Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) is offering Simatic Embedded Automation turnkey and maintenance-free devices that combine the openness of PC-based automation with the ruggedness of programmable controllers (PLCs).
Operating without fans or hard disks - and with the data stored on easy-to-exchange compact flash cards, the new devices in the compact Microbox PC or Panel PC format are equipped with the Windows XP Embedded operating system as well as a host of typical PC interfaces.
The new Simatic Microbox 420-T is suitable for combined PLC and motion control tasks. The device contains the software PLC WinAC RTX with technology functions for dynamic motion control, as well as an isochronous Profibus DP (drive) interface. For engineering the technological tasks, PLCopen-compliant motion-control blocks are used for curve synchronisation or print-mark correction, path-dependent or time-dependent cam control, as well as position-controlled hydraulic axes.
The S7 Technology V3.0 option package for Step 7 supports the configuration and parameterisation of up to 64 technology objects, put together from up to 32 axes, 32 cam plates, 32 cams, 16 probes or 16 external sensors. In addition to the Profibus DP interface with DP drive profile, the device features another Profibus interface, and the standard PC interfaces Ethernet, USB, COM and DVI/VGA.
The Simatic Microbox 420-RTX is especially compact. With the integral WinAC RTX software PLC - specially designed for PLC applications - the device has two interfaces for Ethernet and one for Profibus, three PC/104-Plus slots, as well as connections for four USB devices, a flat-panel monitor (DVI/VGA) and an RS232 device.
Another new introduction is the Simatic Panel PC 477, which is available in two versions: the Panel PC 477-HMI is equipped with the Simatic WinCC flexible 2005 visualisation software for optionally 128, 512 or 2048 Power Tags, and the Panel PC 477-HMI/RTX also has the WinAC RTX software PLC pre-installed. These Panel PCs with integral Profibus and Ethernet interfaces and a depth of 75 mm are especially suitable for installation where space is restricted, such as in control cabinets or consoles.
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.
Read more...Driving digital transformation in the truck industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Tatra Trucks, a leading truck manufacturer in Czechia, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software including Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management and the Mendix low code platform to help increase production volume and strengthen its ability to manufacture vehicles that meet specific customer requirements.
Read more...Automation in the energy and process industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
For over 40 years, ABB has built and maintained a leadership position in the distributed control system (DCS) market by preserving its customers’ capital investments while providing new capabilities.
Read more...Enhancing cyber security for industrial drives Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The growing connection between production networks and office networks as part of IT/OT integration and the utilisation of IoT have many benefits for industrial companies. At the same time, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. Siemens ensures that your know-how and plants are protected at all times.
Read more...Electromagnetic flow measurement Siemens South Africa
Flow Measurement & Control
The SITRANS FM electromagnetic flowmeters from Siemens deliver high-precision volume measurement of electrically conductive liquid applications – from water, wastewater and irrigation to hygienic processes and even mining slurries with magnetic particles.
Read more...New generative AI-powered maintenance offering Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The Siemens Industrial Copilot is revolutionising industry by enabling customers to leverage generative AI across the entire value chain – from design and planning to engineering, operations and services.
Read more...Optimising the product design process Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
OPmobility is partnering with Siemens to adopt its Teamcenter X Product Lifecycle Management software. OPmobility’s increasingly complex products now include electronics and software, to create energy storage systems, which include battery and hydrogen electrification solutions and fuel tanks.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.