Siemens process control system offers new functions
January 4, 2012 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Controllers, Networks
The Industry Automation Division of Siemens (www.usa.siemens.com/process) has equipped its Simatic PCS 7 process control system Version 8 with a host of new features, including an easier engineering workflow and improved data exchange.
It also offers more powerful communication, fault-tolerant and redundancy-related functions to its controllers as well as extended functionalities for the software tools.
In this latest version of the Simatic PCS 7, the data exchange between the PCS 7 engineering tools and the COMOS plant management software has been optimized while the engineering workflow was simplified. This provides users enhanced planning quality, and allows them to easily document the tracking of changes. Its built-in, scalable long-term archiving system, Process Historian, is now ideally suited for real time central archiving of process data from various projects.
Users can now quickly access reports and archive data for the purpose of enhancing assets and production. The standard Microsoft Reporting Service tool enables users to easily create and modify reports.
With regards to Profibus and Profinet communication, the PCS 7 Version 8 has also been improved in the areas of redundancy and fault tolerance, as well as for the controllers. The high-performance, fault-tolerant Simatic S7-400H controllers have been enhanced to offer not only new functions but greater performance as well. They feature an integrated two-port switch Profinet interface and an increased range of I/Os.
Meanwhile, the software tools’ functionality has also been extended in this version. The Simatic PDM has been supplemented with new export/import functions, while the Advanced Process Library now offers new blocks for starters and compact drives as well as motor management. In addition, its AdvES advanced engineering system now comes with an ISA 88 compliant concept.
Siemens introduces user-friendly key panels with Profinet
December 13, 2011 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Networks
Siemens Industry Automation Division (www.siemens.com) has expanded its Key Panels portfolio with a control panel featuring two Profinet interfaces and 32 large, freely-configurable keys with LED backlighting.
The Profinet interfaces allow the Simatic HMI KP32F PN Key Panel to be easily integrated into networks without the need for extra hardware components like switches. The free configuration of the key functions, tactile feedback when keys are pressed, and the bright LEDs in one of five colors all contribute to make the new key panel user friendly.
Unlike conventional operator controls, the Simatic HMI KP32F PN effectively eliminates time-consuming and costly individual assembly as well as the wiring overhead. Thus, keys that are not currently required can be configured at any time. Designed with IP65 protection, the new key panel is suitable for use in rough industrial environment and in safety-related applications. It comes with four fail-safe inputs that can be connected with one or two emergency stop buttons in accordance with SIL 3 safety category.
The keys of the new Simatic HMI KP32F PN Key Panel can be configured to change colors to show the status of the machine or to flash LEDs to indicate operator interaction. The intensity of the keys’ LED backlighting can also be adjusted to suit ambient conditions, and ensure excellent readability even under difficult lighting conditions. In addition, slide-in strips can be employed for individual labeling of the keys.
The key operator panels are typically used in applications requiring deterministic transmission of operator commands.
Siemens expands its Simotion D motion controllers portfolio
October 17, 2011 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Controllers
Siemens Industry, Inc. (www.sea.siemens.com) has expanded its range of upper performance Simotion D motion controllers with the addition of the latest Simotion D445-2 DP/PN and D455-2 DP/PN versions.
The new Simotion D445-2 multi-axis controllers offer high-speed I/O, onboard Profinet interfaces and with thrice the performance, a single controller can support a maximum of 128 axes of motion.
Suitable for production machines, Simotion D motion control systems provide high degree of flexibility for the machine automation’s ever-changing needs. Offering motion control, PLC and advanced technology functions, the Simotion D drive-based multi-axis control systems also provide an integrated drive control that is based on Siemens Sinamics S120 drives.
The new Simotion D445-2 DP/PN and D455-2 DP/PN provide expanded memory capacity while doubling the maximum quantity to 128 axes than the previous generation. The new versions have also integrated the previously optional Profinet I/O interface into the modules as standard. Equipped with an integrated three-port switch, the controllers’ onboard interface facilitates various network topologies such as star, tree or line structures, without adding external switches. The interface, which can be used as a controller or as a device of another controller, also has the capability of supporting real-time (RT) and isochronous real-time (IRT) data exchange.
Aside from the Profinet interface, the new controllers also feature two Ethernet and two Profibus interfaces. Of the 28 digital I/Os of the Simotion D445-2 DP/PN and D455-2 DP/PN, 16 can be utilized for technology tasks such as measuring inputs and output cams with micro-second resolution.
Siemens expands SIMATIC ET 200iSP I/O system
September 14, 2011 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Uncategorized
Siemens Industry, Inc. (www.siemens.com) has broadened its SIMATIC ET 200iSP I/O system with the addition of three new modules to conform to safety standards ISO 13849-1 up to PLe e or IEC 61508 up to SIL 3. A modular I/O system suitable for hazardous areas, the ET 200iSP features actuators and sensors directly connected to a bus system, while its I/O system can be fitted in a non-explosion roof cabinet.
With modules ideally suited for various applications including boiler protection, emergency shutdown as well as fire and gas equipment, the ET 200iSP’s isolating transformer is a bus isolating transformer that creates an intrinsically safe PROFIBUS DP communications network.
