C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)
6C
6 Cielo Ciencia y Tecnología
·Publicada en C135 PCS 7 (PCS7)

Sourcing 3D CAD Models and Mechanical Specifications for SIMATIC PN 128 Simulation Units

Sourcing 3D CAD Models and Mechanical Specifications for SIMATIC PN 128 Simulation Units

To source 3D CAD models (STEP, IGES) and mechanical dimensional specifications for the SIMATIC Simulation Unit PN 128 (Order Number 9AE4120-2AA00), download engineering data directly from the Siemens Industry Image Database or submit a technical support request through Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS). Because 9AE-series simulation hardware is managed under the specialized SIMIT Virtual Commissioning portfolio rather than the standard CAx Download Manager catalog, automated CAx exports often produce empty spreadsheets. Dimensional mounting drawings, DIN-rail clip specifications, and 3D geometry are provided within the official SIMIT Simulation Unit Delivery Packages.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Virtual commissioning and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation are increasingly mandated for large-scale automation projects executed in SIMATIC PCS 7 and TIA Portal. The SIMATIC Simulation Unit PN 128 (Order Number 9AE4120-2AA00) is a specialized industrial hardware appliance that connects directly to the PROFINET controller ports of an S7-400 or CPU 410-5H, simulating up to 128 PROFINET IO device nodes in real time. When control panel mechanical engineers design simulation test cabinets or portable FAT test racks, they routinely seek 3D CAD models (such as STEP or DXF files) to model clearances, thermal dissipation, and DIN-rail mounting space. However, querying the standard Siemens CAx Download Manager frequently returns empty files. This guide explains why specialized simulation products require dedicated sourcing channels.

SIMATIC Simulation Unit PN 128 Hardware Purpose and Form Factor

The Simulation Unit PN 128 represents dedicated real-time FPGA hardware:

  • Simulation Capacity: Emulates up to 128 PROFINET IO field devices (ET 200M, ET 200SP, drives, valve manifolds).
  • Deterministic Performance: Emulates PROFINET IRT and RT cycle times down to 1 ms with full telegram handshake.
  • Physical Enclosure: Rugged, compact metal housing designed for 35 mm DIN-rail mounting or direct panel wall mounting, powered by 24V DC auxiliary power with dual RJ45 Ethernet communication interfaces.

Why Standard CAx Downloads Return Incomplete Data for 9AE Products

The Siemens CAx Download Manager in SIOS automates CAD, circuit diagram macro, and product data downloads for standard catalog series (including standard SIMATIC S7 controllers, communication processors, and power supplies):

  • Products beginning with order prefix 9AE originate from the Siemens Digital Industries Software / SIMIT business unit rather than standard serial automation hardware factories.
  • Consequently, their mechanical 3D assets are not indexed in the global automated CAx database, causing CAx batch requests to yield empty .xls or blank container files.
  • Mechanical data is instead distributed via product documentation flyers, SIMIT software distribution downloads, and the Siemens Image Database.

Sourcing 3D CAD Models Across Siemens Digital Repositories

Engineers requiring 3D models can utilize three distinct access methods:

  1. Siemens Industry Image Database (bilddb.automation.siemens.com): Houses high-resolution photographic views, dimensional drawings, and vector graphics.
  2. SIMIT Installation Delivery Package: The installation media for SIMIT Simulation Platform includes technical datasheets and mechanical dimension drawings for all associated simulation units (PN 128, PN 256, PB 128).
  3. Siemens Technical Support Request (SR): Direct dispatch to the SIMIT product management group provides authorized STEP files.

Simulation Unit Hardware Specification Matrix

The following table details mechanical and electrical parameters for the SIMATIC Simulation Unit PN 128:

| Specification Parameter | Value / Technical Requirement | Operational Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order Number (MLFB) | 9AE4120-2AA00 | SIMIT Simulation Unit PN 128 |
| Mounting Options | Standard 35 mm DIN Rail (EN 60715) or Wall Mount | Integrated rear DIN-rail clip. |
| Power Supply Input | 24V DC (18V to 30V DC) | Reverse polarity protected. |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 15 W max | Low heat dissipation. |
| Network Interfaces | 2x RJ45 Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) | Dedicated PROFINET controller ports. |
| Host PC Interface | 1x USB 2.0 or 1x Gigabit Ethernet | Connects to SIMIT simulation workstation. |
| Ambient Temperature | 0°C to +50°C | Vertical or horizontal installation. |

Step-by-Step Procedure to Obtain 3D Models and Dimensional Data

Method 1: Sourcing via Siemens Image Database (BildDB)

  1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Siemens Image Database: https://bilddb.automation.siemens.com.
  2. In the search box, enter the order number: 9AE4120-2AA00.
  3. Filter results by Dimension drawings or 3D models.
  4. Select the desired export format (STEP, IGES, or 2D DXF) and download the archive.

Method 2: Requesting Official STEP Models via Support Request (SR)

  1. Log into the Siemens Industry Online Support (SIOS) portal (support.industry.siemens.com).
  2. Navigate to mySupport > Support Request.
  3. Create a new support request with Product: 9AE4120-2AA00 (SIMULATION UNIT PN 128).
  4. Subject: 'Request for 3D CAD STEP Model for Mechanical Cabinet Engineering'.
  5. Siemens Technical Support routes the request directly to the SIMIT hardware development team, who provide the formal .stp file.

Method 3: Using Dimensional PDFs for 2D Layouts

  1. Access SIOS entry 109476682 (Flyer Simulation Unit).
  2. Extract the exact millimeter dimension drawing (Height, Width, Depth) to define panel spacing and rail offsets in AutoCAD / EPLAN.

Verification

To verify the mechanical integration model:

  1. Model Import Check: Import the downloaded STEP file into your 3D CAD suite (SolidWorks, Inventor, Siemens NX). Confirm that all enclosure boundaries and port cutouts render without geometry translation errors.
  2. Dimensional Alignment: Measure mounting clip dimensions against standard 35 mm DIN rails to ensure interference-free mounting.
  3. Clearance Verification: Ensure at least 50 mm clearance above and below the enclosure for cable bend radii and thermal convection.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

  • Procurement Disclaimer: Always validate the specific order number (9AE4120-2AA00), lead times, and current hardware revision against the applicable Siemens SIMIT catalog and an authorized Siemens distributor quotation.
  • Not Intended for Production Plant Control: Simulation Units are strictly for testing and commissioning environments; they must never be deployed as permanent operational field devices in production plants.
  • Firmware Updates: Ensure the Simulation Unit firmware is kept synchronized with the installed SIMIT software version.

Engineer FAQ

Does the Simulation Unit PN 128 require an external power supply brick?

It requires a standard industrial 24V DC power source connected to its 2-pin screw terminal block.

Can the Simulation Unit emulate both PROFIBUS and PROFINET simultaneously?

The PN 128 model is dedicated to PROFINET IO; hybrid or PROFIBUS testing requires the PB model (Simulation Unit PB) or dual appliances.

Is EPLAN macro data available for the Simulation Unit?

Basic electrical connection macros are included with SIMIT documentation, though full EPLAN Pro Panel 3D macros must be imported via STEP.

Technical References

Related Articles

Related Tags

  • https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=simatic-pcs7
  • https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=simulation
  • https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=profinet
  • https://industrialautomation.net/search?query=hardware
6 respuestas