Innovative Product Info
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Powerful and highly flexible Box PC
 The new rugged industrial Simatic Box PC 827B, part of the Box PC range from Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D), is designed for 24-hour continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to 55 degrees Celsius. It is available with powerful and energy-saving Intel Core2 Duo or Celeron M processors. The Box PC 827B has one PCIe(x4) slot and four PCI slots for expansion cards to handle demanding image processing applications, for example. The new PC is suitable for high-speed measuring and control tasks, or human machine interfacing applications. The Intel GMA 950 Graphics Media Accelerator has been integrated for high-speed display generation.
The new Simatic Box PC 827B is scalable, with a DDR2-677 main memory configuration of up to four GB, and Sata hard disk drives up to 160 GB. It has more than double the computing power of its predecessor model Box PC 840 V2. The new PC is identical in performance and in housing width and depth to its fellow family member, the Box PC 627B. With five instead of two free slots for additional expansion cards, Box PC 827B is significantly more flexible in use. The device has two teaming-enabled Gigabit Ethernet connections and one optional Profibus interface. All interfaces and functional elements are accessible from the front. Mounting brackets and kits are available for flexible installation in diverse positions, such as in the control cabinet or direct in the vicinity of the machine. For safe operation, the Box PC 827B is enclosed in a full metal housing that provides high resistance to shock and vibration and high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
An optional mirror disk system is available for high data security. The Raid1 controller for this purpose is already onboard and does not occupy any additional PCI slot. The Box PC 827B has two externally accessible drive slots to accommodate Compact Flash Cards for use in low-maintenance applications and for operation without a hard disk. Two freely programmable 7-segment displays and two LEDs indicate the power-up of the Bios, and enable fast diagnostics of the operating status, even within software applications. A Simatic Flat Panel monitor located up to 30 meters away can be connected via the integral DVI-I interface. In the event of an unexpected power failure, a battery-backed 128KB SRAM stores critical data needed for, for example, production control.
The Simatic Box PC 827B offers a high degree of investment security. The identical device will remain available for up to five years, with spare parts availability for at least five years after product phase-out has been announced.
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High-availability, safe and fault-tolerant controller
 A new controller for high-availability, safe and fault-tolerant applications in the process industry has been developed by Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D).
The Simatic CPU S7-412-3H complements the range of products of the Simatic-S7-400H family of controllers in the lower performance range. The new device is suitable for applications involving high-availability functions for monitoring and closed-loop control of temperatures, liquid levels and emergency power generators as well as safe, fault-tolerant solutions with maximum safety integrity levels up to SIL 3, for example for burners.
Safety functions can be added with the S7 F Systems software package. The safety functions are parameterized by the user in CFCs (Continuous Function Charts) by means of function blocks provided or using cause & effect methods in the Simatic Safety Matrix, the safety lifecycle tool. As with all controllers of the S7-400H family, standard and safety functions can be combined in the controller and on the I/O level in the case of the S7-412H as well.
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New DIP module for the high-volume production of modern PoP designs
 To squeeze ever more functions into ever smaller space, more and more components are placed on circuit boards in package-on-package (PoP) arrangements. For the high-volume production of these innovative designs, Siemens has now developed a new DIP (dual inline package) module. The Linear Dipping Unit X (LDU X), which works especially well with the Siplace X-Series of placement machines, is being unveiled at the Productronica 2007.
The PoP arrangement, which is also referred to as CSP (chip scale package), is particular efficient for processor-memory combinations. It requires less space on the PCB while benefiting from signal paths and less high-frequency interference. To make sure that the upper CSP component of such a "stack" is soldered securely, it must be coated with flux in a special dip module before being placed on the lower component. For the new and powerful Siplace X-Series, Siemens has now developed the LDU X Linear Dipping Unit, which ties into the mechanical and electrical X-feeder interface. The LDU X operates with a head that is mounted underneath the placement head?s travel path. This head stores the flux and protects it against environmental contamination. After being dipped, the module moves to the Linear Dipping Unit?s highest point where the placement head can reach it easily without colliding with the dipping head.
