The CP 1243-8 IRC (Industrial Remote Communication) communications processor is used for connecting a SIMATIC S7-1200 via the SINAUT ST7 telecontrol protocol to higher-level ST7 stations or to an ST7 control center. The CP 1243-8 IRC (as of HW2 and firmware V3.0) also offers connection to a DNP3 or IEC-capable control center via a corresponding open DNP3 or IEC 60870-5-104 telecontrol protocol. The CP 1243-8 IRC (as of HW2 and firmware V3.0) also offers connection to a DNP3 or IEC-capable control center via a corresponding open DNP3 or IEC 60870-5-104 telecontrol protocol.

The CP has the following features:

• Support for telecontrol protocol SINAUT ST7, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-104
• Two WAN connections for selecting the communication paths:
  • Ethernet-based connection: RJ45 port on the module for connecting external routers, e.g. SCALANCE M
  • Additional connection configurable via plug-in TS modules
• Both WAN interfaces can also be operated simultaneously: Route redundancy
• Data transfer of measured values, control variable values or alarms optimized for telecontrol systems
• Automatic transmission of alarms per email or text message
• Time synchronization based on NTP (Network Time Protocol) or via the SINAUT system
• Data buffering of up to 16 000 data messages prevents data loss in the event of temporary connection failures
• Secure communication via VPN connections based on IPSec
• Access protection via Stateful Inspection Firewall
• Fast and simple diagnostics via clear LED indicators, STEP 7 and web browser
• Compact industrial enclosure in S7-1200 design for mounting on a standard mounting rail

The integrated Ethernet interface and the option of using the TS modules provide flexible connection options for the CP. The following TS modules are available:

• TS module RS232
• TS module MODEM
• TS module ISDN and
• TS module GSM.