Product special: Siemens SIMATIC ET 200SP

Function and structure of a SIMATIC ET 200SP

The Siemens SIMATIC ET 200SP is a flexible and scalable peripheral system that transmits process signals to a higher-level controller.

The system modules are plugged into mounting rails in control cabinets and differ as follows:

• Interface modules: Connect each station to the higher-level system and translate the signals for Communication
• Bus adapter: Establish the physical interface between the peripheral system and the higher-level system
• Base units: Provide the electrical and mechanical connection for the ET 200SP modules.
• Electronics modules: Are plugged into the Base Units and handle both signal processing and data communication to the Interface modules via the backplane bus

Overview of suitable Bus adapters

All SIMATIC ET 200SP PROFINET interface modules require a bus adapter to establish communication with the controller or network. The PROFIBUS interface module, on the other hand, does not require an adapter. You select the right bus adapter based on the required transmission distance and the cable types used, which are as follows:

• Up to 100 m: Use of copper cables (e.g. RJ45, FastConnect, push-pull connector technology).
• Up to 300 m: Use of fibre optic cables.
• Up to 3,000 m: Connection via multimode glass fibre cable.

Practical: Thanks to media converters, different cable types can be connected to each other.For example, an RJ45 cable (copper) can be converted into a fibre optic cable (optical fibre), enabling a seamless connection between different cable types – without the use of additional switches.

Sensor and actuator connection to the system

Base units are required for the connection of sensors and actuators. They are clicked onto mounting rails and pushed together to form a continuous connection. A distinction is made between:

• Light Base Units: Open a potential group.
• Dark base units: Connect to the white base units and bridge the potential.

The Electronics modules are then plugged onto the Base units. It is important to select these to match the peripheral module.

Overview of available electronics modules

Function classes of the I/O modules

As with the Interface modules, the Electronics modules can also be divided into four main performance classes:

• Basic (BA): For basic applications, including simple digital and analogue signal processing.
• Standard (ST): For common automation tasks with extended functionality.
• High Feature (HF): For demanding applications with extended functions, safety features (e.g. fail-safe) and higher power.
• High Speed (HS): For specific requirements, such as high-speed data processing.

Differentiation of electronics modules according to application area

The SIMATIC ET 200SP family has 120 electronics modules that are designed for different applications. These can be divided into:

• Analogue and digital input/output modules: For processing switch and measurement signals
• Ex modules: For use in potentially explosive areas (e.g. chemical and oil industries)
• Fail-safe modules: For safety functions such as monitoring safety doors or emergency stop systems
• Motor starter: For direct and reversing starters for controlling motors
• Pneumatics: For direct control of valves, cylinders and other pneumatic systems
• Technology modules (TM): For specific applications such as count, positioning or weighing
• Communication modules (CM): Enable connection to various networks and protocols such as DALI, CAN or IO-Link

By the way: If you want to save yourself the trouble of the connection of external pneumatic systems, you can integrate valve terminals directly into the station.

Colour coding as an identification aid

Colour coding makes it easier to identify the respective module types.

Each electronics module is supplied with a coding plug, which serves as a protective mechanism to prevent the accidental insertion of incompatible electronics modules. After initial insertion, the coding plug remains in the base unit and ensures that, in the event of a spare part replacement, for example, a digital input module is not inserted instead of an analogue output module.

For safety and IO-Link modules, there is an advanced electronic version of the coding plug. This ensures that important information is stored directly in the Base unit. For safety modules, the F address is stored so that it does not have to be reassigned in the event of a replacement part. For IO-Link modules, on the other hand, the parameterisation is saved, eliminating the need for configuration when replacing parts.

Encoding plugs are not the only way to prevent errors. For additional safety and easy handling of the modules, you can also rely on helpful accessories from the SIMATIC ET 200SP family.

• Shield clamp: For grounding shielded cables and protection against interference (EMC).
• Colour coding: Supplementary, flexible marking for individually assigned modules or connections, independent of the standardised colour coding of the module types.
• Reference labels: Standardised and systematic identification aid for modules and connections, facilitates assignment in documentation and fault diagnosis.
• Labelling symbols: For individually and flexible labelling of modules or connections, e.g. to indicate signal or function names.

PotDis Potential distributor module

In automation systems, efficient distribution of the supply voltage is crucial, to ensure that none of the components is over- or undersupplied. This contributes to the stability of the system and minimises the risk of failures.

The PotDis potential distributor modules enable system-integrated potential distribution.

A PotDis module can be used in two ways — with a base unit including a terminal block or with a base unit and a Blind module (BU cover) for empty units without an Electronics module.

Your advantages:

• Efficient distribution: Efficiently distributes 24 V or ground (-) to multiple components
• Conventional sensor connection: Sensors with 3-wire connection can be easily integrated
• Space-saving: Eliminates the need for external distributors
• Flexible extensibility: Adds additional terminal points for flexible system expansion to up to 16 sensors

CM 4xIO-Link Communication module

Future-proof systems require modern communication standards such as IO-Link. The IO-Link Master CM 4xIO-Link offers you a simple way to connect IO-Link devices to your SIMATIC ET 200SP system.

