Distributed IOs Communicate Wirelessly for the First Time
(Product News, 19 Nov 2008)
Simatic ET 200pro IWLAN is the first distributed I/O system from the Siemens Division Industry Automation which communicates via Industrial Wireless LAN (IWLAN). The new 154-6 PN HF IWLAN interface module, which wirelessly integrates the distributed I/O system into the automation network, was developed for the Simatic ET 200pro system. It is designed for harsh industrial environments with a high degree of protection (IP65/66/67) and conceived for use directly on the machine. Typical application areas where this is advantageous include overhead monorail conveyors, automatic guided vehicles, and warehouse logistics.
The new interface module is integrated in the communication network as an IWLAN client via an IWLAN access point, such as the Scalance W access point from Siemens. The module works according to the WLAN standards IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/h and therefore operates in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands. It also supports the important industrial functions iPCF (Industrial Point Coordination Function) for deterministic WLAN communication and rapid roaming as well as standard and safety-oriented applications via Profinet. A web server is integrated for user-friendly basic and security settings of the device.