The TIM 1531 IRC is used as a stand-alone device and handles the data transfer through the Siemens SINAUT ST7 telecontrol protocol. It has its own processor and an RAM for buffering up to 100 000 frames in order to avoid loss of data in the event of a communication route or communication partner failure. The module can be operated as "Station", "Master" or "Node terminal". The TIM 1531 IRC also offers media redundancy by using physically separate connection paths without loss of data at switchover.

The TIM 1531 IRC is connected to the SIMATIC S7-1500 system via one of the three Industrial Ethernet interfaces of the TIM. The module thus allows the connection of the SIMATIC S7-1500 system to telecontrol networks via the Siemens SINAUT ST7 telecontrol protocol. The important SINAUT property – saving data complete with a time stamp on the TIM in the event of an interrupted link or partner failure – is then available not only for conventional WANs, but also for IP-based networks. Important events, alarms, etc. are not lost and the integrity of information in the control center system archives is assured. Additional security is offered by the optional SIMATIC Memory Card (SMC) of the TIM 1531 IRC which prevents the loss of saved data frames if the 24 V supply voltage fails.

The TIM 1531 IRC is used as a stand-alone device, which means it is functional even without an S7-1500 CPU In this stand-alone mode the TIM is especially suitable as a SINAUT communications processor for the control center PC (e.g. SINAUT ST7cc or ST7sc) or for a SIMATIC S7-1500. The TIM is connected to the PC or to the S7-1500 via one of the three Industrial Ethernet interfaces of the TIM. If the control desk is redundantly designed or if an S7-1500 is additionally available there as a higher-level controller, then the TIM handles the SINAUT communication with the stations for all those devices connected to the local Ethernet.

As a communication module for the control desk PC, the TIM reduces the number of S7 connections that the PC would otherwise have to maintain when directly linked to the stations via an IP-based network to just one (1) connection. In addition, the TIM then separates the local Ethernet from the IP-based network to the stations. Only SINAUT communication with the stations is allowed through. This prevents unnecessary traffic in the telecontrol network, which is often not broadband.

A TIM 1531 IRC in a redundant control center reduces the data volume in the WAN, and thus reduces the costs for networks with volume-based tariffs, e.g. GPRS. If stations were directly connected to the redundant control center (without a control center TIM 1531 IRC), they would send each frame twice, in order to supply both control center PCs with data. With a TIM 1531 IRC control center, the stations only send their frames once. The TIM 1531 IRC control center then takes over the doubling of the frames for supplying both PCs.

For data transfer via conventional WANs, the TIM 1531 IRC has other, special properties that predetermine its use as a TIM "control center".

SINAUT ST7 and thus also the TIM 1531 IRC are designed for data transfer via the widest range of WANs or combinations of WANs. Mixed networks comprising conventional WANs (dedicated line, wireless, dial-up network) and IP-based networks (fiber-optic cable, DSL, GPRS, Internet etc.) can be configured uniformly with the TIA Portal, which saves both time and money.

For communication via the Internet, the integrated MSC tunnel protocol can be used for direct connection to DSL routers. The TIM 1531 IRC can operate here as an MSC server or MSC client. For communication via mobile radio, either a mobile radio router of the SCALANCE M series can be connected to the Industrial Ethernet interface (VPN IPsec) or a GPRS/GSM modem (e.g. an available MD720-3) (MSC-VPN) to the RS 232 interface.

• The TIM 1531 IRC has four interfaces for simple and redundant transmission paths:
  • Three RJ45 interfaces for connection to IP-based networks (WAN or LAN), of which one is used for the connection to a SIMATIC S7-1500 system
  • A combined RS 232/RS 485 interface for connection to standard WANs, such as dedicated line, wireless or dial-up network
• The transmission paths can be different and operated independently of one another, but also in any redundant combination.
• Flexible creation of redundant transmission paths via one conventional WAN, via two IP-based networks or a combination of WAN + IP-based network.
• Further functions:
• Buffer for up to 100 000 data frames
• Optional SIMATIC Memory Card (SMC) with up to 32 GB for buffering stored data frames in the event of power failures and for module exchange without PG
• The TIM 1531 IRC can be connected to a maximum of one SIMATIC S7-1500 system
• Maximum of 62 S7 connections in the LAN

Controllable communication modules

• Control of the MD720-3 GSM/GPRS modem in GSM or GPRS mode. In GPRS mode, simple 128-bit encryption via the MD720-3 (MSC-VPN tunnel protocol).
• Operation via SIMATIC NET Ethernet components with high IPsec security standard (e.g. SCALANCE M)
• Direct operation on a DSL router
• Use of SCALANCE fiber-optic switches for spanning long distances
• Wireless transmission via IWLAN with SCALANCE W over medium distances
• Dedicated line modems 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 for the analog telephone network or point-to-point dedicated lines

Optional SIMATIC Memory Card (SMC)

The most frequent application for the TIM 1531 IRC is its use as a communication module for the PC control desk or for an S7-1500. The TIM configuration data can be saved on the SMC card of the module so that the TIM can be exchanged without a PG in the event of a fault.