The functions integrated into the LDU X ensure low-maintenance high-volume production. For example, the flux thickness can be controlled from 20 to 80 micrometers with an accuracy of ¡À 3 micrometers and from 50 to 400 micrometers with an accuracy of ¡À 5 micrometers. The dipping head has a flux depot that can be equipped with an automatic refill device for fully automated operation without interruptions. The viscosity of the flux can range from 2,500 to 150,000 cp (centipoise).
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Siplace X4i sets new placement record: 102,000 components per hour as per the IPC 9850 standard
 At the 2007 Productronica trade show in Munich, Siemens unveils its new Siplace X4i to set a new benchmark in placement performance. The X4i is the world?s first placement machine to achieve a throughput of 102,000 components per hour in accordance with the IPC standard. The new placement solution features a performance-optimized head and feeder arrangement. In addition to speed, the new model also features more flexibility for electronics manufacturers. Special features include the new i-Placement concept as well as the "Combined PCB" and "Productivity Lane" options that significantly enhance the performance of the new machine and subsequently of the entire line.
The Siplace X4i, which is based on the high-performance Siplace X-Series platform, achieves a speed rating of 102,000 cph as measured in accordance with the IPC 9850 standard. This value corresponds to a Siplace benchmark rating of 120,000 cph and a maximum theoretical performance rating of 135,500 cph. The machine?s newly developed "i-Placement" concept is responsible for most of this performance improvement. As before, two boards are moved into the placement area via the dual conveyor system. With traditional designs, one head picks up components while the other places its load on the PCB. On the Siplace X4i, on the other hand, each of the two heads populates one board independently of the other. This shortens the travel between feeders and PCB significantly and improves the productivity of the placement process.
The new "Productivity Lane" and "Combined PCB" options provide additional boosts in productivity and flexibility. The "Productivity Lane" is a third transport track on which PCBs are moved through the machine between its regular tracks to be processed in parallel on another machine. The result is a more efficiently balanced SMT line. It also makes it possible to perform maintenance on one machine while the rest of the line keeps working. The "Combined PCB" option, which involves pushing two boards together on a single track and processing them as a virtual single board, minimizes the non-productive time in applications where high-density and low-density boards (for example, tops and bottoms) are processed together.
The new Siplace-X4i placement machine is compatible with all existing models in the Siplace X-Series. With the performance jump provided by this machine, electronics manufacturers can give their productivity another boost and enhance their competitive position in the market.
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Productronica 2007: Siemens invites the entire industry to compare objectively
 At the 2007 Productronica 2007, Siemens (Hall A5, Booth 177) presents its latest Siplace production concepts and solutions to further underscore the company?s position as the technology leader in the industry. Siemens is also the first company to offer the entire SMT industry objective, software-based support for investment decisions. In particular, the company?s trade show presentation focuses on the topics product changeover, new product introduction and maximum product quality. Under the motto "Compare", Siemens also invites electronics manufacturers to compare its offerings directly against those of other equipment makers. With more transparency and a systematic selection process, the company wants to improve customers? investment decisions.
To systematically improve the quality of their investment decisions, Siemens also unveiled a series of new tools and aids for electronics manufacturers that provide them with a basis for sound comparisons on the basis of objective data. With special evaluation lists and assessment criteria, customers can start the process right at the Siplace booth. The criteria are based on hundreds of evaluation lists that were developed in cooperation with leading electronics manufacturers and have proven their usefulness in many real-life situations. That way, visitors can benefit directly from many tried-and-true solutions of leading electronics manufacturers and use them as a starting point for their own decision criteria.
 In addition to pure performance data, the analysis takes lots of others factors into account such as the flexibility of line concepts, the investment required, the equipment?s resale value and its long-term cost of ownership. To process all this information, Siplace?s experts have access to the company?s Value Calculator software, which has already been registered for a patent. As it compares different placement solutions, the software goes far beyond the popular cost-of-ownership approach. It visualizes in easy-to-understand tables and charts how factors like productivity, placement quality, resale value, service costs and the flexibility of innovative setup concepts impact the investment decision. The customer can look at all the proposed solutions and make his decision on the basis of objective criteria.
