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SPS IPC Drives 2013 exclusive show report

06 January, 2014
operate it using the same configuration software that they would normally use.

Under its IXXAT brand, HMS is offering a module that can be integrated into products or systems to provide simple, fast integration of safe I/O using a safe communications protocol. The IXXAT Safe T100 module uses HMS’s Anybus CompactCom modules to provide a safe pathway through an unsafe network. Initially, it is available for ProfiSafe and Profinet, and versions for CIP Safety on Ethernet/IP and Functional Safety over EtherCat are planned.

New from Molex is a range of communication and control modules for use with Rockwell ControlLogix XT PLCs in harsh environments. There are three versions of the CLXT modules for: Ethernet and serial connections; serial communications with four Modbus serial ports; and Profibus master/slave communications.

Molex also has a range of modules that link Rockwell Logix control systems to AS-i networks, providing a simple connection between the PLC backplane and field devices such as sensors and actuators. The Brad SST AS-i modules comply with the latest AS-i specification (3.0) and are compatible with old and new AS-i products.

Phoenix Contact has added a compact Profinet switch to its portfolio. The FL Switch SMN 8TX-PN switch (above), which can be used in both Profinet and Ethernet/IP networks, includes eight 10/100 Mb/s copper ports and can be configured and diagnosed using the PC Worx and Step 7 software tools.

Rockwell Automation has announced major expansions to its Allen-Bradley Stratix family of industrial switches and routers, including: a managed industrial Ethernet switch with embedded Network Access Translation; a services router that delivers VPN (virtual private network) and firewall capabilities simultaneously; and fibre and Power-over-Ethernet options for its Stratix 5700, 8000 and 8300 switches. More switches and wireless access points are due soon.

At SPS, Sick was demonstrating an optical data transmission system that allows protocol-free Fast Ethernet communications with bandwidths up to 100Mb/s in applications such as automated warehouses. The ISD400 Pro system (below) is designed for plug-and-play installation, both mechanically and electrically, and has a transmission range of up to 150m.

New additions to Siemens’ communications portfolio include: a firewall security module (Scalance S627-2M) that protects automation networks against unauthorised access; a family of Ethernet switches (Scalance XM-400) that includes devices for connecting eight or 16 network stations, and port extenders that add up to 24 further stations; and extensions to its Scalance W family of wireless machine networking products, including 150Mb/s and 300 Mb/s access points and client modules

SOFTWARE

Baumüller has announced a “global oscilloscope” tool that allows variables from controllers and drives to be recorded and displayed simultaneously via fieldbuses. It says that that the tool can improve diagnostics of multi-axis machines. The real-time display adjusts its resolution to the transmission speed between the controller and end devices.

On its SPS stand, the Austrian software developer Copa-Data was demonstrating a smartphone and tablet app that retrieves real-time data from HMI/Scada systems. The Everywhere app (shown above) provides information on plant status, performance indicators, and alarms, in the form of lists, with graphical progress bars and dynamic gauge elements.

Eaton has an Android app for its easy800 control relays that allows machine-builders to create their own control interfaces for their systems. The easyParameter app communicates with a control relay up to 10m away via Bluetooth. The designer of the operator interface can decide which parameters can be read and written, as well as specifying user interfaces




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