Detailed information on this is available from the PLC manufacturer.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.1.0.

Manage bus ports at the superior device

20620

Check box

This property can be used to manage all the bus ports of the device and the plugged-in
devices together for devices into which further devices are plugged. To do so activate thisproperty at the PLC boxes of the plugged-in devices. The superior device and theassociated inserted devices are identified by means of the properties Rack and PLC cardis placed on rack ID.

17

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

4. Settings at PLC connection points (inputs / outputs)
Address

20400

String in accordance with the specification under PLC-specific settings > Addresses

The value must conform to the address format of the PLC configuration program.
The address must be unique within a CPU. In this context the CPU is identified by meansof the full CPU name in the form [Configuration project].[Station ID].[CPU identifier].
AML AR APC: Addresses are always linked with the symbolic address. If no symbolic
address is available in the AML file, no address can be imported.

Symbolic address

20404

Any string
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Symbol, Variable, Tag
STEP 7 Classic: limited to 24 characters. Quotation marks (") are impermissible.
iQ-Works 3: limited to 256 characters. Blanks and special characters are impermissible.
Rockwell: In accordance with IEC61131-3 blanks are impermissible.
PLCNext Engineer: In accordance with IEC61131-3 blanks are impermissible.
AML AR APC: The assignment list ("TagTable") is only exported under the following
conditions at the PLC box which is selected as the CPU:-

The symbolic address is filled.
The corresponding Data type is set.
At the associated PLC box the property CPU: Name is correctly filled.
If multiple connection points with the same channel designation are available, theSymbolic address of the first connection point is exported.

18

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Symbolic address: Group

20610

Any string

AML AR APC: With this property you can group areas of symbolic addresses in theassignment list, for example inputs, outputs, safety addresses, etc.
The property determines the name of the assignment list. All symbolic addresses with thesame value of this property are exported to an assignment list with this name.
If this property is empty, the export is carried out to the default assignment list.

Symbolic address: UDT (name)20618

Any string, a decimal point (".") is not permissible.

Provides the possibility to nest and manage the symbolic address of the PLC connection
point within a user-defined data type. The property determines the name of the UDT (thuscorresponds to the name under which the UDT is used in a PLC configuration program).
When using this property you additionally have to specify the data type in the Symbolic
address: UDT (data type) property.

Symbolic address: UDT (data type)20619

Any string, a decimal point (".") is not permissible.

The property determines the type of UDT. The actual structure of the UDT is only requiredin the PLC configuration program and only specified there.

Connection point description

20039

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.
The connection point description has to be unique within a channel.
The connection point description may occur several times at card power supplies.

19

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Connection point designation

20038

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.
The connection point designation has to be unique within a PLC box.

Data type

20405

String in accordance with the selection list under PLC-specific settings > Addresses

Value has to be filled.
Valid values: BOOL, BYTE, WORD, DWORD, REAL, LWORD, INT, DINT, LINT.

Function text

20031

Any string, multi-language
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Remark, Comment
STEP 7 Classic: limited to 80 characters. Quotation marks (") and line breaks areimpermissible.
STEP 7 TIA Portal: Line breaks are impermissible.
AML AR APC: The function text is always output in all languages stored at the function
text.

Channel designation

20428(Numerical) value equal to or greater than 0
Is taken from the parts management.
The value has to be filled and has to be in accordance with the method of counting and thenumber system of the PLC configuration program.
STEP 7 Classic: Inputs are specified with "Inx", outputs with "Outx", whereby x is aconsecutive value equal to or greater than 0.

20

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

PLC subdevice: Index

20384

Numerical value in the range of 0 to 12
Is taken from the parts management.
Specification to which PLC subdevice this PLC connection point belongs.
The value "0" is to be entered here if master data (for example macros) from versions
before 2.7.
See also the explanations on the properties PLC subdevice x in the section "Settings at
PLC devices" earlier in this document.

21

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

5. Settings at PLC connection points (bus ports)
Connection point designation

20038

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.
The connection point designation is not filled at single-line bus ports!
Leave these empty also at the function templates in the parts management.
Use the plug designation instead.

