S7 SCADA Connector Needs Only a Browser for Visualization

The device, named netLINK SCADA, is connected directly to an S7 MPI port, or to any node on an S7 PROFIBUS network. No external power supply is required because netLINK SCADA is powered over the network. SCADA data are output via an Ethernet port and so are available anywhere in the world.

Product Manager Armin Beck (right) said: Hardware, licensing and software costs are reduced by more than 50% compared to other S7 SCADA solutions. And, being so small, netLINK SCADA needs no cabinet space so installation costs are reduced dramatically. What's more, all visualization data are stored in the device itself which means that multiple browsers can access the SCADA even across the internet. This is a SCADA solution that is virtually integrated into the PLC and it offers remarkable value for S7 users.

A graphical interface builder is included together with a library of visualization modules. netLINK SCADA can also import S7 symbols and addresses from an existing project and assign these to the graphics. Imported properties (names, addresses, quantities etc.) can be modified after import. Web-ready code is output by the graphics builder.

Alarm functionality is incorporated together with a LAN scanner for configuring displays. An event-driven mechanism triggers the browser when data changes to hold network traffic as low as possible.