Wireless integration of PROFIBUS segments and PROFINET nodes into an existing Industrial Ethernet network

An existing Ethernet network can be expanded by a wireless network without increased overhead.

This even enables an existing PROFIBUS segment to be connected to an access point.

The wireless link is established to the mobile nodes by connecting a SCALANCE W access point to the Ethernet network. The mobile stations are connected wirelessly, e.g. via the SCALANCE W72x Client Module, to which the mobile station is connected with a cable.

Access to the existing controllers or processes is possible without much additional wiring.

Uninterrupted roaming between the office and automation network by using wireless LAN controllers and Industrial Wireless LAN controllers

By using the SCALANCE WLC Industrial Wireless LAN controller along with controller-based access points, it is possible to establish a single wireless infrastructure for the entire company. This achieves a high level of flexibility, since mobile nodes (e.g. laptop, PDA, WLAN telephone) can move anywhere, roaming seamlessly between the office and automation networks. This allows wireless access to data from any location within the company. Thanks to the use of a centralized security mechanism for each user group (Virtual Network Services VNS), the data is protected against unauthorized access and manipulation.

The SCALANCE W78xC controller-based access points support the WLAN standards IEEE 802.11a/b/g and 802.11n, and they are connected via Gigabit Ethernet to the SCALANCE WLC IWLAN controller.

Operation always requires the SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller that permits the configuration of access points in groups. This significantly increases the manageability of an widespread IWLAN infrastructure. Central management with the IWLAN controller also permits recording of faults/errors as well as monitoring and documentation of statistics.

System solution for nutrunner controls with RCoax cable and SCALANCE W788-1 RJ45

Wireless solutions with RCoax cable are typically used in the following applications:

• Crane control
• Overhead monorail conveyors
• Storage and retrieval systems
• Automated guided vehicle systems (AGVS)

An example of an application with a suspended monorail is a nutrunner controller in a car assembly plant.

An RCoax radiating cable is used along the coding rail to establish wireless data transfer between the monorail and the central controller. It generates a reliable wireless field and is easy to lay.

The RCoax cable is connected as an antenna to a stationary SCALANCE W788-1 RJ45 access point with KEY-PLUG W780 iFeatures. This means that the same mobile unit can be used for all applications so that a mobile nutrunner can be used for several clock cycles resulting in lower investment costs.

Maintenance costs and downtimes are reduced by having reliable wireless data transmission to mobile communications partners without any wear and tear.

Downtimes are reduced because if a fault occurs, devices can be replaced without a programming device or specialist personnel by using the KEY-PLUG/ C-PLUG swap medium.

Fail-safe communication with PROFIsafe – via PROFIBUS, PROFINET and even by wireless via Industrial Wireless LAN

Operation of robots in a safety-related environment

For several years, safety technology has been integrated in standard automation on the basis of SIMATIC S7 controllers, PROFIBUS and PROFIsafe.

This range has been expanded by PROFINET-compliant components, providing a complete product range with fail-safe controllers, fail-safe I/O and a corresponding engineering environment.

PROFIsafe prevents errors such as address corruption, loss, delay, etc. when transmitting messages through continuous numbering of the PROFIsafe data, time monitoring, and authenticity monitoring using passwords and optimized CRC backup.

This means that fail-safe communication is also supported via Industrial Wireless LAN.