Siemens Updates Simatic PDM Maintenance Station

Oct. 27, 2017
Simatic PDM v2.0 offers new functionalities for smart field devices.

With its Simatic PDM Maintenance Station v2.0, Siemens provides a solution for efficient monitoring of intelligent field device statuses independent of the automation and control system used. Their integration is based on DD (Device Description)/EDD (Electronic Device Description) technology. Diagnostic, parameterization and status data from the field devices is read out cyclically and depicted in a clearly arranged format. The collected data can be transferred using an export function for further processing in enterprise asset management or cloud-based condition monitoring systems. Version 2.0 complies with Namur recommendations NE 105, NE 107 and NE 129.                             

The Simatic Process Device Manager forms the basis for data and status monitoring of smart field devices in the maintenance station. Simatic PDM is a universal, manufacturer-neutral tool used for project engineering, parameterization, commissioning and monitoring of intelligent field devices and field components. It supplies diagnostic data, status data and parameter data to the Simatic PDM Maintenance Station, where the information is processed and supplemented by functionalities such as overview or work progress lists, overview, segment and detailed images, status logs, parameter data archiving, global and device-specific message lists as well as cyclical functions for reading out or exporting field device information.

The maintenance and servicing system is designed for use by small to medium-sized enterprises or production plants used for processes such as hybrid or biogas, wastewater treatment, painting lines in the automotive industry or paper manufacturing. The Simatic PMD Maintenance Station can also be used in specific plant sections. Version 2.0 of the Simatic PDM Maintenance Station can be used wherever intelligent field devices are in operation. The system is optimized for up to 500 field devices. Several Simatic PDM Maintenance Stations can be combined within one plant.

In production plants with Simatic automation stations, the Simatic PDM Maintenance Station is directly connected to the plant bus, and communicates over the automation stations with the field devices of the lower-level field bus systems. A separate network can be created to the field devices if direct access is not possible.