Motion control CPU

Siemens Automation and Drives has released a family of powerful CPUs for its Simatic-S7 300 controllers. The 317 series CPUs are available in four versions for a wide variety of applications.

The line includes the standard CPU 317-2 DP, the technology CPU 317T-2 DP with motion control functions and high-speed I/O for motion control tasks, the CPU 317-2 PN/DP with ethernet/Profinet interface for component-based automation, and the fail-safe CPU 317F-2 DP for safety-related applications.

The new high-end CPUs enable high machine cycle rates for faster throughput. They are suitable for factory automation, for example special and series machine construction and plant construction.

The standard CPU 317-2 DP is equipped with a Profibus-DP interface and a combination of DP/MPI interface, both of which can be configured as Profibus master or Profibus slave. The start of delivery for the other 317 series CPUs, all of which are based on the standard CPU, is planned for September 2003 and the ethernet/Profinet CPU for December 2003. The CPU 317F-2 DP is designed for use in fail-safe applications, and is conforming with the IEC 61508 (SIL 3), EN 954 (category 4) and NFPA 79 specifications and standards.

The fail-safe programs are written in the Step 7 ladder diagram (LAD) and control system flowchart (CSF) languages and supplemented by pretested, certified Distributed Safety function blocks, making it possible to use the same Simatic tools and languages for the engineering of both the standard and fail-safe sections.

The CPU enables parallel operation of standard and fail-safe program; Profibus and Profisafe protocol is used for communication.

The ethernet CPU 317-2 PN/DP offers a combination Profibus-DP/MPI interface as well as a 100 Mbps industrial ethernet interface based on the Profinet communication standard, making it suitable as a network interface between ethernet and Profibus.