For the presentation of its new Siplace X4i machine, the new world record holder in placement processing, Siemens is also stressing the transparency and reliability of its technical specifications. The Siplace X4i is the world?s first placement machine to achieve a throughput of 102,000 components per hour in accordance with the IPC 9850 standard. Siemens now publishes all of its speed measurements in accordance with the non-proprietary and internationally recognized IPC 9850 standard in addition to its own Siplace speed ratings. The IPC speed rating of 102,000 cph for the X4i is comparable to a Siplace benchmark of 120,000 cph and a maximum theoretical performance rating of 135,500 cph.
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Tailor-made automation for small and large breweries
At this year?s Brau Beviale brewery show from November 14 to 16, 2007 in Nuremberg, Germany, the Braumat Packages for the Simatic PCS 7 process control system will be the focal point for Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D). Braumat Compact is suitable for first-time users and smaller brewery projects. Braumat Plus has integral plant asset management and is designed for large-scale brewery projects. The package contains flexible components for batch and route control and for efficient production control. The expanded Braumat Classic secures user investment and upgrades installed automation systems to the state-of-the-art.
The trade fair program also encompasses the integrated standardization concept OPL (Optimized Packaging Line) for lower lifecycle costs in bottling and packaging lines. Modularized and standardized components of the motion control system Simotion and the Sinamics drive system reduce the overhead for engineering, startup, operation and maintenance. In addition, Siemens will present the sector-relevant product range of fault-tolerant, high-precision and reliable process instrumentation as well as the Simatic IT Manufacturing Execution System for breweries. This offers transparency and efficiency for the entire brewing operation - from production planning right up to process optimization, including quality assurance, tracking & tracing, and the lab information management system Simatic IT Unilab. The presentation will be rounded off with the resource-saving energy management system. This ranges from detecting savings potential, through optimization methods, right up to improved energy efficiency in production and building management.
The latest Siemens brewery instrumentation and control technology with the Braumat packages occupies center-stage and is based on the standardized and cross-sector Simatic PCS 7 process control system. The Braumat packages are scalable and suitable for both small and medium-sized breweries, as well as for large operations comprising several breweries.
Braumat Compact - for first-time users, smaller brewery projects, plant sections or individual process areas - combines automation and human machine interfacing in a tailor-made solution. Braumat Compact with a flexible recipe system for several beer types encompasses the planning of production and cleaning jobs as well as detailed production reports or even batch-specific analysis of trend curves.
Braumat Plus - for large companies with one or more breweries and a larger product variety - can be tailored exactly to the size of the plant in hand using flexible client-server architecture. Included is a batch package for recipe control, a standardized interface for the Simatic IT Manufacturing Execution System, a route control system with extensive diagnostics functions, and an asset management module.
With Braumat Classic - the Simatic-S5-based Siemens brewery control system, field-proven for more than 25 years - expanded functionalities ensure the long-term operation of installed systems, and support integration of the latest Simatic S7 technology.
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Compact and powerful programming device in notebook format for mobile use
 The new Simatic Field PG M2 programming device from Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) stands out for its wireless technology, powerful Intel Core 2 Duo processor, large 15" display in XGA or SXGA+ resolution, and integral data backup. The new device also has a long rechargeable battery life, high-speed RAM, and all the usual interfaces for industrial applications. The Simatic Field PG M2 in notebook format is used for configuring, start-up, service and maintenance of automation installations. The rugged, die-cast magnesium housing withstands the harshest of day-to-day environments in the automation industry.
The wireless communication is based on the WLAN standards 802.11 a, b and g. In the manufacturing environment, Industrial WLAN is used to guarantee a secure connection to the programmable controller at all times. The mobile Intel GM 965 Express chipset and Intel Core 2 Duo processor, as well as the 160GB serial ATA hard disk and the 667MHz DDR2 memory technology offer high performance even for demanding applications. At 15", the new Simatic Field PG M2?s display is the largest in the family of Simatic industrial notebooks. A maximum of 1400 x 1050 pixels provide high-resolution display of the Simatic Engineering Software installed on the devices. The integral data backup generates an automatic backup in defined cycles. The backed-up information is available at all times and can be loaded without effort.
