Siemens Industry Automation has announced the launch of Simatic S7-1500, a controller family of the next generation for medium to high-end machine and plant automation, and the Sirius 3SK1, a flexible and modular range of safety relays.

The division has also introduced a versatile weighing module for the Simatic S7-1200. Siwarex WP231 is the first weighing module for this control and is suitable for monitoring filling levels in silos and bins and for use with goods being weighed on platform scales.

The company highlighted that the new generation of controllers is characterised by high performance and efficiency. Its characteristic features include outstanding system performance and a host of functions integrated as standard, including Motion Control, Security for maximum possible plant security, and Safety for safety applications that are easy to implement. Greater efficiency is represented in particular by the innovative design for simple commissioning and safe operation, the configurable diagnostic functions for the plant status and the integration into the TIA Portal for simple engineering and low project costs.

The Siwarex WP231 weighing module can be fully integrated into the Simatic S7-1200 or connected to and operated from a Modbus HMI panel

The new generation of Simatic S7-1500 controllers is being launched on the market in stages. Initially, the portfolio will comprise the three CPU types 1511, 1513 and 1516 for the medium performance range, each also available as an F-version (failsafe) for safety applications, with graded performance features. These differ, for example, in the number of interfaces, bit performance and the size of the display and data memory. According to the individual automation task, the CPUs in the central configuration can be supplemented with as many as 32 expansion modules.

With regard to overall performance, the technology, security, safety and system performance have been considerably improved. In order to increase efficiency, further developments have been made specifically in the areas of design and handling, system diagnosis and engineering with the TIA Portal.

SAFETY RELAYS
The newly launched Sirius 3SK1 is a flexible and modular range of safety relays. The component portfolio has been greatly reduced compared to its predecessor, thus simplifying selection and use. For example, different basic units are no longer required for mechanical and electronic sensors. 3SK1 is part of Siemens’ Safety Integrated concept. Safety Integrated was devised to make engineering much simpler and to increase the availability of automation systems. This concept cuts the time required to implement new machines and plants and to adapt them to new requirements.

Siemens is now offering the new Sirius 3SK1 safety relays for monitoring and control systems with simple safety requirements, such as emergency stop or protective door monitoring. The product range takes the form of a clearly structured modular system so that plant operators can quickly, simply and economically assemble an appropriate and safe configuration. The Standard and Advanced basic units are available with relay or semiconductor outputs.

SIWAREX WP231
The first weighing module for the Simatic S7-1200, the Siwarex WP231 is suitable for monitoring filling levels in silos and bins and for use with goods being weighed on platform scales. The new model is intended for industries requiring a high level of measurement accuracy, such as the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Furthermore it is suitable for use in explosive atmospheres. Ethernet connections and an RS485 RTU interface with Modbus protocol enable it to be operated from a Modbus HMI panel without being connected to the Simatic S7-1200 control.

The Sirius 3SK1 is a flexible and modular range of safety relays

This versatile Siwarex WP231 can be fully integrated into the Simatic S7-1200 or connected to and operated from a Modbus HMI panel.

Its parameters can be quickly and easily set via the TIA Portal engineering platform. The module has four digital inputs and outputs and one analog output. The Siwarex WP231 can be connected to various systems and operator panels via an Ethernet or RS485 interface with Modbus protocol and can be operated independently from the Simatic S7-1200 (“stand-alone capability”). This makes it possible for the module to be used in various applications. In addition, the module can be operated directly from a Modbus HMI panel in the event of failure of the control unit.