LOGO Ethernet

Siemens Industry has announced a new range of Logo! logic modules equipped with integral Ethernet interfaces. The new devices, with communication and network capabilities are geared to meeting more demanding applications.  The logic modules are simple to integrate into an existing structure via Ethernet and can be combined, for example, with PCs, Simatic S7 PLCs or Simatic HMI (Human Machine Interface) components. This provides Logo! users with new options for data storage and graphic visualization, for remote online access to the logic modules for servicing purposes, or for operator prompting on the logic modules using touch technology.

The Logo! product line has been a popular Siemens offering for more than 15 years, consisting of a range of small-scale logic control devices that replace time switches, counters and protective relays.  “The new Logo!12/24 RCE and Logo!230 RCE extend the functionality of our Logo! family of logic modules are a mainstay offering for small scale automation projects,” says Brian Shebs, automation systems product manager for micro automation with the Atlanta, GA-based vendor.

According to Shebs, the addition of the Ethernet interface and other product line enhancements open up new applications for users in the building and HVAC sectors (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), for transportation and monitoring equipment, as well as for machines and small networked plants. “We’ve also upgraded the performance of the new basic devices,” adds Shebs. “For example we’ve doubled the program capacity to 400 function blocks, and a wide range of new practice-oriented functions has been introduced.”

These new capabilities include macro functions for recurring program sequences and data logging functions for documentation and evaluation purposes. With standard Ethernet switches, it is possible to network eight of the new logic modules together. Together with the Ethernet interface and the new SD card reader, the new modules have a width of 108 millimeters –slightly larger than the existing modules but still economical in terms of cabinet space and power.

Further improved features of the new Logo! devices include a “super capacitor” which buffers the integral real-time clock for up to 20 days in the event of a power failure, and the option for data storage on a standard SD card. This card can be used to copy programs and also for saving data or projects, including comments. The data logging function is also new. This can now be used, for example, to document temperature patterns or levels. Recording in the internal memory or on the external SD card is either time-controlled or event-controlled, and can be used for documentation and evaluation purposes.

New function blocks determine minimum and maximum values, generate mean values, or execute a stopwatch function with which, for example, the duration of production processes can be measured very easily. This is supplemented by an astronomical time switch which is triggered by sunrise and sunset. A new analog filter minimizes the influence of interfering pulses. In the case of repeated program sequences, for example the control of shutters, users can now generate macros, save these in macro libraries, and recall them from there as often as required.

Further information can be found on the Internet at: www.siemens.com/logo

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