CP 1243-7 LTE is used to connect the S7-1200 to a mobile wireless network of the 4th Generation LTE (Long Term Evolution). The increased data rates compared to GPRS and widespread introduction of LTE open up new areas of application. The CP1243-7 is characterized by the following properties:

• 1 connection to LTE (4G) mobile wireless network
  (various versions for EU and North America)
• Data transfer of measured values, control variables, or alarms optimized for telecontrol systems
• Operation with fixed IP addresses and dynamic IP addresses with standard cellular phone contract
• Time synchronization based on NTP (Network Time Protocol)
• On-demand connection buildup via voice call or text message
• Sending and receiving of text messages
• TeleService access with STEP 7 to substations via mobile wireless networks
• Compact industrial enclosure in S7-1200 design for mounting on a standard mounting rail
• Temperature range in operation: -20°C to +70°C
• Installation on standard mounting rails
• Diagnostics LEDs (overall status and details)
• Integrated security functions (VPN and firewall)
• Access to the CPU Web server
• Fast commissioning due to simplified configuration with STEP 7
• Data buffering of up to 64,000 values ensures a secure database even with temporary connection failures

• Fully automatic time stamp
  To enable subsequent and correct archiving of process data in the control system, all data frames are assigned with a time stamp at their place of origin.
• Fast and flexible data communication
  Operators are therefore quickly provided with alarms, statuses and values from the process, and they can influence process control by entering commands or setpoints at any time.
• Simple and low-cost engineering
  The cyclic or event-controller transfer of measurements, setpoints or alarms can be implemented in only a few operations and without programming effort.
• Remote diagnostics
  Saving of traveling and maintenance costs due to cost-effective remote programming, diagnostics, control and monitoring via the Internet
• Industrial Security
  Protection of automation networks and secure data exchange. User-specific firewall rules can be used to assign specific access privileges to users and not just to devices.

Using CP1243-7 LTE enables the S7-1200 to be used as a remote terminal unit (substation) in telecontrol applications. Typical application examples are the collection of measured values in outdoor areas over widely distributed geographical areas (level measurement for water tanks in the water/waste water industries) or centralized opening and closing of valves (oil/gas transport in pipelines).

• Data exchange and centralized data monitoring for automation solutions spread over large geographical areas
• Establishment of permanent or temporary communication link for mobile machines/vehicles without permanent location
• Global remote access to the end customer's machinery in compliance with IT security requirements
• Connection of difficult-to-access external stations without a network infrastructure

These applications can be found in the most diverse sectors:

• Water/wastewater treatment plants – pump/valve controllers
• Traffic and transportation – traffic light controls, lighting controls
• Power engineering – monitoring of transformer stations, meter readout
• Mechanical engineering – centralized remote maintenance of machines used around the world
• Wind energy – condition monitoring of wind turbines
• Vending machine manufacturers – monitoring, control of beverage vending machines

The CP 1243-7 LTE offers all the advantages of the S7-1200 design:

• Rugged, compact plastic enclosure
• Easily accessible connection and diagnostics elements, protected by front flaps
• Removable connecting terminals
• Simple mounting on the mounting rail of the S7-1200
• 3-pin plug-in terminal strip for connection of the 24 V DC external supply voltage
• SMA connection for GSM/GPRS antennas

The CP 1243-7 LTE is plugged into the left system bus interface of the S7-1200. The power is supplied via a 3-pin terminal strip on top of the module. The antenna socket and the SIM card slot are located on the underside of the module, protected by the lower front flap.

The CP 1243-7 LTE is a communication module for the S7-1200. The module allows the S7-1200 to be connected as a remote station to the TeleControl Server Basic via cellular phone in just a few steps.

Connection of S7-1200 to Telecontrol Server via mobile wireless and DSL internet access

Completely configurable application through "data point configuration"

The introduction of the "data point configuration" in STEP 7 dispenses with all programming effort for transfer of data to the control center.

The data of the CPU relevant to the control center is selected via user-friendly "item browsing" in STEP 7. In a clearly-arranged menu, the data transfer parameters are then assigned to the data points selected in this way. The cyclic or event-controller transfer of measurements, setpoints or alarms can thus be implemented in only a few operations and without programming effort.

Data backup

Data losses are prevented by the data buffering mechanisms integrated in the product.

In the event of a connection failure, up to 64,000 time-stamped values are buffered. When the connection returns, the buffered values are automatically transferred to the control center in the right order.

E-mail notification

Alert e-mails can be configured for timely provision of stations' states to service or maintenance personnel. If previously defined events (such as threshold violation) should occur, application-specific information is sent automatically by e-mail.

Diagnostics

The CP 1243-7 LTE offers comprehensive diagnostic options for a quick and informative analysis of the station status. Elementary diagnostic information about the connection to the control center is signaled directly via LEDs at the CP.

Using STEP 7 and the Web server, comprehensive information can be retrieved, such as connection history, buffer status or the transferred measured values.

Remote maintenance

For remote access from the control center to the substation, the CP provides a remote maintenance port in parallel with process operation. This ensures access for monitoring and program changes.

Virtual Private Network (IPSec)

The connection of S7-1200 via a VPN network ensures that authenticated network stations can communicate with the controller. Secure encryption of the data and verification of the data integrity protects the data traffic from espionage and manipulation.

Stateful Inspection Firewall

By using a firewall, S7-1200 can provide additional protection against unauthorized access and manipulation attempts. The firewall filters data packets and checks the communication connections in accordance with the filter list. Both incoming and outgoing communication can be filtered based on IP and MAC addresses.

Web server access

Access to the Web server of the CPU via the mobile wireless interface for easy diagnostics.