Connection to IP-based networks

In addition to the two combined RS 232/RS 485 interfaces, the TIM 4R-IE also has two RJ45 sockets. These are 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
• SCALANCE M for communication via mobile wireless networks
• EGPRS router SCALANCE M874-2 for GPRS communication and EGPRS (Edge) over mobile wireless networks
• SCALANCE S for VPN (IPsec)
• GPRS/GSM modem MD720-3 for GPRS communication via GSM mobile telephone networks using MSC-VPN tunnel protocol
• Directly on a DSL router by means of the MSC-VPN tunnel protocol integrated in the TIM
• Broadband systems such as OTN, PCM30

Connection to a conventional WAN

For the connection to a conventional WAN the TIM 4R-IE provides two floating RS 232/RS 485 interfaces, to which various data communication devices can be connected, depending on the application, such as:

• Dedicated line modem MD2 for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint or line connections
• Wireless devices from various manufacturers, also for private mobile radio using the time slot method
• Analog dial-up modem MD3 for the analog telephone network or point-to-point dedicated lines
• GPRS/GSM modem MD720-3 for access to the mobile telephone network

Configuration examples using TIM 4R-IE

Use in a node station

In a node station with a SIMATIC S7-400 the TIM 4R-IE is connected to the S7-400 via one of its two Ethernet interfaces and can, for example, exchange data by radio with the subordinate stations via an RS232/RS485 interface. It is then connected to the control center via the second Ethernet interface, e.g. via a fiber-optic cable that is connected through SCALANCE X switches and media converters.
In this configuration, data can be exchanged between all of the SINAUT stations regardless of which network they are situated in.

Use in a node station

Redundant transmission paths

Using TIM 4R-IE, a station can be connected to the control center over redundant paths. The TIM 4R-IE is used for this purpose both in the station and in the control center. The example shows as redundant paths a combination of leased line and radio, i.e. two conventional WANs, for which the TIM 4R-IE offers corresponding connections (2 x RS232/RS485). The two TIMs coordinate the 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.

Redundant transmission paths

Use in a control center

The TIM 4R-IE is also suitable for use in a control center, either alone or in combination with other TIMs. The following example shows a TIM 4R-IE that is connected via one of its two Ethernet interfaces with the control center PC (e.g. ST7cc). An S7-400 is also connected to the Industrial Ethernet and this must also exchange data with the SINAUT stations. SINAUT stations are connected by means of GPRS using MSC-VPN via the second Ethernet port of the TIM, while a wireless network and point-to-point leased line network are connected via the two RS232/RS485 ports. For the point-to-point connection, the port of the TIM is set to RS485. It is then possible to operate up to 30 SINAUT leased line modems on this port; the example shows MD2 modems.

If the stations in this network have to be provided with the date and time, the control center PC assumes the function of the clock-time master. Via the Ethernet connection, the TIM 4R-IE is regularly synchronized by the PC and it then takes over the synchronization of the connected stations.

Use of TIM 4R-IE in a control center