Today's Automation News Headlines from Automation.com

January 15, 2012 - Softing introduces S5-TCP/IP-100 Ethernet Communications Module. The S5-TCP/IP-100 is a high-performance Ethernet interface for SIMATIC S5 PLCs. This universal communications processor integrates any S5 PLC with TCP/IP and ISO (H1) networks. In addition, this product removes the restriction on the communication speed of the original Siemens CPs by supporting 10/100 Mbps out-of-the-box.

The S5-TCPIP-100 supports the following communication protocols that can be used simultaneously:

• ISO (H1)
• ISO on TCP (RFC 1006)
• S7 Application Protocol
• Modbus/TCP

Around 2001 Siemens sent out a notice to all of its S5 customers to announce that the S5 CP143x Ethernet communications processor family had been discontinued. Today, Siemens has a rapidly dwindling supply of used surplus units that are very expensive.

However, there are still countless SIMATIC S5 PLCs in the field that are unfailingly controlling production lines. The sturdy S5 PLC is reliable and the control programs have been finely-tuned during their many years of operation.

An elegant solution for plant operators that are faced with this parts shortage is Softing's S5-TCPIP-100 communications processor.

Softing's S5-TCPIP-100 communications processor is an industry-hardened module that has been used in hundreds of applications. End-users in the pharmaceutical, automotive, food and drug, etc. industries have appreciated the fact that this communications processor has protected their investment by integrating their existing fleet of S5 PLC's with modern control systems and networks.

The S5-TCPIP-100 includes the following advantages

•  Interface with modern 10/100Mbps Ethernet networks
• Communicate with S5 and S7 PLCs over Ethernet
• Communicate with Modbus/TCP-based controllers (e.g. Schneider PLCs)
• Interface with WinCC Flexible
• Remote maintenance over Ethernet
• Step5 programming interface over Ethernet
• 4-port switch
• and more

About Softing
In industrial automation, Softing is a specialist for fieldbus technology and has established itself as a world-leading partner for networking automation systems and control solutions. Softing provides customers the key technology to connect devices, controls and systems with the leading communication technologies. In fieldbus technology, Softing is a world-class expert for FOUNDATION fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and CAN/CANopen/DeviceNet. The company’s wide range of expertise includes solutions for OPC, FDT, and Real-Time-Ethernet protocols such as, PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus/TCP. Many of the products and services developed by Softing since the company was founded in 1979 have become reference standards throughout the world. In addition, Softing has established itself as a provider of sophisticated diagnostic tools for fieldbus systems.