Plug designation

20431

Any string
Is taken from the parts management.
Designation in other PLC configuration programs: Label
Value has to be filled at bus ports.
STEP 7 TIA Portal:
ASi (single device)

Depending on the device and bus port.
Common values: "AS-i", "ADDR"

ASi (double device)

ADDR
The values "ADDR1" and "ADDR2" are generated during exportingfor the two (internal) devices.

Ethernet, PROFINET

Depending on the device and bus port.
Common values: "P1", "P2", "P1 R" "P2 R"

Other bus systems

Depending on the device and bus port.
Common values: "X1", "X2" "X3"

TwinCAT3: Depending on the device and bus port. Common values: "X001", "X1", "X2
OUT"
Since Version 2.8 the plug designation is identifying together with the bus interface name.

22TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Bus interface: Name

20447

Any string

Serves to group bus ports for the export of Ethernet-based bus systems. Associated bus
ports are combined into a logical unit via this name. To do this use the bus ports of thetype "Network / bus cable connection point, general".
Value has to be filled at Ethernet-based bus ports in accordance with the hardware
specifications of the PLC manufacturer.
Since Version 2.8 the plug designation is identifying together with the bus interface name.
STEP 7 TIA Portal: Depending on the device and bus port. Common values: "X1", "X2","X3", "Switch" at so called "unmanaged switches".
TwinCAT3: Depending on the device and bus port. Common values: "EC1", "EC21","LAN1"Bus interface: Main bus port

20448

Check box

Identifies a bus port within a bus interface as the main bus port. This bus port represents
the bus interface and contains the data relevant for the data exchange (among others
Physical network: Bus ID / item number, MasterSystemId).
Exactly one main bus port must exist within an interface. This is of the type "Network / bus
cable connection point, general".
Recommendation: Identify the first bus port as the main bus port.

23

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Bus system

20308

Selection list

The following bus systems are currently supported:
STEP 7 Classic: MPI Bus, PROFIBUS, PROFINETSTEP 7 TIA Portal: MPI Bus, PROFIBUS, Ethernet, PROFINET, ASi
TwinCAT3: EtherCATInterconnection of extension racks: Local-Bus: Extension

Physical network: Name

20413

Any string

Value has to be filled.
The name of the physical network has to be unique within the configuration project. Only
one bus system can exist within a physical network.

Physical network: Bus ID / item number

20311

Any string. Depending on the bus system, the value is a simple number, an IP address or
a combination of letters and numbers.

STEP 7 Classic: A device number is specified at the connected slaves instead of the IP
address at the PROFINET bus system.

Physical network: Bus ID / item number 2

20386

Any string

Second bus address, currently for ASi devices.

24

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Data transfer rate

20313

StringIs only used at STEP 7 Classic. Specification is effected as a numerical value with unit
(bps, Kbps, Mbps or Gbps).

Integrated module

20289

Check box

Is only used at STEP 7 Classic and identifies an integrated bus interface.

Configuration project

20161

Any string, a decimal point (".") is not permissible.

A configuration project deviating from the PLC box can be specified here.
All objects assigned to the same configuration project belong together and represent a
PLC configuration. The data of the devices specified in this manner can be exchanged with
the PLC configuration programs of the PLC manufacturers.

25

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Logical network: Name

20414

Any string

The name of the logical network has to be unique within a physical network.
STEP 7 Classic: Name of the IO controller for the IO system or of the DP master for theDP master system
AML AR APC: Value can be used as with STEP 7 Classic
Schneider Unity Pro: Topology address for the bus port
For the case of PLC data exchange for IO systems all the PLC boxes with the same logicalnetwork name belong to one IO system. The IO system specifies which station (in TIA
Portal "IO-Device") is controlled by which IO controller. This is comparable to thespecification of the CPU association: While the CPU association is PLC card-oriented, theIO system is station-oriented.
Within an IO system, there is always a master that is designated through the check box
Logical network: Bus port is master.
When the "PROFIBUS" bus system is used, the "IO system" is similar to the "DP mastersystem", the "IO controller" is similar to the "DP master" and the "IO device" is similar tothe "DP slave".