The new hardware components use a minimum of power, so the lithium ion battery guarantees operation for more than 3.5 hours. The new Simatic Field PG M2 is the only Simatic notebook to integrate all the interfaces required for automation directly on the device. In addition to the rugged die-cast magnesium housing, metal-plated plastic parts on the inside of the housing protect against electromagnetic interference.
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Soft starting of motors
 Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) has developed new soft starters for standard applications such as fans, pumps and conveyor belts. The Sirius 3RW40 devices work with two-phase polarity balancing. This allows the soft starting of all motors up to a power range of 250 kW (at 400 V).
The soft starting of the Sirius 3RW40 devices avoids current peaks and the associated power supply variations which can have expensive consequences. The uniform motor startup also avoids torque surges, reduces the mechanical stress on gear units, load and motor, and therefore minimizes maintenance requirements.
The integral motor overload protection means that an additional overload relay is unnecessary. The device versions up to 55 kW are also available with integral thermistor motor protection as option. Both functions increase the protection for the connected plant, and simultaneously reduce the space required in the switchgear cabinet, particularly if the soft starter is used instead of a star-delta starter. The internal self-protection feature of the Sirius 3RW40 furthermore prevents thermal overloading of the thyristors and the resulting defects in the power module. The integral status and fault monitoring function also allows remote resetting of the Sirius 3RW40.
Furthermore, the Sirius 3RW40 soft starter reduces the power loss during operation. Following startup, the thyristors are short-circuited by a mechanical contact, and this reduces the power loss of the soft starter during nominal operation.
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Distributed frequency converters with Profinet
The Sinamics G120D distributed frequency converter from Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) has been extended to include a version with a Profinet connection. This is available in both a standard and safety-integrated version. The converter is suitable above all for conveyor system applications such as those in the automotive industry.
The Sinamics G120D CU 240D PN control unit now makes a direct link available to Ethernet networks. Due to the safety functions STO, SS1 and SLS in the CU 240D PN-F version, this safety version can be used in high-performance applications with safety-oriented requirements. The new control units operate in the performance range between 0.75 kW and 7.5 kW and with voltages between 380 and 480 V. The Profinet interface allows end-to-end communication from the office world to the field level.
The control units and the power modules of the Sinamics G120D converter series are designed as separate, exchangeable function units and can be combined as required. The engineering and the commissioning are performed as usual with the Sizer and Starter tools.
The Sinamics G120D with its high IP65 degree of protection is characterized by a particularly low-profile design and a rugged metal enclosure. The drilling pattern is identical for all performance levels, making replacement easy. The standard regenerative capability of the power unit makes the converter an energy-efficient drive.
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High-speed drive with high-efficiency damping oscillation elements
Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) has added a high-speed version to its N-compact range of low voltage motors. Thanks to forced ventilation and special rotor design, the motor is suitable for the speed range up to 5000 rpm. The intelligent use of oscillation elements with excellent damping properties mechanically isolates the machine from the actual baseplate. This means that, despite the high motor speed, no additional structural provisions are necessary.
The N-compact high-speed motors from Siemens A&D build upon the established series of low-voltage motors, but offer greater efficiency and are compact and require little maintenance. The series covers the voltage classes from 400 through 690 V and is available with outputs between 200 kW and 1050 kW. Especially when combined with the Sinamics G130 and G150 frequency inverters that are particularly suitable for turbo machines, the high-speed motor forms a coordinated drive system.
The N-compact High-Speed is isolated from the baseplate by means of the oscillation elements at the base of the motor which have excellent damping properties. On the one hand, this makes the motor immune to external influences such as vibrations, which pays off particularly at high speeds. On the other hand, this makes the machine independent of the on-site baseplate, i.e. no additional structural expenditure is necessary. One other positive aspect of this damped mounting is the reduced magnetic induction of sound waves into the foundation which further reduces noise levels.
