Siemens Launches TIA Portal Version 20 Focused on Improved Performance

Siemens has released the latest version of its Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal software package. Version 20 features enhanced performance, including the ability to integrate with generative AI. It can also interface with newer, more advanced PLCs and provides a cleaner, more intuitive user interface than previous versions. Siemens' TIA Version 20 was unveiled at the Smart Production Systems (SPS) trade show in Nuremberg, Germany, November 12-14, 2024.

Improved integration between modern PLCs is just one of the many enhanced features offered in TIA Portal Version 20. Image used courtesy of Siemens

TIA Portal Version 20

One of the biggest advertised advantages of the newest version of Siemens’ TIA Portal is the ability to interface with newer, more modern PLCs. The newest PLC integration enhancements include more motion control and safety functions that can improve system speed, accuracy, and safety. More specifically, Version 20 has added support for the S7-1200 G2 controller and new functionality for the S7-1511 and S7-1513 controllers. Version 20 can also handle Siemens’ new S7-1500 CPU controllers.

TIA Portal Version 20 is also equipped with user management access control (UMAC) to ensure security across the whole automation system. UMAC is a way to allow verified technicians to perform maintenance and programming tasks without letting in bad actors or other cybersecurity threats. It integrates with Microsoft Active Directory and Azure ID, where permission and access can be granted. This makes use of the customer's existing platform, making it versatile across different automation systems.

Boosted Production Performance

Besides increased integration, TIA Portal Version 20 also boosts performance metrics, such as system throughput, uptime, and efficiency. Built into the newest version is optimized data exchange between TIA Portal, Industrial Copilot, TIA Portal Cloud, and Project Server Cloud. This allows for much faster data transfer between automation systems, data servers, and the cloud. The optimization is seamless, meaning fewer repeated data packets and a much lower chance of data corruption.

TIA Portal Version 20 supports Siemens’ newest PLCs, including the SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 controller. Image used courtesy of Siemens

Another upgrade is the ability to create human-readable code from graphical programs. In some cases, graphical programming languages are easier to read. However, as programs become more complex, sometimes text can be easier to understand than tracing out how different rungs on a ladder diagram interact. This ability to translate graphics into text is based on Version 20's integration with generative AI.

The TIA Portal Test Suite's capabilities have also been expanded in this newest update. The test suite can perform continuous regression tests and can support the latest S7-line controller programs. TIA Portal Test Suite is a way to run code and look for system errors without fully deploying it to the automation system.

Totally Integrated Automation

Overall, the expanded capabilities of the TIA Portal Version 20 will be used to reduce downtime through smarter, easier-to-test, easier-to-integrate code. The new version can easily integrate with multiple controllers, including Siemens’ newest controllers and those equipped with the latest S7-1500 CPUs, without sacrificing security.

CEO of Factory Automation Systems at Siemens, Rainer Brehm, summarized the newest TIA Portal version, stating "With TIA Portal Version 20, users can boost their performance across the board and leverage the most modern functionalities of PLCs, including AI, integrated testing and enhanced security."