New products this month revolve around an updated controller portfolio for the process industries, a diagnostics tool that understands PROFIBUS PA, and switches with security for automation networks.
Controller Portfolio Enhanced for Process Industry
Siemens’ first step was to give the Simatic S7-410 the standard coating for operation in toxic atmospheres and to further increase the fault tolerance of the redundant system. Siemens has also extended the ambient temperature range up to 70 degrees Celsius, which allows users to deploy the powerful Simatic PCS 7 controller in harsh environments, such as in oil and gas applications. The next steps will be, for example, to further expand the Profinet functionality in order to increase fault tolerance and availability.
PROFIBUS PA Capability added to Diagnostics Tool
Softing’s PROFIBUS Tester 5 now includes the new optional capability to test PROFIBUS PA installations.
- Specific signal analysis supporting MBP (Manchester Bus Powered) Physics (feeding voltage, signal deviation, signal polarity, bitrate divergence)
- Complete data analysis directly at PROFIBUS PA segment
Flexible Protection for Automation Networks
The Scalance S615 is the latest addition to the Siemens security module product line. This cost-effective entry-level device from the Scalance S range protects industrial networks and automation systems against unauthorized access. The Scalance S615 security module has five Ethernet ports that offer protection for various network topologies via firewall or virtual private network.