10 May 2009
Ralf-Michael Franke, Siemens Industry Sector, CEO Business Unit Industrial Automation Systems, ((photo at right) gave the following speech at the unveiling of Siemens’ new programmable controller.
‘Simatic S7-1200 is the latest member of our mini-controller family, and will be unveiled at the Hanover Fair. Its main feature is perfect interaction with both the new Simatic HMI Basic Panels (Human Machine Interface) and the engineering system. ... The programming, project planning and commissioning software is a totally integrated system, which sets whole new standards in engineering. Intuitive operation saves users valuable time, ensuring great efficiency. It is a genuine productivity engine.
‘The Simatic S7-1200 Micro PLC is a new modular micro-controller for compact applications in the lower performance range. In developing this controller, special attention was paid to its seamless integration and perfect interaction between controller, HMI and software.
‘The controller’s scalable and flexible design makes for perfect, precisely tailored automation solutions. The central module can be easily extended by I/O modules and communication modules. A new feature are Signal Boards which are plugged onto the face of the CPU, providing either two DI/DO interfaces or one analogue output. They make for a particularly compact design in all applications that need to connect only a small number of signals.
‘Networking and communications between engineering, controllers and HMI are simple and uncomplicated. Simatic S7-1200 has an integrated Profinet interface for HMI, programming and CPU-to-CPU communications. The new Simatic HMI Basic Panels can also use the same interface, ideally complementing the Simatic S7-1200 controller and providing low-cost visualisation in class IP65.’
PERFECT INTERACTION BETWEEN MICRO-CONTROLLER, HMI PANELS, AND ENGINEERING
The Simatic S7-1200 Micro PLC (programmable logic controller) is a new modular controller for compact applications in the lower performance range. It will eventually replace the S7-200 controller, which was introduced more than 10 years ago.
In developing the controller and the software, particular emphasis was given to integration and the ideal co-ordination of controller, HMI, and software.
The central module can be extended flexibly with input/output and communication modules.
The "signal boards" are a new feature. They are attached to the front of the CPU module and provide either two DI (digital input)/DO (digital output) interfaces or one analogue output. This allows a very compact design for applications with only a few signals.
The PLC can be expanded for serial communication with two communication modules, each with an RS-232 or RS-485 port.
The Simatic S7-1200 has an integrated Profinet interface for networking and communication between engineering system, controllers, and HMI. The networking could be used, for example, for programming and CPU-to-CPU communication.
HMI PANELS
The Simatic HMI Basic Panels for visualisation are also connected via this interface. The CSM 1277 expansion module, an unmanaged 4-port Ethernet/Profinet switch, is available for networking multiple controllers or HMI devices.
Technology functions for counting, measuring, closed-loop control, and motion control are already integrated as standard. In addition, compared to the Simatic S7-200 predecessor model, the new micro-controller also has a faster processor and larger memory, which can be divided flexibly between program and application data.
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Andrew White (right) shows a giant model
of the S7-1200 CPU at Hannover Fair.
The new Simatic Step 7 Basic engineering system provides integrated engineering for controllers and Simatic HMI Basic Panels. Simatic Step 7 Basic V10.5 with integrated WinCC Basic for visualisation tasks supports the user with task-oriented and intuitive editors for a high degree of user-friendliness and efficiency in engineering.
The co-ordinated solution of controller and engineering system can be expanded through a range of HMI Basic Panels with a high IP65 degree of protection and with integrated Profinet interface. The panels include 4 to 15-inch pixel-graphic displays with touch screen and tactile function keys. All panels consistently offer the same functionality regarding reporting, recipe management, and trend curve functions.
The Simatic S7-1200 Micro-Controller is versatile and is suitable for both the efficient automation of smaller machines and conveyor systems as well as distributed closed-loop control components in larger systems.
Further information can be found on the Internet at: www.siemens.com/simatic
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