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Real-time Ethernet ASIC gets Profinet products up to speed

Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) has developed the first products for Profinet IRT (Isochronous Real-time Ethernet) containing the new Ertec 400 ASIC. The 10/100 megabit/s SCALANCE X 204-2 IRT switch is suitable for configuring Ethernet networks in line, star and ring topologies; the CP 1616 communications processor is used in programming devices and PCs. Also available is the Ertec 400 Development Kit, which makes it exceptionally easy for manufacturers of automation components to develop Profinet IRT products and applications.

The new Scalance X 204-2 IRT Ethernet switch is equipped with electrical and optical user and network interfaces. The robust metallic housing in IP30 in space-saving design can be installed in a control cabinet, on a standard mounting rail or on a wall. Because it latches onto the housing, the industrial device interface with IE FC R45J Plug-compliant connectors provides additional relief against strain and bending. Redundant ring topologies increase network availability. LEDs on device, integrated Web server and signalling contact provide high-speed diagnostics. The switch is integrated in existing network structures via SNMP.

The CP 1616 communications processor for programming devices and PCs reserves one PCI slot and is equipped with a 4-port real-time switch, making it possible to set up small local networks. OPC interface (OLE for Process Control) as well as communication mechanisms to automation systems such as Simatic S7 are standard.

The Ertec 400 Development Kit for Profinet IRT hardware and software comprises an evaluation board with Ertec 400 ASIC as test environment, ten ASICs for e.g. sample software for Profinet IO Controller and Device as well as test and simulation software under Windows XP. The FastConnect system with FastConnect connectors, cable and stripping tool are also included for easy preassembly of Industrial Ethernet cables. Development and implementation engineers are aided by integration centers in Europe and the U.S. through such measures as free telephone support.

The Ertec 400 (Enhanced Real-time Ethernet Controller) ASIC is equipped with a 4-port real-time switch and a 32-bit microprocessor. The ASIC combines real-time communication for high-speed clocked control with IT communication, for instance per TCP/IP. With a cycle time of 1 millisecond and jitter of less than 1 microsecond, as many as 150 axes can be isochronously controlled while still leaving 50% of the bandwidth for IT communication.

Siemens Automation & Drives
P.O. Box 4848
90327 Nuremberg
www.siemens.com