PHOENIX CONTACT | Customer Magazine UPDATE 3/11

The new Audi A1 is built in Brussels’Vorst district, at one of Audi AG’s most modern production facilities. Phoenix Contact supplied control hardware and software and performed comprehensive on-site training and support. Standardized technology across all international sites helps to increase efficiency and profitability. As a trusted system partner of Audi, Phoenix Contact provided control technology for the auto body production line and the associated conveyor infrastructure, among other things. “Ingolstadt headquarters developed a standard solution based on a PLC from Phoenix Contact, so my department continued this process as part of the A1 project.We decided to use the Profinet bus system for communication between the robot lines as well as in all transport systems. In addition to controllers, industrial PCs, and Web panels, we use switches, I/O modules, connectors, safety relays, and connection terminals from Phoenix Contact,” explains Geert de Coppel, responsible for control technology and software at Audi. Audi Brussels opted for the Remote Field Controller RFC 470 controller, which features Profinet, Interbus, and Ethernet interfaces. Geert de Coppel comments on the task: “Every PLC is responsible for addressing multiple components of the transport system in its sector, as well as connecting them to the adjacent robot controls.This is why the RFCs must be able to manage a large number of operator panels.” Software Modules for Simplified Programming On top of this project, Phoenix Contact put their heads together with the Audi Planning Department in Ingolstadt to jointly develop various basic function modules for the software that controls the soldering lines and conveyor technology.Wim van Goethem, an engineer at installation partner Imtech, is very happy about the Audi Group’s decision to cooperate with Phoenix Contact:“The automation specialists’ teams have developed many modules used in numerous programs, for example, for controlling valves, conveyor belts, or rotary tables.” Joris Huegaerts, Marc Wevers Superior Technology for the A1 Automation Technology from Phoenix Contact at Work in the Brussels Audi Plant An RFC 470 can monitor up to 15 HMI devices via a standardized OPC data connection, which requires high performance, say Geert de Coppel (l.) from Audi and Wim van Goethem from Imtech. The modular, standardized control cabinet design significantly simplifies setting up, operating, and maintaining the production facility. On Site 11UPDATE 3|11