Process-level automation: The controller The AC 800F hardware

Process-level automation: The controller

The AC 800F hardware

The AC 800F has a modular structure. The CPU is

designed as a backplane to which various modules

– power supply units, Ethernet or fieldbus modules

– can be attached in line with the application.

On the fieldbus side, modules for PROFIBUS-DPV1.

FOUNDATION Fieldbus HSE, MODBUS (master/

slave, RTU or ASCII), IEC 608 0-5-101 and CAN for

Freelance Rack I/O are available. The fieldbus line

and the connected PROFIBUS slaves are entirely

configured and parameterized using the Control

Builder F engineering tool. No further external tools

are needed for configuration.

PROFIBUS slaves can be integrated into the system

using a GSD1) file or FDT/DTM ).

In the case of FOUNDATION Fieldbus, configuration

takes place using CFF ) or DD4) files. This allows

fieldbus parameterization even without connected

field devices.

Also Freelance Rack I/O can be connected to the

AC 800F, in which case a CAN module is used. This

allows you to operate five I/O racks, with a total of

around 1000 I/Os, for each AC 800F. The I/O racks

are equipped with a link module and up to nine

I/O modules and can be mounted separately at a

distance of up to 400 m from the AC 800F.

The basic unit with CPu

The core element of the AC 800F is a high-perform

ance processor with rapid bit processing properties

making it ideal for use in automation technology.

Mechanical design of AC 800F

The AC 800F process station has a mechanical

design similar to that used in programmable logic

controls. Its front panel connection technique makes

it exceptionally easy to assemble and to service,

also allowing it to be mounted on the wall without

difficulty.

All AC 800F modules are inserted into racks from

the front and secured in position with screws. The

modules are activated using a lock switch, which

conceals the upper screw opening. The lock switch

must be opened to reach the upper screw opening.

This signals the wish to remove the module to the

CPU module, and the fieldbus is automatically shut

down. As a result, the remote I/O and field device

outputs have the opportunity to assume configured

safety values, avoiding undefined states when the

module is removed.

All modules are surrounded by metal casing when

installed, which gives them optimum mechanical and

electrical protection.

All casing materials used are simply screwed together,

allowing them to be separated for future recycling.

Last but not least, Freelance 800F has taken environ

mental protection into account by using a minimal

amount of paint.