Siemens · Rockwell · Which first
Siemens TIA Portal vs Studio 5000
Two widely used PLC programming environments from different makers: what each is, how they differ and how to choose.
TIA Portal is Siemens' engineering environment for its S7 PLCs and HMIs, and Studio 5000 is Rockwell Automation's environment for its Logix controllers. Both program in ladder logic and offer other IEC-style languages, so the core skills transfer. Learn the one your target employers use; if you are undecided, learn ladder logic on a simulator first. EDWartens teaches both free and is an official partner of neither.
Updated . By EDWartens, the training division of Wartens Ltd (UK).
Side by side
The main differences
General, widely documented differences. Vendors change products, so check the maker's page for current versions and licences.
| Siemens TIA Portal | Rockwell Studio 5000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker | Siemens | Rockwell Automation |
| What it programs | S7 PLC families such as S7-1200 and S7-1500, plus WinCC HMI screens in the same project | Logix controllers such as ControlLogix and CompactLogix (Logix Designer) |
| Languages | Ladder (LAD), function block (FBD) and Structured Text (SCL), among others | Ladder, function block diagram, Structured Text and sequential function chart |
| Simulation | S7-PLCSIM, used in the EDWartens course | Check Rockwell's page for its current emulation options |
| Trial | Siemens publishes a 21-day trial, as the EDWartens course explains | Check Rockwell's page |
| Free EDWartens course | Siemens TIA Portal, about 10.5 hours | Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, about 17.1 hours |
Choosing
Which to learn first
Look at the adverts
Search the roles you want in your region and count which software they name. That beats any general ranking.
Pick for the industry
Employers in an industry often standardise on one maker. Ask people already working in it.
Start brand-neutral
Practise logic on the free simulator or CODESYS, then switch to a brand.
See the simulationThen learn the second
The second is faster, because the ideas are the same.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between TIA Portal and Studio 5000?
TIA Portal is Siemens' engineering framework (STEP 7 for the PLC, WinCC for the HMI, in one project). Studio 5000 is Rockwell Automation's software environment, whose Logix Designer programs Logix controllers such as ControlLogix and CompactLogix. They are different vendors' tools for different PLC families.
Which should a beginner learn first?
Whichever your target employers use, which you can see from job adverts in your region. If you do not know yet, learn ladder logic on a simulator first, then pick one. Both teach the same ideas: scan cycle, contacts, coils, timers, counters.
Can I learn both?
Yes, and many engineers do. The logic transfers; the software, addressing and project structure differ, so expect to relearn the screens.
Are the EDWartens courses official Siemens or Rockwell courses?
No. They are independent EDWartens courses. We are not an official Siemens or Rockwell training partner, and the certificate is an EDWartens certificate.
Are there free courses for both?
Yes. EDWartens has a free Siemens TIA Portal course (about 10.5 hours) and a free Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 course (about 17.1 hours), each with an optional paid certificate.
Sources and how this page was checked
- EDWartens Siemens TIA Portal course: describes TIA Portal, STEP 7, WinCC, PLCSIM and the 21-day trial.
- Siemens and Rockwell Automation product pages: product details change; confirm current versions and licences on the makers' own pages. We do not quote market-share figures.
Keep reading
Siemens, TIA Portal, STEP 7, WinCC, Rockwell Automation, Studio 5000 and Logix are trademarks of their owners. EDWartens is independent and not an official training partner of either.