The terminal modules of the I/O system are plugged with PROFIBUS DP interface modules, function modules — which include an explosion proof power supply — and a maximum of 32 electronics modules. The ability of the I/O system to “Hot Swap” the electronic module enables customers to avoid costly downtime when stopping the controller. The PROFIBUS DP interface module’s firmware can be upgraded over PROFIBUS DP or using a micro memory card (MMC).
Maximum uptime is available with PROFIBUS DP, while redundant power supplies allow for redundancy. When utilized in a redundant configuration, the I/O system’s power supplies can be replaced and hot swapped under power even in highly hazardous locations.
With an analog signal of four to 20 mA, the ET 200iSP links process devices with Highway Addressable Remote Transducer (HART) technology. A routing function within the PROFIBUS DP allows a central station to transparently access HART process devices. Thus, more process instruments, including fill-level, temperature, flow rate measuring equipment and pressure, can be configured and accessed.
1FK7 Servo Motor Series ideal for motion control applications
March 18, 2011 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Motors, Servo Motors
The Siemens Drive Technologies Division (www.siemens.com) has released the latest 1FK7 servo motor series which has been optimized and extended for standard motion applications.
The 1FK7 series’ basic “Compact” models provide a vast array of versions and sizes that caters to all drive tasks. Its “High Dynamic” version delivers reduced rotor inertia, providing an optimum and efficient solution for tasks that require low load inertia and maximum dynamics. Offering the benefits of “High Inertia” design, Siemens delivers above-average control properties and optimum dynamics via high rotor inertia for motion control tasks that demands high load inertia. The series’ innovative design reinforces the trend toward increasingly serviceable and compact, maximum efficiency motor solutions.
With the encoder integrated with DRIVE-CLiQ interface, the 1FK7 motors now offer a low disturbing contour and a more compact package. The 1FK7 motors has also been specifically redesigned to provide a higher degree of ruggedness against shock load and vibration. Its thermal decoupling capabilities have been enhanced to achieve higher rated torques in certain versions.
Boasting maximum energy efficiency, the 1FK7 motors delivers up to 94 percent efficiency levels. To achieve the best efficiency range, project engineers can select from the series’ extensive portfolio of rated speeds that offers optimally adapted winding design. Aside from the motor’s energy savings benefits, it also offers lower system costs, thanks to the availability of smaller Sinamics converter modules and connection system.
Siemens introduces Sinamics G110D drive platform
January 7, 2011 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Drives
Siemens (www.siemens.com) is proud to announce the company’s latest solution in its Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) portfolio – the new Sinamics G110D drive platform. It is ideal for installation near motors found throughout facilities where water and dust ingression are a concern.
Sinamics G110D drive platform combines improved functionality, a smaller footprint, increased energy efficiency, enhanced usability and lower total cost-of-ownership in one drive. Applications for the new drive range from packaging conveyors or material handling and airport baggage carousels to fans, compressors, pumps and other industrial equipment.
The G110D includes integrated control and plug-and-play power for easier installation, as well as optional Intelligent Operator Panel (IOP) for easy-to-setup text application in a reduced footprint. The IOP assists the operator with an improved level of control, as well as resolution advice and alarm status alerts, thus reducing time for troubleshooting, said Siemens.
The drive features an optional power disconnect switch. The IP65 metal housing enclosure comes with a low profile for easy mounting near the motor, with no required drive cabinet, for further space savings. The drive can directly communicate with a programmable logic controller (PLC) or can serve as a controller through I/O inputs. The AS-Interface bus configuration and optional maintenance, and manual-auto switch are also integrated into the drive, which makes it easy to put together with other hardware in an overall control schematic. Integrated quick stop and brake control functions also deliver a higher degree of reliability.
High-Performance Family of Spindle Motors from Siemens
December 15, 2010 by Miles Budimir
Filed under Featured, Motors, Servo Motors
Chicago, Ill. –Siemens Industry, Inc. has introduced the new 1PH8 family of high-performance induction motor drives and servomotors. Available in a wide power range, from 2.8 kW up to 1340 kW, these new motors provide excellent dynamic response, smoother operation and lower vibration levels. The new line combines induction and high-powered servo technologies to give machine designers and end-users a greater degree of efficiency and more precision in the production process. 
Designed for the specific performance and environmental requirements of a main spindle on a CNC-equipped machine tool, these new induction motors have applications in other heavy-duty markets, such as print unit drives on printing presses, rolls and web handling on converting and packaging machinery, crane and hoist elevation, extruders and injection molding machines, metal-forming and welding machinery, assembly line robotic articulation, and materials handling gantries among others.
The modular motor platform concept offers designers various options for selecting the optimum unit for an application including assorted bearing designs for increased cantilever forces or increased speeds up to 20,000 rpm, shaft designs in a solid or hollow configuration to match the mechanical interface, forced-air or water-cooled models, induction or synchronous servomotor design for mating the right motor to the size requirements and dynamic response needs with both styles featuring the same mechanical and electrical interface to simplify engineering, and absolute or incremental encoders built-in for high-resolution feedback and enhanced motion control in high power level applications.
