Extended hardware and software functions

Siemens Industry Automation Division has equipped Version 8 of its Simatic PCS 7 process control system with a host of new functions. The new features range from improved data exchange and an easier engineering workflow, more powerful communication, redundancy-related and fault-tolerant functions to new controllers and extended functionalities for the software tools.

In Version 8 of Simatic PCS 7 the data exchange between the Cosmos plant management software and the PCS 7 engineering tools has been improved and the engineering workflow simplified. This now offers the user enhanced planning quality and an easier way to document the tracking of changes. In the new PCS 7 version the integrated, scalable long-term archiving system, Process Historian, is now suitable for the central archiving of process data from multiple projects in real time. Users can now access the archive data and reports quickly for the purpose of optimizing production and assets. They can now create and modify reports easily using the standard Microsoft Reporting Service tool. In addition to Windows XP, Simatic PCS 7 Version 8 has also been released for Windows 7 (64-bit and 32-bit).

PCS 7 has also been improved as regards Profibus and Profinet communication, in the areas of fault tolerance and redundancy, as well as for the controllers. The fault-tolerant, high-performance Simatic S7-400H controllers have been upgraded to feature greater performance and new functions. They have an increased range of I/Os and an integrated 2-port switch Profinet interface. This enables fault-tolerant, redundant ring structures to be set up and I/O devices to be connected on a system-redundant basis. In addition, the range of controllers has been extended to include the new CPU 416-5H. In terms of performance, the CPU 416-5H with 16 MB RAM is positioned between the 412-5H CPU with 1 MB, the 414-5H with 4 MB and the 417-5H with 32 MB RAM.

The functionality of the software tools has also been extended in Version 8. For example, the Simatic PDM (Process Device Manager) – the tool for operating, setting, maintaining and diagnosing field devices – has been supplemented in Version 8 by adding new export/import functions. In this respect, users benefit from extended plant documentation, integrated statistics, simpler operation and more convenient replacement of devices. The Advanced Process Library (APL) now has new blocks for motor management, starters and compact drives, while the AdvES advanced engineering system has a new type concept compliant with ISA 88 (Control Module Types) and a user interface with a progress indicator. The industry library has been enlarged with technological blocks, e.g. for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) applications. In addition, package units for Simatic S7-300 as well as on-site operator panels can now be integrated into the industry library using the APL appearance. The PCS 7 Telecontrol add-on now permits the setup of hierarchical system configurations, while route control allows graphic offline path-searching and power control facilitates the integration of electrical switchgear in accordance with the IEC 61850 protocol.

The extended functions of Simatic PCS 7 V8 are rounded off by a new automation device: AS mEC RTX is equipped with central IO modules and optimized for small-scale applications and for use in the OEM environment.