Siemens is expanding its portfolio of advanced controllers in the Simatic S7-1500 family with the addition of two particularly compact controllers. Simatic S7-1511C and S7-1512C combine CPU (including front display) with inputs and outputs in one enclosure. The compact design means that Simatic S7-1511C with 32 digital IO ports is just 85 millimeters wide and Simatic S7-1512C with 64 digital IO connections only 110 millimeters wide. Both models can be expanded to include additional connections using signal modules if required. Key technology functions such as metering, measuring, and positioning are already integrated into the hardware. The new Siemens controllers are suitable primarily for compact designs, such as those used in series production machines. Other benefits for customers include the low cost compared with modular controllers with processing units and easier storage or warehousing. Simatic S7-1511C has a bit performance of 60ns; the equivalent performance for the somewhat larger Simatic S7-1512C is 48ns. Just by switching from older generations of controllers, users therefore benefit from the large range of functions in the high-performance hardware. For integrating into networks, both models have a Profinet connection with two ports and an integrated Web server.
Simatic S7-1511C and S7-1512C engineering is through the TIA Portal. Siemens has updated the TIA Portal V13 with Service Pack 1. The latest version offers high-performance functions such as variant management. Automatic address adjustment and option handling - centrally, locally, and via networks - open up new opportunities for machine manufacturers to design modular and expandable machines. Other advantages include the clear potential cost savings in the manufacture, commissioning, and documentation of machinery.
Commanding and signaling devices
Sirius Act is a completely new system of commanding and signaling devices developed by Siemens. A modular system, it features a robust design with IP69K degree of protection, high-level aesthetics and simple operation. Users have a choice of a wide range of pushbuttons and emergency stop buttons, selector and key switches and acoustic and optical indicators. The diverse range in metal and plastic versions for front panel mounting can also be combined flexibly with different rear-mounting contact and LED modules. An online configurator simplifies selection and ordering. The components are connected to the controller via AS-Interface, IO-Link or standard cabling. Thanks to twist prevention and the innovative snap-on concept, the new commanding and signaling devices can be installed quickly and easily without errors even if holes are not keyed.
