New features in Version 8.0 of Simatic PCS 7 process control system range from improved data exchange, an easier engineering workflow and redundancy-related and fault-tolerant functions to new controllers and extended functionalities for the software tools.
In Simatic PCS 7 V8.0, the data exchange between the Comos plant management software and the Simatic PCS 7 engineering tools have been improved and the engineering workflow simplified. This now offers the user enhanced design and planning mechanisms and an easier way to track project changes. The new Process Historian provides an integrated scalable, long-term archiving system, consolidating history from multiple continuous and batch projects Users can now access the archive data and reports quickly for the purpose of optimizing production and assets. They can also create and modify reports easily using the standard Microsoft Reporting Service tool.
Simatic PCS 7 has improved Profibus and Profinet communication for fault tolerant and redundant applications. The fault-tolerant, high-performance Simatic S7-400H controllers have been upgraded to feature greater performance and new functions. They have an increased I/O capacity, and an integrated 2-port switch Profinet interface. This enables fault-tolerant, redundant ring structures to be set up and I/O devices to be connected on a system-redundant basis. In addition, the range of controllers has been extended to include the new AS 416-5H controller. In terms of performance, this new controller with 16 MB RAM is positioned between the AS 412-5H with 1 MB, the AS 414-5H414-5H with 4 MB and the AS 417-5H417-5H with 32 MB RAM, allowing for more granularity in system sizing.
The functionality of the software tools has also been extended in Simatic PCS 7 V8.0. For example, the Simatic PDM (Process Device Manager) – the tool for operating, setting, maintaining and diagnosing PA, FF and HART field devices – has been supplemented by adding new import/export functions. Users will benefit from extended plant documentation, integrated statistics, simpler operation and a more convenient process for the replacement of devices.
The Advanced Process Library (APL) now has new blocks for motor management, starters and compact drives, while the AdvES advanced engineering system has a new type concept compliant with ISA 88 (Control Module Types) and a user interface with a progress indicator. The industry library has been enlarged with technological blocks, e.g. for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) applications. In addition, package units for Simatic S7-300 as well as remote operator panels can now be integrated using the Industry Library based on the APL style guide. The PCS 7 Telecontrol add-on now permits the setup of hierarchical system configurations, while route control allows graphic offline path-searching. Power Control facilitates the integration of electrical switchgear in accordance with the IEC 61850 protocol.
The scalability of Simatic PCS 7 V8.0 is extended by another new automation controller. The AS mEC is equipped with on-board Profinet and central IO modules, and is optimized for small-scale applications and for use in the OEM environment.
Version 8 is supported on many platforms including Microsoft Windows XP (32 bit) and 7 (32 or 64 bit) as well as Server 2003 and Server 2008 (32 and 64 bit).
