Simple Industrial Ethernet connection for the Simatic S7-300 Controller


The new Simatic Net CP 343-1 Ethernet communications processor is particularly easy to connect using RJ45 technology and it has been designed especially for TCP/IP communication. This Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) product combines the Simatic S7-300 controller with Industrial Ethernet and is equipped with its own processor, thus offloading the controller CPU of communication tasks.

With a different design to its predecessor and innovated hardware, the CP 343-1 communications processor offers several advantages:

First, improved connections: Thanks to wider access to the RJ45 socket, it is easier to connect and disconnect the Ethernet cable. The socket is arranged at an angle, facilitating use of the new RJ45 FastConnect plugs. The connections for the power supply are now run through a plug-in contact, making it easier to replace modules.

Second, new processor technology makes the new CP343-1 faster than its predecessor and offers higher data throughput. It is now also possible to connect up to sixteen HMI systems to one S7-300 controller via TCP/IP. The new communications processor is configured using Step 7, like all other components in the Simatic range. From Step 7 Version V5, the configured data can also be saved on the CPU of the S7 controller, so a programming device is no longer required when replacing the communications processor. The CP343-1 communications processor has its own unique MAC address, so it can be started up direct over Industrial Ethernet.

Third, specialization on the TCP/IP and RJ45 interfaces makes the new CP343-1 communications processor more affordable than the still available predecessor that also offers an AUI interface and communication in accordance with the ISO protocol.

Further information can be found on the Internet at: www.siemens.com/net

Reference number: A&D PT 200301.417 e