High-availability networking for controllers

The Siemens Industry Automation Division has expanded its portfolio for RNA (Redundant Network Access) components with a communications processor which facilitates high-availability connection of the Simatic S7-400 controller to networks. Simatic CP 443-1 RNA utilizes the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) in accordance with the IEC 62439-3 standard.

The communications processor features two RJ45 ports for connecting two parallel Industrial Ethernet networks. The CP 443-1 RNA doubles the frame and feeds it into the two connected networks. The network access point on the receiver side relays the first incoming frame to the addressees and discards the later frame.

Simatic CP 443-1 RNA is designed among other things for use in process industry plants and power generation and distribution applications. The new communications processor supports open communication via TCP/IP, UDP and the ISO transport protocol as well as S7, PG/OP and S7 H communication for S7-400 H systems. Data can be transmitted in full or half-duplex mode in bandwidths of 10 or 100 Mbit/s. The user can view diagnostics information via SNMP, STEP 7 or the Web server of the communications processor.

In addition the CP 443-1 RNA has a third Ethernet interface with restricted functional scope. On the basis of the ISO transport protocol, the port supports S7 communication services only, all others are deactivated. Fewer functions mean less testing overhead and lower qualification costs. All Simatic CP 443-1 RNA functions are configured with STEP7 engineering software, V5.5 SP2 or higher and the hardware support package included in the scope of delivery.

In addition to Simatic CP 443-1 RNA, Siemens also offers additional components for building high-availability network connections in the form of Scalance X-200RNA network access points and the Softnet IE-RNA network access software.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the Sector enhances its customers' productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services as well as the Business Unit Metals Technologies. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) supports the entire value chain of its industrial customers – from product design to production and services – with an unmatched combination of automation technology, industrial control technology, and industrial software. With its software solutions, the Division can shorten the time-to-market of new products by up to 50 percent. Industry Automation comprises five Business Units: Industrial Automation Systems, Control Components and Systems Engineering, Sensors and Communications, Siemens PLM Software, and Water Technologies. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/industryautomation

Reference Number: IIA2013043417e

Contact
Mr. Peter Jefimiec
Industry Automation Division
Siemens AG
Gleiwitzerstr. 555
90475 Nuremberg
Germany
Tel: +49 (911) 895-7975
peter.jefimiec@siemens.com