Siemens is introducing three communication modules for Simatic S7-1200 and two matching industrial routers with which remote terminal units (RTUs) can be economically implemented. The communication modules CP 1243-1, CP 1243-1 DNP3, and CP 1243-1 IEC connect the Siemens control via the Telecontrol Basic and Telecontrol Professional telecontrol systems to higher-level systems or a control center. Siemens is also expanding its industrial communication portfolio for telecontrol and teleservice applications with two mobile wireless routers, Scalance M874-2 and Scalance M874-3.
The CP 1243-1 module is based on the Telecontrol Basic telecontrol system, which is designed for simple applications and small data volumes. The CP 1243-1 DNP3 and CP 1243-1 IEC communication modules can establish the connections according to the DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-104 telecontrol protocols. The modular structure comprising the control, communication module, and industrial router and modem enables users to implement economical and space-saving RTUs designed for the specific application. All variants of the new communication module for Simatic S7-1200 transmit measured values, setpoints, and alarms between the RTUs and control center both cyclically and under event control. The devices also notify maintenance personnel by email about previously defined events, for example, exceeded threshold values. The communication modules buffer acquired values with a time stamp, preventing data loss if a communication link fails. As soon as the link is up again, the buffered values are automatically transmitted to the control center in the right time sequence.
In addition to use for remote access, CP 1243-1 can also be used for security applications to protect automation cells. The module protects in the an automation cell the connected Simatic S7-1200, for example, by authentication of the network nodes, data encryption within a virtual private network (VPN) and checking data integrity.
Communication module
