Siemens Releases Next Generation of SIRIUS Modular System

New ‘SIRIUS Innovations’ Products are Efficient, Flexible and Connected With the SIRIUS Innovations line of power control products, Siemens Industry, Inc. has introduced the next generation of its SIRIUS Modular System. In addition to improving on the previous system with sustainable elements that reduce power consumption, make more efficient use of space and simplify assembly, SIRIUS Innovations breaks new ground with the inclusion of IO-Link communication modules that reduce... Read More

Siemens vs. Allen-Bradley: Choosing the Best Safety PLC

This article sets the stage for using safety systems and examines the safety offerings of the two companies. In an upcoming webinar on this topic, a more in-depth analysis and comparison will be discussed. Picking the right hardware and software plays a huge role in a company’s machine safety programs.  Knowing which issues are important and getting unbiased information about this hardware and software is often a difficult chore. Many times, engineers are comparing equipment... Read More

Key Panels for use in Tough and Safety-Related Industrial Applications

Siemens Industry has released a pair of new key panels for its HMI (human machine interface) systems that promise to deliver enhanced functionality to users on the shop floor. The new Simatic HMI KP8 and KP8F feature eight large, programmable, backlit keys that Alan Cone, Siemens spokesperson, says will make machine control on the shop floor easier than ever before. “These panels are backlit so you can see them easily and clearly no matter what the ambient lighting in your environment,”... Read More

Safety Modules Prevent Explosions

When gases, vapors, mists and dusts form explosive atmospheres, electronic systems must be designed to avoid any chance of sparking under any conditions. The Siemens Industry Automation Division has developed three fail-safe modules to meet these requirements. The new modules, for the SIMATIC ET 200iSP intrinsically safe distributed I/O system, are the 8F-DI Ex NAMUR, 4F-DO Ex 17.4V/40 mA and 4F-AI Ex HART. They meet the high safety requirements in accordance with the relevant... Read More

Safety Relay Simultaneously Monitors Multiple Parameters

A new safety relay from Siemens Industry Inc. provides enough performance to handle simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters such as machine speed and motor standstill. The SIRIUS 3TK2810-1 is part of the SIRIUS 3TK28 safety relays family. The latest addition to the line can simultaneously monitor three parameterizable limit values for downtime, setup speed and automatic speed. For example, speed limits are defined using buttons on the front of the unit and an LCD display. Diagnostics... Read More

Latest Microprocessors Expand User Control

Adopting Intel™ multicore processors lets Siemens cut costs, improve performance Chipmakers who are vying for increased market share in consumer products and personal computers continue to pour huge investments into microprocessors, bringing rapid performance advances. That’s good news for designers and users in industrial automation and other fields that can utilize the powerful devices designed for high volume markets. The days when ruggedized markets like the military,... Read More

Configure and Manage Automation Efficiently from a Single Screen

This is the second in a series of three articles outlining Siemens revolutionary new TIA Portal software framework. For more technical details, please go to http://www.engineering-redefined.com. Complexity is usually a given when it comes to industrial automation projects; and complexity has to be accounted for in many ways. For example, you know when you start that some systems aren’t going to talk to each other out of the box, which means different elements such as the HMI/SCADA... Read More

The Matrix Moves Into Mainstream

Data matrix codes are gaining acceptance and helping improve high precision manufacturing lines in consumer product labeling Over the last couple years, observant consumers may have noticed new markings on some common products like detergent and ice cream. Manufacturers are beginning to use data matrix codes to augment the bar codes that have been used for decades. These small markings give manufacturers another tool to improve the high precision manufacturing lines needed in... Read More

HMIs Operate In Hazardous Zones

Siemens Industry Inc. has enhanced its rugged line of industrial PCs with two intrinsically safe HMIs (human machine interfaces). The SIMATIC HMI Panel PC Ex and SIMATIC HMI Thin Client Ex are designed for hazardous zones 1/21 and 2/22. They eliminate the need for complex and expensive enclosures or additional certification processes. The two units are suitable for applications where ignitable gases, vapors and air/dust mixtures are present, making them suitable for oil and gas,... Read More

Top 10 Articles for 2010

Below is a list of the 10 most popular Totally Integrated Automation features of 2010. The stories were ranked by most read and shared online by the TIA audience of automation and engineering professionals. 1. Understanding Arc Safety Can Save Lives 2. Analyzing Competing PLC Platforms 3. Increasing Solar Power Yield by 20 to 40% 4. Smart Grid: Is Your Business Poised to Reap the Benefits? 5. Pepsi Bottling Reaps Immediate Benefits from Optimized Packaging Plant 6. Why Profinet?... Read More