PLCs, DCSs & Controllers


Siemens expands controller range

April 2011 PLCs, DCSs & Controllers

The Siemens Industry Automation Division has expanded its range of Simatic-S7-300 controllers and improved their performance. In the compact class, all six CPUs have been completely redesigned. They now have significantly enhanced performance and twice the RAM they used to have. The CPU 314C-2 PN/DP, a new addition, is the seventh CPU. This is the first compact CPU with a 2-port Profinet interface, and it is suitable for straightforward configuration of Profinet linear bus topologies. Among the standard controllers there is now the CPU 317-2 DP, and the fail-safe controllers have been supplemented by the CPU 317F-2 DP with new hardware and improved performance data. All the new CPUs are equipped with firmware version 3.3, allowing, for example, user programs to be executed up to nine times faster than with predecessor models. Some of the devices are also considerably slimmer than before. For example, the new standard and fail-safe CPU 317 with Profibus DP is only 40 millimetres wide instead of 80, and the new compact CPU 313C-2 PtP/DP measures 80 millimetres instead of 120.

Thanks to the firmware version 3.3 for the new CPUs, user programs are executed significantly faster than before. Bit commands, for example, now only require between 25 and 100 nanoseconds, compared to 50 to 200 nanoseconds previously. The performance of word, fixed-point and floating-point arithmetic commands has also been significantly increased. The user memory has doubled, starting now at 64 KB on the compact CPUs, and extending to 1536 KB on the


fail-safe CPU 317F-2 DP. The technical data have been adapted to the redesigned Simatic-S7-300-CPU devices. This makes it easier for users to port and re-use existing libraries and programs. Improved function block encryption has been additionally integrated into firmware version 3.3 to protect user know-how.

The CPU 314C-2 PN/DP is the first compact CPU with a 2-port Profinet interface. The two onboard interfaces with switch functionality can be used to implement Profinet linear bus topologies conveniently and cost-effectively, or to connect a PC, programming device or HMI (human machine interface) device. The user memory is 50% larger than the comparable CPU 314C, and the bit performance has been increased by a factor of 2,5. In addition, the new Profinet innovations from 2010 have been implemented: these include isochronous mode, intelligent CPU as IO-Device, Shared Device, Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), assignment of the IP address from the user program, and user-defined websites. The integral webserver enables user-friendly system diagnostics with automatic page update and diagnostics buffer with up to 499 entries. The module status of connected Profinet nodes is indicated, for example, in table form. Users can identify faulty devices extremely easily via the graphical representation of the Profinet IO topology. For commissioning and service purposes, users can also integrate their own websites and protect website access via login and password. The integrated connection options for I/O devices correspond to those of the other 314er CPUs. These are 24 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs, as well as four analog inputs and two analog outputs.

For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2412, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Bringing physical AI to the factory floor by deploying humanoids in industrial operations
Siemens South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Siemens and Humanoid have marked a landmark milestone in the journey to bring physical AI from vision to industrial reality. Humanoid’s humanoid robothas been successfully tested in operations at Siemens’ electronics factory in Germany, performing autonomous logistics tasks.

Read more...
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling
Schneider Electric South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.

Read more...
Siemens ecosystem strengthens data and AI integration
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced significant expansions to its Industrial Edge ecosystem, accelerating data and AI integration and releasing enhanced cybersecurity functionalities. These enable a seamless integration of IT and OT environments, optimise processes and reduce operational disruptions.

Read more...
Siemens manages shipbuilding process for HD Hyundai
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has been selected by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering as a preferred partner to establish an integrated platform to manage the entire shipbuilding process as a single data flow to help ensure consistency across all its global shipyard facilities.

Read more...
DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability
ABB South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.

Read more...
AI-powered on-premises analytics for industrial drives
Siemens South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Siemens is introducing a new on-premises analytics solution for industrial drive systems. The software enables users to evaluate drive data entirely within their own infrastructure and meet stringent data-sovereignty requirements.

Read more...
Robust PLC for field applications
ifm - South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ifm is a leading suppliers of robust control systems for mobile use. Its ecomat series comprises PLCs, I/O modules and sensors that can withstand the harsh environmental influences of mobile applications.

Read more...
ABB’s new flagship DCS
ABB South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has launched the latest version of its flagship distributed control system, to help industrial operators modernise without disruption and accelerate their path toward next generation automation.

Read more...
Adroit Technologies drives global SCADA for Iochpe-Maxion
Adroit Technologies PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Adroit Technologies has been appointed by Iochpe-Maxion, parent company of one of the world’s largest wheel manufacturers and producers of structural components in the Americas, as its global SCADA partner. The partnership will standardise operational visibility, reliability and control across 34 manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Read more...
Extended DCS enables industrial innovation with continuity
ABB South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced its Automation Extended programme, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernise without disruption.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved