Machine modernization with Profinet Controller, maximizig reuse of existing automation network components
Situation
Background
Global provider of integrated industrial solutions for middle-sized and large industrial bakeries
Wants to modernize machines, in particular use modern state-of-the-art PLCs
Business need
A complete redesign of the automation network and a selection of new vendors and components for all automation network components would be too costly.
So the customer would like to maximize reuse of selected and proven components.
Components need to be readily available, given the current status of the industry with supply chain issues.
Technical Requirements
The customer decided to use new Siemens S7 PLCs.
A Lenze frequency converter connecting Profibus devices shall be reused. However, the frequency converter does not support Profinet.
The Lence frequency converter needs to be connected by a Profibus master.
Solution
The customer decided to use Softing‘s pnGate DP products.
pnGate DP acts as Profinet device for the new Siemens S7 PLC, and as Profibus DP master for the Lenze frequency converter
Profibus DP network below Lence frequency converter can be reused “as-is“, while new Profinet devices can be connected in parallel.
pnGate DP will be deployed with all new machines.
Benefits
pnGate DP enables simple and easy-to-install retrofit installation of modern Siemens S7 PLC while Profibus DP segment can be reused without any changes
pnGate DP helps to reduce total cost for modernization project