At the same time, the controllers’ footprint
has been substantially reduced and pricing kept at previous levels. The
four most recent updates listed below were released in October:
- CPU 315-2 PN/DP
- CPU 315F-2 PN/DP
- CPU 317-2 PN/DP
- CPU 317F-2 PN/DP
“The performance of these CPUs has increased significantly,”
according to Jim Wilmot, product manager for the SIMATIC controllers at
Siemens Industry, Inc. “Compared to their predecessors, the user
programs on these new CPUs execute twice as fast, offering processing
times down to 25ns for bit operations, for example. Memory increases
vary by model, but are on a factor of 1.5x to 2x as much memory as the
previous models.”
In
addition to having up to twice the speed and memory, these new PROFINET
controllers now have a built in Ethernet switch, thus allowing for 2x
PROFINET ports to be built right onboard. This means increased
flexibility for users, giving them the ability to develop linear
network topologies without purchasing additional network hardware.
Remarkably, with the addition of this new onboard switch and port, all
four of the new PROFINET CPUs mentioned above have been streamlined
from the hardware point of view and are now only 40mm in width – HALF
the width they used to be!
These new CPUs include new functionality as well – offering users a
multitude of new PROFINET features, including enhancements to the
built-in web server within each CPU. For example, the web server now
features an enhanced network topology view, including a detailed module
status/diagnostic feature. It also has the ability to link to web
servers of other connected/configured devices. As with all CPUs within
the S7-300 family, the web server is built into each CPU, requiring NO
programming whatsoever, only some quick check boxes for configuration!
“The CPUs above marked “F” are “Failsafe” controllers, specifically
designed to accommodate automation systems in plants with increased
safety requirements”, Wilmot says. “These models are compliant with
safety requirements up to SIL 3 to IEC 61508 and up to EN 954-1 Cat. 4.”
With these new CPUs, Siemens has dramatically increased customer
value without increasing the price tag. The benefit-packed CPUs are all
offered at the same price as the previous models. And since all CPUs
are spare-part compatible with their predecessors maintenance and
repair costs are kept to a minimum.
In summary, the enhanced S7-300 PROFINET CPUs provide higher
performance, more communication ports, additional functionality,
smaller footprint, and spare-part compatibility with their
predecessors, — and offered at the same price!
For more information on the S7-300 PROFINET CPUs, please click here.