Siemens DCS to AB PLC 2

[roydm]

Can anyone suggest the different methods of communicating from Siemens DCS to AB PLC.
I assumed the Siemens DCS (new but I don't have any info e.g. model No) would have RSLinx capability and connect via Ethernet but was told otherwise.
If someone familiar with Siemens could suggest the best method I would appreciate.
Thanks in advance

Roy

 

[controlsdude]

I used profibus when I had a siemens to ab plc which is one method.

Other method would be Siemens PLC talking TCP socket type interface. On the AB PLC if it is Contrologix, I would use the 1756-EWEB with a TCP socket interface.

A good resource would be to talk to Prolinx

http://www.prosoft-technology.com/

Just remember I had to swap nibbles and bytes when I communicated between these type of processors.

 

[ozmosis]

Seems a long way round to me. Investing in a Siemens DCS is typically a large one, would it not be easier to replace the AB PLC with a Siemens PLC? communication is then very simple.

 

[jraef]

Just out of curiosity, why would you assume it would have had RSLinx capability? That is a proprietary system of Allen Bradley, not anyone else.

If you can't afford to replace the PLC, look into a Profibus module for the AB PLC as controlsdude said. That would be the easiest to implement. Those Prosoft modules have been tested by Siemens for other applications, they market the idea when selling their "Totally Integrated Automation" concept to A-B users.

http://www.prosoft-technology.com/content/view/full/5722

I also think that the PCS-7 people within Siemens have resources dedicated to doing this sort of interoperability work. If you are in the US, call your local Siemens Energy and Automation office and ask to speak to the PAS specialist about it. Or call Springhouse PA directly, that is the headquarters for the PCS-7 people.
Siemens PAS Division link

 

[roydm]

Jraef,
My PLC RSLinx is an ethernet protocol, surely Siemens have an ethernet interface. Wouldn't it just be a driver that's required?
Do you think it's reasonable to expect the PLC configuration person to understand the DCS protocol?
Thanks
Roy

 

[ScottyUK]

I'm not a Siemens DCS user, but the DCS two types I am familiar are both capable of running Modbus over serial or Ethernet. An option to explore?


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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!

 

[controlsdude]

I have used Siemens Ethernet TCP, this would communicate I believe the AB Contrologix 1756-EWEB Socket Interface out of the box. Just define a comm interface and your good to go. Both can communicate UDT, TCP Server and Client. I am not sure about the fetch/write protocol but thats a siemens protocol I beleive. You do not need RSLinx to have communications between the two. This is strictly the ethernet backbone hardware that is in every plant or warehouse.

BTW, I would make sure that the ethernet network has IGMP snooping on the switches if you do not go this way. There are other features that your switches have to have but you can read up on it.

Otherwise you would have use some third party comm blackbox or use a bridge PC to link the two.