Failsafe, wireless operator control and monitoring via Rapid Roaming

Nuremberg, Germany, The Siemens Industry Automation Division has improved the performance and equipment of its portable devices for wireless operator control and monitoring of machinery and plants, as well as enhancing them with additional functions. For safety-oriented applications, the Mobile Panel 277F IWLAN communicates via a “Rapid Roaming” process in order to ensure interruption-free transmission of the wireless signals. Optimization measures in the Mobile Panel 277 IWLAN and Mobile Panel 277F IWLAN for safety-related applications include color display of the WLAN signal strength with an additional vibration alarm, which is triggered when a specific lower limit threshold is violated. Handling of the enabling button has also been improved.

For safety-oriented applications, the 277F IWLAN Mobile Panel communicates by means of the extended WLAN access procedure iPCF-MC (Industrial Point Coordination Function with Management Channel), also known as “Rapid Roaming”. This ensures fast handover of the radio signals between access points and interruption-free roaming times - a basic requirement for mobile operator control and monitoring in safety-related areas where enabling and emergency stop buttons are used. The Mobile Panel 277F IWLAN is suitable for use in a Profinet-based network with a Profisafe profile and IWLAN infrastructure with Scalance W access points from Siemens.

The configuration of the Industrial WLAN connection has been simplified for both new Siemens panels with a software wizard available via web interface. Multiple wireless approvals mean that the devices can be used all over the world. The Mobile Panel 277 IWLAN without safety functions is also suitable for applications with the Simotion motion control system.

One of the new failsafe Mobile Panel 277F IWLAN variants utilizes economical Moby D Smart Cards for site localization, with logging on to the appropriate operating area on an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag instead of a transponder. A typical application here is in security-compliant robot cells.

Further information can be found on the Internet at: www.siemens.com/panels

A photo accompanies this press release. You can find this photo on the Internet at: www.siemens.com/ad-picture/2233

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the worldwide leading supplier of environmentally friendly production, transportation, building and lighting technologies. With integrated automation technologies and comprehensive industry-specific solutions, Siemens increases the productivity, efficiency and flexibility of its customers in the fields of industry and infrastructure. The Sector consists of six divisions: Building Technologies, Drive Technologies, Industry Automation, Industry Solutions, Mobility and Osram. With around 207,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry achieved in fiscal year 2009 total sales of approximately €35 billion. http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) is a worldwide leader in the fields of automation systems, industrial controls and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industries to solutions for whole industrial sectors that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers – from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services. With around 39,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Automation achieved sales of €7.0 billion in fiscal year 2009. www.siemens.com/industryautomation

Reference Number: IIA2010042233e