Siemens (Germany) - Siemens is extending its portfolio of Simatic Ident communication modules. The first devices of the new series to launch are the Simatic RF185C, RF186C and RF188C. Available options allow one, two or four readers to be connected and operated via Ethernet/Profinet, ensuring a match to the required number of readers. Depending on the application, data throughput can be increased by up to 20 percent using the new devices. The web-based management and the engineering in the TIA (Totally Integrated Automation) Portal, enable secured access to configuration, commissioning and diagnostic tools at any time. This means that users benefit from flexible visualization, improving project efficiency. The diagnostic function during operation and the diagnostic history which is available in the logbook also enhance plant availability. The new devices support OPC UA as an IoT (Internet of Things) interface, and communicate via the OPC UA AutoID Companion Specification V1.0 data model. This enables vendor-independent communication within the automation and a standardized connection to cloud applications through an industrial IoT gateway.

The devices of the new Simatic RF18xC series are suitable for use in all areas of automation. Their particularly compact design and high protection rating of IP67 enables them to be used in harsh industrial environments and wherever space is restricted. Despite the many innovative new features, the communication modules are compatible with the predecessor model Simatic RF180C in terms of their functionality and programming, eliminating the need to adapt the existing application software. The application can run on the field level using a controller, on the IT level or directly at the PC. With two connections each for Ethernet and power supply, the new devices support both star and line topologies as well as ring topology. In line topologies, the standardized L-coded M12 connectors for the power supply allow a high transmission current of up to 16 amperes.

Connection to cloud applications such as the open cloud-based IoT operating system MindSphere takes place over an industrial IoT gateway such as Ruggedcom RX1400 with CloudConnect. Simatic RF185C, RF186C and RF188C enable cloud communication while operating with the controller. As a result, the communication modules are suitable for use in RFID-supported digitalization solutions in industrial automation and pave the way for connecting high-frequency RFID systems such as Simatic RF200 and RF300 to the cloud. In this way, the communication modules and RFID system serve as a link between the real and the digital world, permitting operational resources such as containers and pallets, that previously could not be mapped digitally, to now be identified and tracked. Analysis of the data transmitted to the cloud supplies vital information about KPIs such as plant availability and the utilization of assets, so making a valuable contribution to process optimization.

• Simatic RF18xC communication modules extend Simatic Ident portfolio
• Cost efficiency due to differentiated connection variants for readers
• Modular system integration for Profinet using standard function blocks
• Cloud connection via OPC UA interface and industrial IoT gateway