The 1PH8 motor spindle line is fully compatible with the Siemens Sinamics S120 drives platform to achieve faster commissioning and improved control response. All motors in this new family feature the Drive-Cliq serial interface and electronic nameplate recognition for plug-n-play start-up.
Earlier families of Siemens motor designs can be upgraded to the new 1PH8 series without difficulty, including the 1PH7, 1PL6, 1PH4, 1PM4, 1PM6 and the upper range of the 1FT6.
For more information, visit www.usa.siemens.com/motioncontrol.
Siemens Industry’s controllers enhanced by Profinet, Profibus and telecommunication services
December 8, 2010 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Controllers, Networks
Siemens Industry Automation Division (www.siemens.com) is pleased to announce the release of its Simatic S7-1200 controllers that are enhanced by Profinet, Profibus and telecommunication services. The new CPU firmware allows communication with Profinet I/O devices. With two new communication modules, the device can be operated as a Profibus slave or master. Three new telecommunication components are also provided to users if they want to remotely access the controller from a programming device or PC.
The Simatic S7-1200 CPUs’ new firmware version 2.0 has Profinet I/O controller functionality, implementing communication with Profinet I/O devices. Through the integral Web server with user-defined Web pages, operators can call up CPU information to process data with a standard Web browser. Integrated data archiving also allows data from the user program to be archived during runtime.
Two new communication modules are available to connect the Simatic S7-1200 controllers to Profibus. Profibus DP master module CM 1243 allows the connection of up to 16 DP slaves, including Simatic ET 200 distributed I/O modules. PG/OP and S7 communication with other controllers and with programming devices and Human Machine Interface (HMI) devices is also supported. Through the CM 1242-5, the Simatic S7-1200 can be run as a Profibus DP slave, enabling connection to any Profibus DP master. The two communication modules can be easily connected to the left of the CPU through the S7-1200 backplane bus.
Siemens offers new high-inertia 1FK7-HI servo motors
July 8, 2010 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Motors, Servo Motors
Siemens Industry, Inc. (www.sea.siemens.com) has unveiled its expanded 1FK7 servomotor family that features a new high-inertia style. The design’s higher rotor inertia makes the control response of the latest 1FK7-HI servo motors highly robust and ideal for variable- and high-load inertia applications, such as auxiliary and feed axes on machine tools, as well as unwinders and winders on packaging, printing and converting equipment.
The self-cooled 1FK7-HI servomotors offer stall torque in the 3Nm to 20Nm range and are offered in IP65 or IP64 with IP67 protective flange degree, with selectable options for keyed or plain shaft, 22-bit absolute or incremental encoders, as well as 18 color options.
Its mechanical decoupler located between the encoder shaft and motor protects the encoder from mechanical vibrations to provide a long service life. In case the encoder needs to be exchanged, the tool automatically aligns the encoder signal into the rotor pole position to enable feedbacks to be changed at the field in less than five minutes.
The new Siemens 1FK7-HI servo motors also have a unique Drive-Cliq serial bus and electronic nameplate recognition to allow virtual plug-and-play operation when paired with the Sinamics S drive platform. Every servo motor in this new family is also configured to interface with the motion controller Simotion for general motion control use and Siemens Sinumerik CNC technology for machine tool applications.
Small NEMA Motor with More Horsepower
November 18, 2009 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Featured, Motors
The SH630 Above NEMA AC induction motor offers higher horsepower in a smaller footprint. It provides up to 11,000 hp at supply voltages from 2.3 to 13.8 kV, 50 or 60 Hz. The low-windage design minimizes friction losses.

It is available in a wide selection of cooling configurations and enclosures (Weather-Protected Type II, Totally Enclosed Water-to-Air Cooled and Totally Enclosed Air-to-Air Cooled). The motor also features the Micalastic® comprehensive vacuum impregnation insulation system to extend the motor’s service life. With its line-supply and converter-fed operation, corona shielding, high switching and reversing strength, the Micalastic system delivers thermal stability, surge strength and resistance to severe environmental and electrical operating conditions.
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
www.usa.siemens.com/motors
Premium Efficient Motors with Aluminum Rotors
April 17, 2009 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Motors
Line of NEMA Premium® efficient motors with aluminum rotors meet the 2010 mandatory efficiency requirements of the 2007 Energy Independence & Security Act.

They also meet the efficiency requirements of many states’ utility rebate programs. The aluminum rotor motors provide another energy efficient choice for those who do not require the efficiency of copper rotors. They are available in general purpose, severe duty, IEEE 841, modified and custom-built motor configurations.
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
www.sea.siemens.com/motors
Sinamics S120 Series Booksize Compact Multi-axis Drive
January 22, 2009 by Motion Control Tips Editor
Filed under Drives
Sinamics S120 Series Booksize Compact multi-axis drive delivers high overload capability in tight machine control spaces.

Only 9 in. deep, the unit reduces the need for external control cabinets and fits into on-machine enclosures as small as 10 in. deep. Although small in size, the drive delivers the high, 3X overload capability required in packaging machine and motion control applications with dynamic speed changes. It covers 0.75 to 10 hp.
Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
www.sea.siemens.com










