Connection to IP-based networks

In addition to the RS232 interface, the TIM 3V-IE Advanced also has an RJ45 socket. This is suitable for the connection of IP-based networks (WAN or LAN). Depending on the application, various types of data communication equipment can be connected such as:

• SCALANCE X switches for Twisted Pair cable or fiber-optic cables
• SCALANCE W (IWLAN) and Ethernet radio devices from various manufacturers
• EDGE router SCALANCE M874-2 for GPRS communication and EGPRS (Edge) over mobile wireless networks
• SCALANCE M for communication via mobile wireless networks
• GPRS/GSM modem MD720-3 for GPRS communication over mobile wireless networks
• DSL router and SCALANCE S for VPN (IPsec)
• DSL router directly by means of MSC-VPN tunnel protocol integrated in the TIM
• Broadband systems such as OTN and PCM30

Configuration examples with TIM 3V-IE Advanced in IP-based networks

Use as a station

The TIM 3V-IE Advanced can be used as a station like a TIM 3V-IE. In addition, transmission is possible via the direct connection of the TIM to a DSL router (MSC tunnel).

Use the MSC tunnel protocol (MSC client) integrated in the TIM 3V-IE Advanced to operate a connection via Industrial Ethernet and a DSL router to a TIM 4R-IE that terminates the MSC tunnel protocol.

Use in a node station

When used in a node station, TIM 3V-IE Advanced can, for example, exchange data over its RS232 interface over a radio network with the lower-level stations. It is then connected to the control desk over the RJ45 interface, e.g. over a fiber-optic cable, that is connected through SCALANCE X switches. In this configuration, data can be exchanged between each of the SINAUT stations regardless of which network they are situated in.

In this case, in order to disconnect the networks, the connection in the control center can be made via a TIM 4R-IE or, as in the example, directly to the Ethernet interface of the PC.

Redundant transmission paths

Using TIM 3V-IE Advanced, a station can be connected to the control desk over redundant paths. The TIM 3V-IE Advanced is used for this purpose both in the station and in the control center. The example includes a combination of fiber-optic cables and radio paths as redundant paths. The two TIMs coordinate data transmission: It takes place normally over the main path and only if it fails over the standby path. When the main path is restored, changeover back to this path is performed automatically.

The TIM 3V-IE Advanced in the control center has access to the MPI interface of the S7-300-CPU via the backplane bus, by which the TIM communicates with the control desk PC (e.g. ST7cc). Note that only certain types of CPU can be considered for this application.
A TIM 4R-IE can be used in the control center as a replacement for the TIM 3V-IE Advanced. Without a S7-300-CPU, this TIM is connected to the control desk PC via one of the two Ethernet ports.

Note:
Use of the MPI port of the local CPU is possible with the following types of CPU: all versions of the CPUs 312, 312C, 313C, 314 and 314C, the CPUs 315-2 DP and 315F-2 DP.

Use in a control center

The TIM 3V-IE Advanced is also suitable for configuring a control center that comprises more than one TIM. In the following example, the TIM 3V-IE Advanced is combined with a TIM 4R-IE. Both TIMs are connected via the MPI with the CPU inserted in the rack. Both TIMs process data communication with the stations in their own networks and route the data via Industrial Ethernet to the PC.

Connection to a conventional WAN

Connection to a conventional WAN is via the floating RS232 interface of the TIM 3V-IE Advanced module, via which various modems or data communication equipment can be connected, depending on the application. The RS232 interface can then be operated parallel to the Industrial Ethernet interface.