Powerful local processing engine close to the process

Sustainable network optimization

Siemens is expanding its portfolio for industrial communication to include the Scalance LPE9403 local processing engine. The Scalance LPE (Local Processing Engine) is implemented close to the process. Thanks to the open Linux operating system, which is installed on the LPE, the new device can handle a wide range of applications simultaneously. Scalance LPE9403 can be used to meet specific requirements easily, as well as for sustainable network optimization. In addition, the local processing engine can be used for digitalization in cloud and edge applications.

Scalance LPE9403 can be used, for example, to transfer or mirror data directly on the machine or plant. The LPE enables predictive maintenance via additionally installed applications and detects anomalies for example using “Claroty” software. In the field of edge computing, i.e. local data processing at the side of a network by so-called “edge” and cloud applications, it acts as an edge device in an ecosystem to which applications can be added via an app store or central management. If these applications are specified centrally for the LPE, they can be distributed, installed, and kept up-to-date.

Thanks to a wide range of possible installations, several programs can be operated on the Scalance LPE9403 at the same time. This means that the local processing engine is comparable with standard industrial personal computers (PCs). With the Simatic S7-1500 design, the LPE features the ideal dimensions for the control cabinet and offers the option of DIN rail mounting, while providing an temperature range from -40 to +60 degrees Celsius, a redundant power supply, and a fiber optic connection that covers distances up to 200 kilometers. The fanless module has no internal battery and offers two options for installing software packages – “native” and “containerized”. The latter means that container-based applications can be installed easily on the Scalance LPE via the available Docker interface. Docker is a free software package, which can be used to isolate applications with container virtualization.