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Simple controllers add safety CPU and energy monitoring

10 March, 2016

Siemens has added new modules and functions to its Simatic S7-1200 family of Basic Controllers, including a new CPU for failsafe applications in the lower power range, and a module that records energy flows on machines. In addition, the controllers’ firmware has been updated with extra functions including support for the Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) and a backup/restore function.

The new 1212FC Safety CPU can handle standard and safety-related automation tasks, such as protective door monitoring, in a single device. It supports Profisafe, allowing safety-related devices to be connected via Profinet. For example, the safety functions built into Siemens’ Sinamics drives can be used directly via Profinet. The CPU also reduces the amount of wiring needed, saves space and supports more flexible safety concepts.

The new 45mm-wide SM1238 Energy Meter module can record energy flows directly on a machine. The measurements are processed in the CPU, and visualised via an HMIl. The module records electrical values, such as voltages up to 480V AC, in single- or three-phase networks using a direct connection, without needing a transformer. Users can adjust the diagnostic parameters for over- and under-voltages, overloads, tolerance values and tolerance times. An external 1A or 5A current transformer with a conversion factor of up to 10,000 is used to measure currents.

Siemens has enhanced and expanded its family of Basic Controllers

The Basic Controllers' updated firmware (v4.2) now supports the latest version (v14) of the TIA Portal engineering framework, and includes the Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), increasing network availability and offering more flexibility in network configurations – for example, in ring topologies. A backup/restore function for the two-port 1215 and 1217 CPUs backs up project data to prevent data losses.




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