Profinet Brings Many Benefits to Motor Management System

Siemens Industry Automation Division has expanded its SIMOCODE pro motor management system, adding a Profinet interface to the basic unit. Linking SIMOCODE pro to higher-level automation systems via Ethernet allows new functions to be provided for motor diagnostics, control and protection. Additionally, integrating PROFIenergy improves energy management. Siemens new SIMOCODE pro motor management system includes a SIMOCODE pro V Profinet basic unit with two RJ45 interfaces, allowing... Read More

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SIMOCODE pro V PROFINET released for the US Market

The SIMOCODE pro motor management system has been expanded by a new SIMOCODE pro V PROFINET basic device with two RJ45 interfaces. As a result, the system can now be connected to superior controls such as SIMATIC S7 or to control systems such as SIMATIC PCS 7 via PROFINET. SIMOCODE ES SP4 is required for configuration of the new basic unit. The new basic unit supports the following new features: •    Additional diagnostics and control functions •    Integrated web diagnostics •  ... Read More

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New Scalance Switches Connect Automation Networks to IT Systems

The Scalance X500 Switches from Siemens Industry, Inc. make it simpler to configure and connect large automation networks to information technology systems. The 19-inch industrial grade rack switches are fully modular and can be equipped with hot swappable 4-port electrical and optical media modules. The switches come in two form factors. The Scalance XR528-6M model offers up to 24 ports and has six slots for 4-port media modules. The Scalance XR552-12M provides up to 48 ports... Read More

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Steel Mill Executes No-Risk Control System Conversion

Prism Systems explains how a phased, rack-by-rack implementation kept the mill’s PLC-and-PROFIBUS network up and running. When a major steel manufacturer found its operations hampered by a highly customized automation system provided by multiple integrators, it turned to Prism Systems and Siemens to rectify the situation. Mobile, Ala.-based Prism Systems has been a Siemens Solution Partner for more than a decade, specializing in controls for the food and beverage, marine,... Read More

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How to Tell if You’re Paying Too Much for Safety

10,000 safety PLCs and 360,000 safety network nodes worldwide don’t lie – integrated safety systems reduce long-term ownership cost. Over the past several years, safety has emerged from an afterthought to become an integral component in many industrial systems. Now, machine builders and end users enjoy the benefits of new machine guarding technologies endorsed by international safety standards that bring economical and effective choices to machine safety. Safety is now an... Read More

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A Mountain of Trash Turns Green with SIMATIC Tools

Chase Clark wants to be a recycler with Rainbow Environmental Services when he grows up. In Huntington Beach, Calif., an employee-owned material collection and processing company is inspiring an entire industry with its relentless and strategic push for a greener, smarter, safer and more comprehensive recycling operation. Rainbow Environmental Services (Rainbow) serves a host of communities in Orange County, including Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Sunset Beach, Surfside Colony,... Read More

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Controllers Enhance Fault Tolerance Capabilities

Siemens Industry Inc. has added a PROFINET interface with a two-port switch to its line of fault-tolerant SIMATIC S7-400H high performance controllers. That lets systems continue running seamlessly even if there is a single point of failure such as a controller failure or a broken cable. The 416-5H model has also been upgraded with a larger memory and an expanded quantity structure for data and function block as well as function calls. The 416-5H controller has 16 MB RAM. That... Read More

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An Automated Cash Crop in the Heartland

A new grain facility fitted with Siemens automation and power systems. The amber waves of grain have been more than a song lyric to Iowa’s farmers since the 1800s, but farming techniques in the 21st century bear little resemblance to those of horse-drawn plows. Modern technology is helping small towns compete with grain storage and distribution facilities in far larger cities. Goldfield, Iowa’s population may barely break 600, but the local Gold-Eagle Cooperative collects... Read More

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Auto Manufacturer Looks to Scalable Solution for Increased Network Security and Performance

VPN routers save money and allow plant floor personnel to maintain and control access to their automation systems. Productivity pinch points always prevent processes from moving forward, regardless of whether the issues are related to workflow, product flow, or information flow. This is especially true when a plant floor control system doesn’t keep pace with advancements in industrial networking technology and modern manufacturing information systems. This was the case with... Read More

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New AS-I Master Communication Module Expands Applications for SIMATIC S7-1200

The introduction of the AS-i master CM1243-2 communication module enables field sensors and actuators to be quickly connected via the AS-Interface network to Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 controller. This significantly expands the application reach of the SIMATIC S7-1200 controller at both the lowest process instrumentation as well as MES Levels. With a capability of connecting 62 AS-i slaves or 992 inputs and outputs, the AS-i master communication module automatically organizes data... Read More

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