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.
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