FTP file transfer from computer to controller
October 2002
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The file-oriented exchange of data with Simatic S7-300 controllers is made possible by the new Simatic Net CP 343-1IT communications processor from Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D). The module is equipped with FTP (file transfer protocol) communication services, which enable cross-platform data interchange without any additional overhead. The new communications processor can be used as FTP server or FTP client - as can the CP 443-1IT for the Simatic S7-400, which has been available for some time now. The 10 MB of memory for the file system can also be used as mass storage, for example for storing recipes in smaller-size plants.
The CP 343-1IT and CP 443-1IT modules allow Simatic S7-300 and Simatic S7-400 controllers to access, for example, a Unix-based server as FTP client in order to retrieve recipe data. Or the controllers can write production parameters in the embedded server of an intelligent device - for instance, torque values in a screwdriver controller. As FTP servers, the communications processors make current process data available to a mainframe on the management level. Access to the FTP server can be password-protected.
FTP is a communication service from TCP/IP, which has established itself as quasi-standard for communication over Ethernet networks. With FTP, files are transferred back and forth between two computers. Since a so-called TCP/IP stack with FTP functionality is available to, or integrated in, all popular operating systems, the S7-400 controllers and now the S7-300 controllers can exchange data with virtually any computer without additional overhead.
For more information contact Siemens Automation & Drives, 011 652 2137.
Further reading:
PC-based control in surgery
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Researchers at the University of Basel are using Beckhoff PC-based control technology to develop a miniature laser robot for minimally invasive bone surgery.
Read more...
IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.
Read more...
How the DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Ageing servers and unsupported operating systems are quietly eroding the stability of process plants that rely on distributed control systems. Kobus Vermeulen of Schneider Electric explains how virtualising the DCS environment can break the hardware obsolescence cycle without disrupting operations.
Read more...
Centralised control rooms where growth is elastic, not physical
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised control rooms feature distributed control system architecture consolidated into centralised compute environments. replacing traditional PCs with thin clients.
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 launches new generation of logic controller
Siemens South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Siemens has launched the latest generation of its proven intelligent logic controller, LOGO! 9. This enables simple implementation of small automation projects.
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...
Future-proof automation
Vepac Electronics
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The highly adaptable SALZ control system consists of open hardware, modular engineering software based on a virtualisation concept and an integrated app store.
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...
printer friendly version