Communications Modules Add Many Security Features

Communications processors from the Siemens Industry Automation Division have integrated security functions, including a firewall and a virtual private network function (VPN). The VPN capabilities of the Simatic NET CP 343-1 Advanced and Simatic NET CP 443-1 Advanced communications processors provide secure access to the Simatic S7-300 and S7-400 controller series. It is also possible to define more detailed security settings and access rights via the integrated firewall. Through... Read More

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New Controls Bring Pixar’s Cars Movie to Life at Disney’s California Adventure

Siemens PLCs, sensors and communications bring the 12-acre Cars Land to life The wildly successful Cars movie franchise comes to life in the Disney California Adventure theme park, giving visitors an exciting ride complete with storytelling. No GPS is required for the trip to Carburetor County to see Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater, Doc Hudson, Flo, Luigi and many more beloved characters. Covering 12 acres, Cars Land is one of the most expansive projects developed to date at the... Read More

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Three New Products for Remote Access by Mobile Radio

Siemens Industry continues to expand its TeleService and Telecontrol product portfolio with the addition of three products for remote access by mobile radio: the CP 1242-7 communications processor module, Telecontrol Server Basic Control call center software, and the IE Basic TeleService Adapter. The CP 1242-7 communications processor module adds a GSM/GPRS interface to the Siemens S7-1200 controller.  “This new module enables plant operators to cost effectively diagnose, maintain,... Read More

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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... Read More

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The Latest Thinking on Using Ethernet for Machine Safety Networks

A networking expert takes a look at how networked machine safety has evolved, examining the implications of Ethernet-based machine safety networks as a replacement for field buses. The rate of evolution exemplified, and perhaps driven, by Moore’s Law is not limited to computers and consumer products like tablets, PCs and phones. The same innovative wave has splashed across all aspects of technology, including the automation industry, which has been inundated with constantly... Read More

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Critical Questions to Ask when Specifying Automation Systems

Setting out to buy a new automation system can be a daunting task. Not only are you talking about what can be a significant capital investment, but more importantly you are talking about a system that will provide the backbone of your production capability for a decade or more. Getting it wrong can have major consequences on your company’s profitability and success. “Looking at it purely from a control systems perspective, almost any system you buy is going to be able to do... Read More

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Failsafe, Wireless Operator Control and Monitoring via “Rapid Roaming”

Siemens Industry has provided plant floor engineers with added reliability and flexibility with two new mobile panels, the 277 IWLAN and its safety-rated version, the 277F IWLAN. “The latest additions to our line of portable devices for wireless operator control and monitoring communicate through what we call our ‘rapid roaming process,’” says Alan Cone, Siemens Industry’s HMI marketing manager. Rapid Roaming is based on the extended WLAN iPCF-MC (Industrial Point Coordination... Read More

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New SIPLUS Extreme Controls Block Dust, Moisture Out

Siemens Industry Automation Division has considerably expanded the range of applications of its ruggedized SIPLUS extreme control and communication products. The devices are now also certified for use in toxic atmospheres according to ISA-S71.04 GX, which addresses airborne contaminants. The new parts are now certified for offshore deployment in environments with salt mist and for environments with high mechanical active substances in dust atmospheres often referred to as “Arizona... Read More

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Optimizing Wind and Solar Plants with Performance Monitoring

Everyone is talking about renewable energy these days. Being “green” has never been more important, either politically, socially or – considering the rapidly rising costs of fossil fuels – financially, and that has led to a rush to adopt renewable energy sources. Wind turbines, photo voltaic (Solar) panels, thermal generators, biofuels, co-gen and other technologies are all seeing a tremendous increase in research and adoption. However, there is more to running a renewable... Read More

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Partnering Aids Push into Global Markets

Globalization was well underway before the Internet began transforming the way international business is conducted. Now that companies can find and contact international suppliers using the Web in seconds, responding to intercontinental requests has become a critical part of a successful business strategy. Barriers of all sorts have tumbled as Internet access made it easier to find information. In minutes, equipment designers and users can find far more specifications and pricing... Read More

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