Opening up access to production data (sidebar)

A key to the functionality of the S7-400 PLC from Siemens is its integrated CP 443-1 IT communications processor, part of Siemens’ SIMATIC NET product line. Unlike the central servers previously used at Gelmini, the CP-443-1 IT functions as a distributed data server. It collects data from machine-specific Siemens PLCs through a Profibus fieldbus connection, ensuring fast, reliable information-sharing among PCs, programming devices, HMI devices, and other devices on the network. With the CP 443-1 IT communications processor in place, any PC on the factory network can be used to access production data. The device is simply plugged into the S7-400’s rack and is then connected with other PLC modules via the backplane bus. No customized programming is required. “The use of standard software,” says company owner Diego Gelmini, “leaves future options open, making it easy for us to switch to more up-to-date standards with little overhead.”