Turnkey Embedded Automation Devices - Maintenance-Free and Rugged in Operation
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With Simatic Embedded Automation, Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) has introduced a new control technology to the market. The turnkey and maintenance-free devices combine the openness of PC-based automation with the ruggedness of programmable controllers (PLCs). The controllers are operated without fans or hard disks and the data are stored on easy-to-exchange compact flash cards. The new devices in the compact Microbox PC or Panel PC format are equipped with the Windows XP Embedded operating system as well as a host of typical PC interfaces.
The new Simatic Microbox 420-T is suitable for combined PLC and motion control tasks. The device contains the software PLC WinAC RTX with technology functions for dynamic motion control, as well as an isochronous Profibus DP (drive) interface. For engineering the technological tasks, PLCopen-compliant motion-control blocks are used for curve synchronization, say, or print-mark correction, path-dependent or time-dependent cam control and position-controlled hydraulic axes. The S7 Technology V3.0 option package for Step 7 supports the configuration and parameterization of up to 64 technology objects, put together from up to 32 axes, 32 cam plates, 32 cams, 16 probes or 16 external sensors. In addition to the Profibus DP interface with DP drive profile, the device features another Profibus interface, and the standard PC interfaces Ethernet, USB, COM and DVI/VGA.
The Simatic Microbox 420-RTX is especially compact. With the integral WinAC RTX software PLC, specially designed for PLC applications, the device has two interfaces for Ethernet and one for Profibus, three PC/104-Plus slots, as well as connections for four USB devices, a flat-panel monitor (DVI/VGA) and an RS 232 device.
Another member of the new family of turnkey embedded automation devices is the Simatic Panel PC 477. This device is available in two versions: the Panel PC 477-HMI is equipped with the Simatic WinCC flexible 2005 visualization software for optionally 128, 512 or 2048 Power Tags, and the Panel PC 477-HMI/RTX also has the WinAC RTX software PLC pre-installed. These Panel PCs with integral Profibus and Ethernet interfaces, and a depth of only 75 millimeters, are especially suitable for installation where space is restricted, such as in control cabinets or consoles.
You can find more information on the Internet at: http://www.siemens.com/embedded-automation
