Siemens upgrades CPU and firmware for Simatic S7-1200 PLCs

April 9, 2013 - Siemens upgrades CPU and firmware for Simatic S7-1200 PLCs. Upgrades include the S7-1217C CPU and firmware version 4.0. With 125 kilobyte (KB) capacity, the work memory of the Simatic S7-1217C CPU is 25 KB larger than the most powerful S7-1215C so far. Moreover, the compact CPU comes with line driver ports to drive stepping motor controls at a frequency of up to 1 megahertz. Like its most powerful predecessor, the Simatic S7-1217C CPU has a processing speed of 0.08 microseconds per operation. In addition to line driver I/Os, its features include 24 volt DC standard inputs and outputs, Profinet functionality with two ports, and two analog inputs and outputs. The device is designed as a DC/DC/DC variant. The firmware version 4.0 now enables all Simatic S7-1200 CPUs to operate as Profinet iDevices in addition to the already available option of operating as a Profinet controller. The new firmware now also equips Simatic S7-1200 compact controllers with a real-time tracing functionality for application diagnostics and debugging. This tracing functionality was previously available only in the most powerful controller systems. Another new feature of firmware version 4.0 is the formula & recipe management implemented in the CPU, providing the user with formula and recipe data in .csv format. Moreover, the new version offers enhanced access protection against unauthorized configuration modifications. Four authorization stages are now available for accessing the CPU. These compact, modular Simatic S7-1200 controllers are used for controlling and monitoring tasks in mechanical and plant engineering. Their applications range from relay and contactor replacement, materials handling, pump control and energy management to distributed tasks in more complex automation networks. The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the Sector enhances its customers' productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services as well as the Business Unit Metals Technologies. The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) supports the entire value chain of its industrial customers – from product design to production and services – with an unmatched combination of automation technology, industrial control technology, and industrial software. With its software solutions, the Division can shorten the time-to-market of new products by up to 50 percent. Industry Automation comprises five Business Units: Industrial Automation Systems, Control Components and Systems Engineering, Sensors and Communications, Siemens PLM Software, and Water Technologies.

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