Embedded controller

Siemens has released the modular Simatic S7-mEC embedded controller with pre-installed run-time visualisation software.

In addition, the EM PC and EM PCI-104 expansion modules for additional hardware functionalities are also available. These facilitate the connection of Simatic to the PC world and allow the use of standard PCI-104 cards.

The Simatic S7-mEC embedded controller is a turnkey automation solution, integrating both HMI and a software controller.

As no software has to be installed during commissioning, the device is easy to configure and program. By sharing a platform for HMI and PC applications, the exchange of data is sped up.

The controller is based on the S7-300 architecture and the I/O can be directly connected via the standard S7-300 modules in the central rack or remotely via ProfiNet or Profibus.

The PC module simplifies the interaction between automation and the PC. By means of standard media, PLC data can be used directly for further evaluation of production data in an office.

Onboard interfaces, such as the graphics interface or DVI-I, now enable a monitor to be connected in addition to operator panels or thin-client solutions.

If there are considerable distances between controller and a display, a thin-client is recommended.

Further interfaces, such as slots for SD/MMC and CompactFlash cards, USB for the connection of printer, mouse or keyboard and serial interfaces for point-to-point, are also available on the EM PC module.

The second expansion module permits scalability to further hardware interfaces in the PCI-104 format. This enables fieldbus modules for Profibus to be connected via high-speed I/O cards or cards for special applications, such as sound cards for the output of spoken operating instructions.

Up to three different PCI-104 or PCI-104+ boards can be used within these modules.