Newburyport, MA – Softing has released a fully featured SIMATIC driver that seamlessly integrates the full range of Softing’s PROFIBUS (master) interface boards and PROFIBUS gateways with SIMATIC STEP7 and PDM.

Choose any of Softing’s PROFIBUS interface boards to

• parameterize PROFIBUS PA devices

• visualize PROFIBUS systems

• program SIEMENS controllers

Minimum Software Requirements:

• Simatic Manager Software V5.4

• Simatic PDM V6.0 SP2

• Softing PROFIBUS driver V5.43 SP1 (free download)

Please feel free to download this driver today from Softing’s web page; select “Driver for STEP7 and PDM” from the list of free drivers and demo applications under “Download form”. The new driver is compatible with all of Softing’s PROFIBUS master boards including the PROFIBUS gateways.

Softing’s industry-hardened PROFIBUS boards are used globally in a wide range of applications including compact slave solutions, solutions for mobile devices, operation and visualization terminals, real-time machine controls, and extended temperature-range applications including sub-sea production systems.

The new STEP7 and PDM driver seamlessly integrates this successful range of PROFIBUS boards with the Siemens programming software packages. After installing the driver, simply open the SIMATIC “Set PG/PC Interface” applet and select Softing as the PG/PC adapter. The user has the choice between MPI/PPI and PROFIBUS as the preferred access path to the Siemens controller.

This high-performance solution includes support for all Softing PROFIBUS (master) interface boards. For example, you may use Softing’s

• PROFIusb board to gain portable access to Siemens controllers and devices over USB

• PROFIcard if you prefer a PCMCIA board solution

• PC104 boards in small industrial PCs

• FG-x00 for remote access to Siemens controllers over Ethernet

Besides that, you still can use the Softing boards as PROFIBUS masters in order to visualize your industrial application with your preferred HIM software using, for example, Softing’s PROFIBUS OPC Server or S7/S5 OPC Server package.

About Softing

In industrial automation, Softing is a specialist for fieldbus technology and has established itself as a world-leading partner for networking automation systems and control solutions. Softing provides customers the key technology to connect devices, controls and systems with the leading communication technologies. In fieldbus technology, Softing is a world-class expert for FOUNDATION fieldbus, PROFIBUS, and CAN/CANopen/DeviceNet. The company’s wide range of expertise includes solutions for OPC, FDT, and Real-Time-Ethernet protocols such as, PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, or Modbus/TCP. Many of the products and services developed by Softing since the company was founded in 1979 have become reference standards throughout the world. In addition, Softing has established itself as a provider of sophisticated diagnostic tools for fieldbus systems.

For more information: www.softing.us or Tel: (978) 499-9650, Fax: (978) 499-9654, Email: ken.hoover@softing.com.