Your advantages:

• Open communication standard: Enables connection of field devices via IO-Link.
• Simple wiring: Connection is fast and easy using unshielded three-wire cable for the 4 IO-Link ports.
• Parameterized: The devices can be parameterized directly from the control programme, even during operation. Initial parameterization is conveniently carried out using the free Port Configuration Tool (PCT), either independently or in conjunction with the TIA Portal.
• Data exchange: Ensures cyclical and acyclical data exchange for efficient communication. Diagnostic data can be read out and used to ensure high system reliability.

To the Communication module

Analogue input module SIMATIC AI Energy Meter

In times of rising energy costs and growing sustainability requirements, efficient detection and management of your energy data is essential. With the SIMATIC ET 200SP Energy Meter, you can monitor your power consumption easily and flexibly.

Your advantages:

• Recording methods: Supports two measurement variants for different measurement requirements

  CT (current transformer): For the connection of current transformers.

  RC (Rogowski coil): For connection to current-voltage transformers or Rogowski coils.

• Easy management: 1 to n measuring points can be managed without additional IP addresses – everything runs under one PROFINET device name of the interface modules.
• Integration: Can be connected to an ET 200SP station at a later date to expand the station by one measuring point.
• Network analysis: The energy data available in the TIA Portal enables easy correlation between energy data and other parameters such as operating status or number of units produced.

Internal Motor starter e-Starter

Do you need a space-saving and powerful solution for controlling your motors? Thanks to the integrated motor starters of the ET 200SP – in fail-safe and non-fail-safe versions – none additional space is required for separate starters – everything is integrated directly into your system.

Your advantages:

• Compact type: Available as a direct or reversing starter in the same space-saving size.
• Powerful: Offers a power of up to 5.5 kW (12 A) in 5 adjustable power ranges, enabling resource-saving adaptation to different motor requirements.
• Efficient and low-wiring mounting: Thanks to convenient push-in terminal technology, connection is fast and easy. In addition, the internal energy bus, which provides up to 32 A, eliminates the need for separate cabling for the power supply.
• Safety: In combination with a safety controller or a safety relay module, the fail-safe versions enable shutdowns up to Performance Level e (PL e) or SIL 3.

To the Motor starters

TIA Selection Tool

The TIA Selection Tool allows you to efficiently plan the use of the entire Siemens automation portfolio. These functions make the tool particularly special:

• Time-saving: Thanks to intelligent selection wizards, configuration is not only fast but also reliable – all modules fit together perfectly.
• Direct export: Device selection and configurations can be exported directly to the TIA Portal.
• Simple and familiar dashboard: Reminiscent of the TIA Portal, it allows you to get started fast.
• Flexible and easy to use:

  Local: For maximum overview and drag-and-drop configuration. Projects can be saved both locally and in the cloud.

  Cloud version: For browser-based work on touch-based mobile devices. Touch operation is intuitive and this version is particularly suitable for collaborative work. Projects can be saved directly in the cloud.

• Free of charge: A powerful tool at no cost.

You can download the tool free of charge here:

TIA Selection Download

PRONETA Basic

The PRONETA Basic tool allows you to commission and service PROFINET networks easily and efficiently.

The tool offers the following functions:

• Easy to use: You need none of the in-depth automation know-how or TIA Portal expertise.
• Comprehensive functions such as:

  Topology comparison between TIA Portal and PRONETA

  Online and offline comparison of device configurations

  Network scan to identify all PROFINET participants

  IP address and PROFINET name assignment

  I/O tests for sensors and actuators, even without a controller

  Reading device data such as serial numbers and firmware versions

• Free of charge: Maximum functionality without extra cost

You can download the tool free of charge here after registering:

PRONETA Basic Download

SIMATIC ET 200SP Troubleshooting

Fault diagnosis thanks to informative LEDs

Diagnosis is essential! With the SIMATIC ET 200SP , potential faults can be detected and located directly at the control cabinet – without the use of a programming device (PG) or laptop.

Important indicators on the control cabinet:

• Power LEDs: Light up green when all modules are properly supplied with voltage.
• Channel LEDs: Light up green when a channel is activated or a signal is detected on an input.
• Peripheral module LEDs: In the event of a fault, the LED of the affected standard peripheral module and the interface module light up red.

  Channel LEDs (HF and HS): With high-feature (HF) and high-speed (HS) modules, the fault can be identified precisely for each channel, making it even easier to locate. In addition to the LEDs, faults can be traced more precisely in the PLC's diagnostic buffer and also visualised on an HMI.

Spare parts management with SIMATIC ET 200SP: Planning for spare parts requirements

When replacing components, it is important to note the performance classes of the modules. Modules in the higher performance classes can replace those in the lower classes. However, the reverse is not possible. Below are two examples:

• Basic modules: A damaged basic module can be replaced by a standard or high feature module.
• High feature modules: However, these can only be replaced by other high feature modules, as none of the modules exist with a higher performance class.

Recommendation: If you use a mix of high-feature, basic and standard modules, this makes spare parts management easier. You could stock only high-feature modules to replace all other modules as needed. This way, you are always optimally covered!

Hot swapping: Module replacement during operation

Even if a module needs to be replaced, you do not have to completely interrupt operation. Hot swapping is a function that allows electronics modulesto be replaced during operation without putting the entire station into a stop state. This allows you to easily replace defective assemblies while the rest of the system remains in operation, depending on the process.