---
title: TIA Portal Setup instructions using OPC-UA
description: Setting up OPC-UA with Tia portal for PLAATO Edge
---

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# TIA Portal Setup instructions using OPC-UA

### **Why OPC-UA?**

OPC-UA is an industry standard protocol that allows for full customisation of which tags can be read by our PLAATO Edge. This guide explains how to set it up through TIA Portal.

### Prerequesites

**CPU with OPC UA Capability**

- **S7-1500** or **ET 200SP CPU** with firmware that supports OPC UA (typically v1.8+).
- **S7-1200** with firmware **v4.4 or higher** (certain hardware revisions only).

**TIA Portal Version**

- For S7-1500 OPC UA, TIA Portal **V14 SP1** or later is usually enough (V15+ recommended).
- For S7-1200 OPC UA, TIA Portal **V15+** (or higher) is typically required.

**Hardware Configuration**

- Make sure the CPU is added to your TIA Portal project and your device/firmware versions match.
- The CPU’s **IP address** must be configured.

**Licensing** (Mostly for S7-1200)

- Some S7-1200 models/family might require an additional license for OPC UA or have limitations on tag counts.
- S7-1500 generally includes OPC UA server functionality out of the box (though certain advanced features or specific runtime licenses can vary).

  

### Step 1: Create or Open Your TIA Portal Project

1. **Open TIA Portal** and either create a new project or open an existing one.
2. Make sure your PLC (S7-1500 / S7-1200) is already added under **Devices & Networks**.

### Step 2: Check Firmware and Network Settings

1. In the **Project Tree**, double-click your PLC under **Devices & Networks**.
2. Go to the **Properties** of the CPU (click the CPU itself in the device configuration).
3. Under **General → Firmware Details**, confirm your firmware version meets the OPC UA requirement.
4. Under **Ethernet Interfaces**, set (or verify) the **IP address** and **Subnet Mask**. This will be the endpoint for OPC UA communication.

### Step 3: Enable and Configure the OPC UA Server

1. In the CPU’s **Properties** panel, find **OPC UA** (the exact location can differ depending on TIA Portal version; often under **Runtime Licenses** or **OPC UA** directly).
2. **Enable OPC UA Server** by checking the box or switching to “Enabled.”
3. Specify the **TCP port** (default is **4840** for OPC UA).
4. Choose **Security Policies** and **Modes** (None, Basic128Rsa15, Basic256, Basic256Sha256, etc.). "None" is currently only supported by the Edge.**Endpoints & Security**:

### Step 4: Define the Tags/Data for OPC UA Access

OPC UA clients will browse tags based on **symbolic** or **optimized** data blocks. Typically:

1. **Open your PLC Program Blocks** in TIA Portal.
2. Create or identify data blocks (DBs) and variables you want to expose via OPC UA.
3. If using **Optimized Blocks** (the default in TIA Portal for S7-1200/1500), the symbolic names become your OPC UA node names.
4. **Mark Data as “Accessible from OPC UA”**: 
     - In TIA Portal V16+, open the data block’s properties. Look for **Attributes** or **Access** settings.
     - Tick the box for **“Accessible from HMI/OPC UA”** or a similar setting.
     - Alternatively, for older TIA versions, you might have to define the **Symbol Attribute = ‘Symbolic Access Only’** or specifically set up DB for external access.
5. If you have multiple tags, keep them organized in relevant data blocks.

### Step 5: Compile and Download to the PLC

1. **Compile** your project (no errors or warnings ideally).
2. **Download** the hardware configuration and program to your S7-1500 or S7-1200 CPU. 
     - TIA Portal will handle generating and transferring the OPC UA certificate if you enabled OPC UA.
3. After the download, your CPU should restart or briefly go into **STOP** mode, then back to **RUN** with OPC UA active.

### Step 6: Test the OPC UA Server Connection

With the server now running on the PLC:

1. Use an **OPC UA client** (e.g., Unified Automation UaExpert, Prosys OPC UA Client, Ignition, or another 3rd-party tool).
2. **Connect to the PLC** by specifying: 
     - **Endpoint URL**: `opc.tcp://[IP_ADDRESS_OF_PLC]:4840` (assuming default port)
     - **Security Policy** & **Mode** matching what was configured in TIA Portal.
     - **User Credentials** if you set up user authentication.
3. If certificate validation is required, you may need to **exchange certificates** or **trust** the client certificate in the PLC’s trust list. TIA Portal can handle that if the client certificate is imported.
4. Once connected, browse the **Namespace** or **Address Space**. You should see your CPU’s data blocks and variables.
5. Read or write values to confirm functionality.

### Step 7: Send us the tag data

Once everything is configured and tested, you might want to **share your tag list** with colleagues, clients, or keep it for documentation. TIA Portal lets you export tag data as a **CSV** or **Excel** file. The exact steps can vary slightly by TIA Portal version, but generally:

1. In the **Project Tree**, expand **PLC Tags** or **PLC Data Types** (depending on your setup).
2. Right-click on the **tag table** or **data block** and select **Export** (or **Save as**).
3. Choose **CSV** or **Excel** format (depending on the TIA version and your preference).
4. Select a location on your computer to save the file.
5. (Optional) You can also export the entire project or selected blocks if you prefer.
6. Email the tags to [support@plaato.io](mailto:support@plaato.io)

### Quick Checklist

1. **Ensure CPU firmware** supports OPC UA.
2. **Enable OPC UA** in TIA Portal (CPU Properties → OPC UA).
3. **Configure Security** (port, policies, certificates).
4. **Select Data** (mark DBs/variables accessible via OPC UA).
5. **Compile & Download** to PLC.
6. **Use an OPC UA Client** to test (import/trust certificates if needed).
7. **Send Tags to PLAATO**

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