Siemens Expands Portfolio for Basic Controllers

Siemens has added a range of new modules and functions to the Simatic S7-1200 Basic Controllers. One of the new products, the Energy Meter module SM1238, precisely records energy flows. In addition, the Basic Controllers have also been enhanced with the new CPU 1212FC for failsafe applications in the lower power range. Firmware for the Simatic S7-1200 Basic Controllers has been updated with the latest version of the TIA Portal V14 engineering framework and expanded to include additional functions. The new release includes the Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) and a backup/restore function for backing up project data for the 2-port CPUs 1215 and 1217. Finally, failsafe CPU versions now also support the Profisafe protocol.

For operators looking to branch out into the field of machine-related energy management, Siemens now offers the SM1238 Energy Meter module for Simatic S7-1200 Basic Controllers. The space-saving expansion module is just 45 millimeters wide and can be used to record energy flows simply and precisely, directly on the machine. The measurements are processed directly in the CPU and can be visualized with an HMI system such as a Basic or Comfort Panel. The SM1238 Energy Meter module records measured electrical values such as voltages up to 480 V AC, in a 1 or 3-phase network with a direct connection but without a transformer. The user can freely adjust the diagnostic parameters for over and undervoltage, overload, tolerance value, and tolerance time. An external 1 or 5 ampere current transformer with a conversion factor of up to 10,000 is used to measure the current.

The firmware for Simatic S7-1200 Basic Controllers has been updated with the new version of the TIA Portal V14 engineering framework, and expanded to include additional functions. Version 4.2 offers greater flexibility when it comes to network configurations, for example in ring topologies. This is rounded off with the backup/restore function for backing up project data with up-to-date values to prevent data losses.

Like the more powerful CPU 1214FC and CPU 1215FC versions, the new Safety CPU 1212FC is able to handle standard and safety-related automation tasks, such as protective door monitoring, in a single device. This also reduces the wiring required in comparison to conventional solutions. Supporting Profisafe enables safety-related devices to be connected via Profinet - for example, the integrated safety functions of Sinamics drives can be used directly via Profinet. This also reduces wiring outlay, saves space in comparison to conventional safety solutions and allows more flexible safety concepts.

Keywords: Energy Management, Safety CPU, Energy Meter, Profinet, Failsafe Applications, ARC Advisory Group.