Compact, Flexible Profinet Switches for Process Automation

Siemens offers Scalance XF-200BA, a new line of compact switches. The flexible use of various bus adapters allows users to set up electrical and optical line, star and ring structures. Bus adapters are available with RJ45, SCRJ and LC connection systems. Two types of switches are available: Scalance XF204-2BA, a standard switch for universal, cross-industry use, and the Scalance XF204-2BA DNA Y-switch for special tasks in process automation. An extended temperature range from -40 to +70° C together with approval for use in hazardous areas (ATEX Zone 2, IECEx) allow reliable use, even in harsh environments.

Both versions support up to four ports and various firmware-functionalities. For example, virtual LANs (VLANs) divide the physical network into several virtual sections to minimize the number of broadcasts in the network. Redundancy protocols such as Highspeed Redundancy Protocol (HRP) and Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) permit a high availability of machines and plants: If the communication fails, there is a switchover to the redundant path within milliseconds.

Additional functions, such as Link Aggregation and Remote Network Monitoring (RMON), round out the firmware range of the Scalance XF-200BA line of products. The switches are characterized by a compact enclosure that was developed following the design of the Simatic ET 200SP HA. As well as mounting on a wall or a standard rail, the Scalance XF-200BA is ideal for mounting in a control cabinet alongside the new Simatic ET 200SP HA.

The Simatic ET 200SP HA I/O system enables optimal use to be made of the properties of Profinet. The remote I/O line is specially designed for the process industry, is highly available, and can be used directly in the field up to and including Ex-Zone 2. The Simatic Compact Field Unit (CFU) is a field distributor connected via Profinet and combines easy handling of familiar 4 to 20 mA technology with the advantages of digital field technology. The Industrial Ethernet/Profibus(IE/PB)-LINK PNIO provides an additional gateway for connecting a Profibus DP slave to a Profinet controller. One great advantage is the flexible use of the bus adapters with all the products mentioned. The user can rely on many automation and network components having the same design, technical setup, and mounting options.

All these components are networked with the Scalance XF204-2BA and XF204-2BA DNA switches, which are equipped with coated printed-circuit boards (Conformal Coating). They also meet the requirements of NAMUR/NE21, which specifies the immunity requirements for process and laboratory control equipment. The Scalance XF204-2BA DNA also offers Y-switch functionality for connecting S2 devices to a high availability R1 system.

As well as the two Y-switch ports, two other switch ports are available. With their aid, the S2 devices are connected to Scalance XF204-2BA DNA via a redundant ring. A five-year warranty applies to the new Scalance XF-200BA switches, as for all Scalance products Siemens offers Scalance XF-200BA, a new line of compact switches. The flexible use of various bus adapters allows users to set up electrical and optical line, star and ring structures. Bus adapters are available with RJ45, SCRJ and LC connection systems.