The Simatic Step 7 Topology Editor from Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) represents Profinet infrastructures in the Step 7 engineering system. This simplifies the start-up of Profinet networks, enables comprehensive diagnostics of all components during operation, and supports plant documentation.
With the Topology Editor integrated into Step 7, the status of the network infrastructure is now viewable online. Until now, this has only been the case for the automation components. The network components use the communication mechanisms LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol) in accordance with IEEE 802.1 AB and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol).
Each Profinet device uses LLDP to identify the neighbours on its ports autonomously. Step 7 scans the neighbourhood relationships via SNMP and represents the topology of the Profinet infrastructure either graphically or in the form of a table - online or offline.
EtherCAT interoperability removes industrial networking barriers
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Selecting the right communication technology is one of the most important decisions engineers make, and interoperability helps with that decision. Key development tools and standards ensure interoperability among many EtherCAT devices and manufacturers.
Read more...Next-generation AI-enhanced electronic systems design software Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has launched the latest advancement in its electronic systems design portfolio. The next-generation release takes an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, bringing a unified user experience that delivers cloud connectivity and AI capabilities to push the boundaries of innovation in electronic systems design.
Read more...Controlling runtime and engineering with a leap in performance Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff is enabling a real leap in automation technology performance with TwinCAT PLC++. Both engineering and runtime can be accelerated, while the well-known TwinCAT advantages of consistent integration, compatibility and openness continue to be delivered.
Read more...Loop signature: Tuning part 4 processes Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The purpose of this particular article is to try and give those unfortunate enough to have to use SWAG (scientific wild ass guess) tuning a bit of an idea of how to go about it, and even more importantly some understanding of a couple of basic principles.
Read more...Condition monitoring to go Turck Banner Southern Africa
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Anyone who wants to efficiently monitor the climate in control cabinets will find a comprehensive range of control cabinet monitors for the DIN rail in Turck Banner’s cabinet condition monitoring family.
Read more...Innovative separation of recyclable materials Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A plant built by Belgian specialist machine builder, Absolem Engineering features an innovative process for separating recyclable materials. Using PC-based control from Beckhoff, a major problem has been elegantly solved - the generation of different signal sequences for the exact synchronisation of different camera systems.
Read more...Development of motor control units for automotive industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
SEDEMAC has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, which is used in the development of its motor control units and engine control units. The motor control units are used in EVs, hybrids, ebikes and power tools, while the engine control units are used for off-road and on-road engines.
Read more...Sustainable last-mile delivery electric trucks Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Workhorse Group, an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industrial software as it builds electric trucks for sustainable last-mile delivery.
printer friendly version