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PC-based controller for process automation

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01.04.2008

The Industry Automation Division of Siemens has developed a new PC-based controller for process automation.

The Simatic PCS 7 AS RTX is a member of the Simatic PCS 7 controller family and offers the same system environment for engineering, visualization and communications. The new controller is based on the compact, rugged, zero-maintenance Simatic Microbox PC 427B.

Designed for continuous 24/7 operation at ambient temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius, the PC operates without any moving parts, such as hard disks or fans. The Windows XP Embedded operating system, WinAC RTX controller software and Simatic PC DiagMonitor diagnostic software are preinstalled on a CompactFlash card.

Fitting seamlessly into the series of Simatic PCS 7 automation systems that are already available, the Simatic PCS 7 AS RTX may also be used in conjunction with these in a process plant. The new controller is equipped with an industrial Ethernet interface for connection to the system bus and a PROFIBUS interface for the process peripherals.

The process data is stored in a buffered 2 MB SRAM, whereby loss of data is prevented by a power supply with electrical isolation and bridging of supply failures. Additional protection is provided by parameterizable monitoring functions for program flow and watchdogs, as well as processor and board temperatures.

The Simatic PC DiagMonitor software and Simatic PCS 7 Maintenance Station offer a means of registering and evaluating diagnostic data and messages, including elapsed-hour meter and system status, for example. The Simatic PCS 7 Engineering System is used to configure the Simatic PCS 7 AS RTX and also takes care of runtime license administration.

The multifarious fields of application for the new controller range from the food and luxury food industries and the cosmetics and consumer goods industries, right through to the pharmaceuticals and water / waste water sectors. The compact dimensions, rugged design and high-speed internal processing capability of the new controller make it particularly suitable for decentralized installation, close to the plant, as well as for package units or in plants with large-scale parallel infrastructures.

Gerhard Stauss | Source: Siemens Industry Automation
Further information: www.siemens.com/pcs7

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