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P_PCS7_XX_00507
Smart Field Distributor – SIMATIC Compact Field Unit
With the new SIMATIC Compact Field Unit (CFU), we are re-interpreting the conventional approach to field device connection. The smart field distributor is installed at the process level and is connected via PROFINET, the world's leading Industrial Ethernet standard, directly to the automation system to form the foundation for digitalization in the field.
You benefit from greater flexibility and very simple handling coupled with maximum availability. This allows you to efficiently transfer your familiar system concept to the digital world.
Today's challenges for field device connection:
- High overhead for device integration and replacement
- Complicated, error-prone wiring and routing over multiple levels, making the hardware FAT very complex
- Extremely long copper cables and numerous terminal points in the field
- Multiple individual control cabinets
- Large numbers of different components and protocols necessitate costly spare parts inventories and training sessions
- High planning and documentation costs
SIMATIC CFU – The answer to these challenges
Mode of operation
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Field device connection with previous technology (left) and with SIMATIC CFU (right)
The SIMATIC Compact Field Unit (CFU) is a real game-changer in field device connection and offers you entirely new prospects regarding simplicity, flexibility and standardization. The smart field distributor is installed at the process level and is connected via PROFINET directly to the automation system to form the foundation for digitalization in the field. Utilization of digital fieldbus communication considerably simplifies device interfacing compared to conventional 4 … 20 mA engineering.
Greater flexibility thanks to consistent decentralization
Distributed installation of the SIMATIC CFU means that classic control cabinets are no longer required and you can make considerable savings in cabling and the number of terminal points, as well as reducing planning and documentation overheads. The high granularity (16 I/O per SIMATIC CFU) enables flexible assignment to the higher-level controllers.
