Embedded controller

The Simatic S7-mEC embedded controller is a turnkey automation solution, integrating both HMI and a software controller. As no software has to be installed during commissioning, the device is easy to configure and program. By sharing a platform for HMI and PC applications, the exchange of data is made considerably faster. The S7-mEC is based on the S7-300 architecture and I/O can be directly connected via the standard S7-300 modules in the central rack or remotely via Profinet or Profibus.

The PC module (EM PC) simplifies the interaction between automation technology and the PC world. By means of standard media, PLC data can be used directly for further evaluations of production data in an office application. Onboard interfaces, such as the graphics interface or DVI-I, now enable a monitor to be connected in addition to operator panels or thin client solutions. If there are considerable distances between controller and visualisation device, a thin client is recommended. Further interfaces such as slots for SD/MMC and Compact Flash cards, USB for the connection of a printer, mouse or keyboard, and serial interfaces for point-to-point communication are also available on the EM PC module.

The second EM PCI-104 expansion module permits scalability to further hardware interfaces in the PCI-104 format. This enables fieldbus modules for Profibus to be connected via high-speed I/O cards or cards for special applications. As many as three different PCI-104 or PCI-104+ boards can be used within these modules.