Link module boosts industrial automation data transparency

Siemens has launched a link module that provides transparency of key power data throughout an industrial automation system.

The SIRIUS 3RC7 intelligent link module enables detection of faults, deviations, and maintenance requirements facilitates diagnosis and enables preventive maintenance.

The module provides transparency of power data throughout an industrial automation system with simple integration.

A variety of load parameters can be collected and evaluated directly, including voltage, current, phase imbalance, number of overload trips, and much more. The integrated diagnostic functions help detect and correct faults more quickly.

• Line monitoring relays add preventative maintenance to the grid

Among other things, the data can be used for Senseye Predictive Maintenance, Siemens’ comprehensive solution for predictive maintenance. It uses artificial intelligence, for example to examine current fluctuations for anomalies that indicate a defect. This significantly increases the planning reliability for maintenance, availability, and cost-effectiveness of the system.

The plug-and-play expansion module combines information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) with minimal installation and commissioning effort. This means that the data available at the load feeders can be used efficiently.

The SIRIUS 3RC7 intelligent link modules integrate with the SIMATIC ET 200SP I/O system as well as any other common automation system. Up to 16 load feeders can be connected per BA-Send module bus adapter. This creates a SIRIUS Intelligent Load Feeder, a pre-assembled digital feeder consisting of a SIRIUS 3RV2 circuit breaker, a SIRIUS 3RT2 contactor, and the intelligent link module.

“Transparency down to field level is becoming increasingly important. However, many devices are not connected to the automation system, which means important data is missing. By digitalizing the field level, we are creating a new dimension of transparency and enabling data-driven decisions,” said Andreas Matthé, CEO of Electrical Products at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.