Communication –
Unrestricted flow of information in the entire network

All SIMATIC components speak the same language. Connections can therefore be configured very easily – even across network boundaries. The communications functions of SIMATIC Controllers enable data areas to be transmitted among the nodes of a network.

Fig.: Network of various bus systems

Any programming devices and panels connected to the network can also access the SIMATIC Controllers. To change from PROFIBUS to Industrial Ethernet, you simply have to replace the communications processor or the CPU in your configuration – without intervening in the user program and without additional engineering overhead.

The following bus systems are available for SIMATIC.

• Industrial Ethernet (IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u)
  the international standard for area networking is today's number one network in the LAN environment with a share of more than 80%. Powerful communications networks with long ranges can be established via Industrial Ethernet.
• PROFINET (IEC 61158)
  the international standard uses Industrial Ethernet and real-time communication right down to the field level. If existing IT standards are fully utilized, PROFINET even permits isochronous motion control applications to be implemented via Industrial Ethernet.
• PROFIBUS (IEC 61158 / EN 50170)
  the international standard for the field area is the world market leader in fieldbuses. It is the only fieldbus to allow communication both in manufacturing applications and in process-oriented applications. This opens up communications possibilities with a host of partners, from the SIMATIC controller to the field devices of other manufacturers. Communication with existing SIMATIC S5 or SIMATIC 505 plants is also possible.
• AS-Interface (IEC 62026-2/EN 50295)
  as a low-cost alternative to the cable tree – connects sensors and actuators via twisted-pair cable.
• KNX (EN 50090, ANSI EIA 776)
  is the global standard for building automation. KNX has been developed by the Konnex Association  and is based on the EIB (European Installation Bus) Standard.
• Point-to-point connection
  as the simplest form of communication between two nodes. Special protocols such as RK 512, 3964(R), and ASCII are used here. Special communication processors enable the SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-400 to communicate this way.  more
• Multipoint-enabled interface (MPI)
  is the low-cost solution for communication with PG/PC, HMI systems and other SIMATIC S7/ C7/WinAC automation systems. Up to 125 MPI nodes with up to 12 Mbit/s can be connected for exchanging process data between different controllers (global data communication), for example, or for operator control and monitoring without programming overhead.

Additional Information

Industrial Ethernet PROFINET PROFIBUS AS-Interface Brochure "Industrial communication"