With speeds of up to 5000 rpm which can be used across the full speed regulating range due to the sub-critical rotor design and forced ventilation, even fast running machines such as high pressure fans, screw compressors or special circulating pumps manage to do without transmission gearing. Relative to the overall unit, this saves space and weight, reduces the maintenance requirements and at the same time contributes to a higher degree of efficiency and reliability.
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Rugged and scalable image processing for extremely high-speed applications
 Siemens Automation and Drives (A&D) is adding the Simatic HawkEye 1600T industry-standard camera and the Visionscape 0800 CameraLink frame grabber to its product range for industrial image processing. The new version 3.7 of the Simatic Visionscape image processing software offers expanded functions for image analysis and processing. Users can solve tasks of the most varied complexity and speed with the Visionscape family and just one image processing software package.
The HawkEye 1600T camera in high degree of protection IP67 and with M12 connections allows up to 3,600 analyses per minute. Different lighting components can be connected direct to the camera and triggered to provide sufficient lighting for the inspection objects on-site. The camera has multiple interfaces such as Ethernet and RS232, and eight digital, freely configurable I/Os. There are versions of the camera with XGA and VGA resolution, each with and without the Intellifind function. The camera is configured using a PC and the new Visionscape software version 3.7 and it also supports the Visionscape tools such as Intellifind, OCR and OCV.
The Visionscape 0800 digital CameraLink frame grabber is suitable for high-speed and high-resolution applications. It can also be used for linescan applications such as checking labels on cylindrical objects like bottles. Supplementing the new range are two monochrome, progressive-scan, analog cameras, with VGA resolution for up to 90 frames per seconds and SXGA resolution for up to 16 fps.
Version 3.7 of the Visionscape software now includes new functions, such as "Multi-View" for simultaneous viewing of several camera pictures. The software is suitable both for the analog 0300 and 0740 frame grabbers as well as the new digital 0800 frame grabber and the new HawkEye-1600T camera. A program created for the camera or a PC-based Visionscape system will run without modification or recompiling on every system of the Visionscape family.
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The successful visiting in Productronica in Munich of SEAS Chinese customers
Chinese SEAS customers successfully visited the Productronica 2007 in Munich
Productronica, the biennial trade fair for electronics production took place in Munich for one week (13 - 16 Nov). SEAS invited 12 VIP customers to join this big event.
With the very appropriate slogan "meet the best. People, product, business" Productronica invited a large number and a wide range of exhibitors and high-quality visitors. Very professional and considerable services gave a comprehensive and perfect interpretation to the theme of Productronica 2007.
Productronica 2007 received 1,484 exhibitors from 35 countries and offered a complete spectrum of products and processes in the electronics manufacturing process chain.
At this year's exhibition a large number of "world firsts" in what concerns products and equipment was shown. The worlds "state-of-the-art" technology was gathered in Munich for one week. Productronica was proud to receive over 40,000 professional visitors, 90% of which evaluated the exhibition of this year "Good" or "Very Good".
For Siemens A&D EA with its headquarters directly in Munich, Productronica takes place in the home turfs of Siemens. The Siplace booth was definitely one of the major highlights on this year's Productronica. Siemens A&D EA occupied almost 30% area of one Chamber. Many Siplace users (costumers) and visitors came from all over the world to get detailed information and professional advice from the Siplace team.
Siemens holds a leading position in the SMT industry. However the competition is strong which leads Siplace to engage our costumers to have a very close look at the entire industry to compare objectively. With its innovative production philosophy and solutions Siplace offers a special "Compare List" to ask its customers to closely compare the various production solutions against those of the competitors. At the Siplace booth, not only the SMT manufacturing solution in the high-speed area were displayed but also attracting solutions for the electronics manufacturers who have demanding requirements for the product mixture, quality and price/performance.
