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Software Interprets between Rockwell Automation and Siemens

  • December 19, 2008
  • Case Study

Summary

Krones is one of the leading manufacturers that plans, develops, manufactures and installs machinery and complete systems for the filling and packaging industry and for the production of beverages. Approximately 85% of Krones’ systems are exported to an international clientele. Krones’ customers specify the underlying automation control system. Usually, the control system is based on Siemens or Rockwell Automation technology but occasionally a customer decides on a mixed control system. For example, one of Krones products, a high-performance stretch blow molder for cost-effective production of PET bottles, is outfitted with Siemens control technology. Typically, the PET bottle production machine is part of a complete bottling system that may consist of 15 or more stations/machines that must run in a highly coordinated and synchronized manner.Krones was looking for a solution to seamlessly integrate the PET bottle production machine with other automation platforms and discovered an exceptional solution to this challenge in INAT's unique and powerful Echochange protocol converter. Echochange effectively enables Siemens products to communicate with Rockwell Automation products:
  • Simatic S5 and S7 controllers
  • ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PLC-5, and SLC-500“Initially, we tested INAT’s Echochange in our laboratory by linking one of our systems with a Rockwell PLC. The fact that the connection worked immediately combined with the outstanding commitment by INAT convinced us to partner with INAT,” said Walter Dallmeier of Krones AG. “After assessing INAT’s commitment on long-term availability and global support we decided on Echochange as our key solution to seamlessly integrate Siemens and Rockwell PLC’s.”“Today, we use Echochange in all instances were it is necessary to integrate ControlLogix with controllers from other vendors. In addition, Echochange is not limited to integrate Siemens controllers but also is able to integrate any controller that uses the widely-used Modbus/TCP protocol,” explains Walter Dallmeier.About INAT INAT, a technological leader and a strong brand name for industrial Ethernet products, is strongly focused on the emerging market around industrial Ethernet protocols. Today, INAT is a world-class provider of solutions that enable customers to bridge between different real-time Ethernet protocols like PROFINET and EtherNet/IP and to collect traceable process data from the field and provide it over Ethernet without reprogramming an existing automation system. In addition, INAT offers state-of-the-art Ethernet-connectivity products for the legacy Simatic S5 PLC range as well as software solutions for real-time Ethernet diagnostics and OPC-connectivity.About Softing Softing has acquired a majority interest in the Nuremberg-based company INAT. 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. Learn More

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