Logical network: Bus port is master

20310

Check box

If the bus port is a master in this logical network, activate the check box.
Is used for: AML AR APC, STEP 7 Classic, TwinCAT2 and RSLogixArchitect
Within an IO system (for Ethernet-based bus systems) or a DP master system (forPROFIBUS), that bus port must always be designated that is master for the assignment.

26

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

MasterSystemID

20334

Numerical value

Value corresponds to the network number of an IO system (for Ethernet-based bus
systems) or DP master systems (for PROFIBUS) and is specified at that bus port that is amaster in this logical network (check boxLogical network: Bus port is master).
Value must be used for STEP 7 Classic.
Value can be used for STEP 7 TIA Portal.
Value range:-

PROFIBUS: 1 to 99
Ethernet-based bus systems: equal to or greater than 100

PLC subdevice: Index

20384

Numerical value in the range of 0 to 12
Is taken from the parts management.
Specification to which PLC subdevice this PLC connection point belongs.
The value "0" is to be entered here if master data (for example macros) from versions
before 2.7.
See also the explanations on the properties PLC subdevice x in the section "Settings at
PLC devices" earlier in this document.

Subnet mask

20446

String in accordance with the rules for subnet masks

Value can be filled.
A filled value is output forEthernet-based bus systems.

27

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

Standard gateway

20613

String in accordance with the rules for IP addresses

Value can be filled.
A filled value is output forEthernet-based bus systems.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.2.0.

Subslot

20312

Numerical value

Value has to be filled.
STEP 7 TIA Portal:
ASi (single device)0ASi (double device)0
The values "1" and "2" are generated during exporting for the two(internal) devices.

Ethernet, PROFINET

Depending on the device and bus port.
Common values: 0 to 3

Other bus systems

Depending on the device and bus port.
Common values: 0 to 3

DNS/PROFINET device name20309

Any string

Value can be filled.
A filled value is output forEthernet-based bus systems.
Exchange as of AML AR APC Version 1.2.0.

28

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

6. Settings at bus-compatible devices and devices that areassigned to a drive
In addition to the PLC devices, bus-capable devices and devices that are assigned to a drive,are exchanged during the PLC data exchange.
Bus-capable devices are converters, motors, valve terminals, etc. that, in addition to theactual function, have one or more bus ports, but no I/O connection points. Such devices canbe defined via the common DT or be configured as a black box.
The specification of the configuration project is required for the PLC data exchange. For
devices which are assigned to a drive, the Drive (ID: 20576 [1…64]) must also be specified.
These can be exchanged as of AML AR APC Version 1.2.0.
The following properties are available for these devices, details can be found in the section"Settings at PLC devices".
20576 [1…
64]

Drive

20006

Device tag

20164

Bus coupler / head station20189

Bus distribution device

20031

Function text

20415

Device description: File name

20381

Device description: Index in file

20577

Device type

20161

Configuration project20417

Object description

20408

PLC station: ID

20409

PLC station: Type

20416

PLC type designation

20418

VersionIf you require further PLC settings (PLC structure data), the devices (for example CPU,
network devices, I/O cards, communication modules, switches and others) have to be
configured as a PLC box. These settings are described in the section "Settings at PLC
devices".

29

TechTip: Overview of the PLC properties
Eplan Platform Version 2025
Status: 3. September 2024

7. Specification of bus data at the PLC box
In previous Eplan versions you had the possibility at the PLC box to also specify bus data on
the PLC structure data tab. The properties are write-protected as of Version 2022. Older
projects can still have data entered here:
20308

Bus system

20311

Physical network: Bus ID / item number

20386

Physical network: Bus ID / item number 2

20413

Physical network: Name

20446

Subnet mask

The specification of bus data at PLC boxes was only required for special export formats.
These formats were replaced through the AutomationML AR APC format. These properties
are therefore not required here anymore.

30