12 Siplace VIP customers from 9 companies in China were invited to participate in the event in Munich. During the one-week stay, Siplace prepared a wonderful agenda for these VIP customers, including a visit at Productronica, a visit at Siemens Electronics Assembly Systems (Germany), a visit at BMW and Audi factory, and a visit at an automobile and electronics manufacturing factory, which is a Siplace user. In addition, Siemens also held a big evening banquet to welcome the Siplace VIP customers from all over the world. Accompanied with the traditional performance of the German band, guests all enjoyed German beer and delicious food¡
For Siplace customers, Siplace is far more than an equipment provider and has become their partner in sharing the strategic trends in the industry.
The electronics manufacturing industry is developing rapidly. Productronica 2007 has brought us interesting insights and beautiful moments. Let's expect the Nepcon Shanghai in four months together!
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Successful SIPLACE "Traceability" project in ASUSTeK
In response to the production requirement form Asus, Siemens A&D SEAS commissioned a five-person SIPLACE team to conduct an on-site evaluation for the "Traceability" system and implemented successfully and quickly. Making production processes more transparent for the customer and guaranteeing detailed traceability - these were the ambitious goals of ASUSTeK's "Traceability" project. Not an easy undertaking for the complex SMT production of one of the world's leaders in communication electronics.
Traceability increasingly becoming a factor for success
With the launch of the new production complex in Shanghai ASUSTeK also started an improvement program to eliminate most potential sources of errors on the plant floor and further improve the effectiveness of each department. A foresighted investment that would enable us to meet the market's rising demand for quality and speed.
Since high customer satisfaction is ASUSTeK's key to maintaining a continuous flow of orders, particularly in the area of contract manufacturing, it is management's main objective. But customers are not the only ones demanding a high degree of production transparency. Increasingly tough financial reporting guidelines require it, too. That's why ASUSTeK's management believes that powerful traceability solutions will soon be one of the most important factors for a modern electronics manufacturer's success.
Painstaking setup control
The first functional component of the solution evaluated is the Component Verification System. It uses a barcode scanner to record and verify the components and assign them to the production. Mobile scanners verify the components at offline setup stations. A welcome additional benefit: if the setup does not match the placement program, the system alerts the operating personnel with an acoustic warning signal to effectively prevent faulty setups. The scanners seamlessly register all the components needed for the placement process. The software even takes a certain fuzziness into account, which can arise, for example, when reels are spliced during the production run.
By using placement programs, scanner data and machine data, the traceability software produces reliable records which can be searched and reported in a flexible manner. Depending on the system's expansion level, components can be traced to the batch level, the board level or even to their precise placement position.
SIPLACE Service helps with rest run
To support their colleagues with the evaluation process, the SIPLACE team helped with the test installation. After two very busy weeks, the traceability solution was installed on two lines. The results quickly demonstrated that the data generated by the system lets the user trace faulty components quickly and easily all the way to the specific boards on which they were installed. The resulting damage can thus be documented not only for the customer, but also for the liable supplier. And the affected group of products can be identified much more closely and cost-effectively. In addition, the setup verification system further improved the quality and efficiency of ASUSTeK's production.
Mr. Shie Zhi Jie, the deputy director of the SMT department , happily summarizes the project: "The production documentation generated by the system enables us to improve our product quality and provide our customers with the desired information. Now we can quickly identify faulty products, minimize recall costs and further improve our customer satisfaction."
ASUSTeK Computer, Inc., one of the world's leaders in communication electronics, has relied on SIPLACE production solutions since 2003. The Chinese manufacturer was impressed by the high quality and the innovative technology from Germany as well as by SIPLACE's global service organization, which is known for its speed and professionalism. Today, more than 125 SIPLACE machines faithfully perform their job at ASUS and churn out a broad spectrum of products such as mainboards for notebooks, video cards, LCD components, network cards, mobile phones and PDAs.
Some of these machines were installed when the newly built Shanghai Nanhui manufacturing went into operation in 2006. Mr. Shie Zhi Jie, the deputy director of the SMT department, appreciates the high quality of the SIPLACE machines: "Everyone's work, from machine operator to highly qualified engineer, is closely linked to all production steps. We don't tolerate any slack in our SMT production, which is why we put our trust in SIPLACE as the global market leader."
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