In the realm of industrial automation, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating processes with precision and efficiency. Siemens, a trailblazer in the automation landscape, offers two prominent PLC series – the Simatic S7-1200 and S7-1500. As businesses seek the ideal automation solution for their unique needs, understanding the differences between these two series becomes paramount. In this blog, we embark on a journey to decipher the distinctions that set the S7_1200 and S7-1500 PLCs apart and empower industries to make informed choices.
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Scalability and Application Spectrum for S7-1200 and S7-1500
The Simatic S7-1200 series is characterized by its compact nature and suitability for smaller automation projects. It serves as an optimal choice for enterprises seeking to automate without substantial infrastructure modifications. With its scalability, the S7_1200 series accommodates expansion as business needs evolve.
On the other hand, the Simatic S7-1500 series is a marvel of modularity. This series is tailored for applications spanning a wide spectrum of complexities. Its modular design allows businesses to craft custom configurations that align precisely with their automation requirements. From intricate machinery to larger-scale operations, the S7-1500 series stands ready to meet diverse demands.
Processing Power and Performance of S7-1200 and S7-1500
While the S7_1200 series excels in compactness, it offers processing power suitable for its intended applications. It efficiently handles automation tasks typical of smaller industries and operations.
The Simatic S7-1500 series takes the performance bar several notches higher. Equipped with robust CPUs, this series tackles complex automation tasks with remarkable speed and precision. It's the go-to choice when intricate processes and demanding environments are the norm.
Explore more about Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 /1500 PLCs
Motion Control capabilities of S7_1200 and S7-1500
Motion control capabilities within the S7-1200 series are limited. While suitable for basic motion tasks, this series might not be the first choice for applications demanding intricate motion control.
In the domain of motion control, the S7-1500 series shines. It offers integrated motion control functionalities, making it a preferred choice for industries involving robotics, conveyors, and other motion-intensive processes.
Redundancy in S7-1200 and S7-1500 CPUs
Redundancy features are limited within the S7_1200 series, which aligns with its target applications and scalability.
Certain models of the S7-1500 series support redundancy and hot standby configurations. This redundancy capability ensures uninterrupted operations by swiftly transitioning between redundant systems in case of a failure.
S7-1200 & S7-1500 CPU models
The Siemens S7-1200 and 1500 are a series of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that are commonly used in industrial automation and control applications. Each of these CPU types has specific features and capabilities, and the choice of CPU depends on the requirements of your automation project.
Refer Siemens' official website or contact a Siemens distributor for the most up-to-date information on S7-1200 / 1500 PLC CPU types.
S7_1200 Series CPU
- S7_1200 CPU 1211C: This is the basic CPU in the S7_1200 series. It is suitable for small to medium-sized applications and has limited memory and performance compared to other models.
- S7_1200 CPU 1212C: Similar to the 1211C, this CPU is designed for small to medium-sized applications but may have slightly more memory and processing power.
- S7_1200 CPU 1214C: This CPU is suitable for medium-sized applications and offers more memory and processing power compared to the 1211C and 1212C models.
- S7_1200 CPU 1215C: This CPU is a step up from the 1214C and is suitable for larger and more complex applications. It has more memory and processing power.
- S7_1200 CPU 1217C: The 1217C CPU is one of the high-performance options in the S7_1200 series. It is suitable for demanding applications that require more processing power and memory.
- S7_1200 CPU 1218C: This is another high-performance CPU in the S7_1200 series, designed for applications that require even more processing power and memory than the 1217C.
- S7_1200 CPU 1219C: The 1219C CPU is the most powerful CPU in the S7_1200 series and is suitable for the most complex and demanding automation tasks.
S7-1500 Series CPU
- S7-1500 CPU 1511: This is the basic CPU in the S7-1500 series. It is suitable for smaller to medium-sized applications and has a moderate amount of memory and processing power.
- S7-1500 CPU 1513: The CPU 1513 is designed for medium-sized applications and offers more memory and processing power than the CPU 1511.
- S7-1500 CPU 1515: This CPU is suitable for medium to large applications and provides a higher level of memory and processing capabilities compared to the previous models.
- S7-1500 CPU 1516: The CPU 1516 is designed for larger and more complex applications, offering greater memory and processing power.
- S7-1500 CPU 1517: This CPU is one of the high-performance options in the S7-1500 series, suitable for demanding applications that require advanced processing capabilities.
- S7-1500 CPU 1518: The CPU 1518 is the highest-performance CPU in the S7-1500 series, intended for the most complex and demanding automation tasks.
Safety CPUs of S7-1200 and S7-1500
In addition to the standard CPUs in the Siemens S7-1200 series, there are also fail-safe CPUs available for applications that require safety-related functions and compliance with safety standards. Fail-safe CPUs are designed to ensure the safe operation of machinery and processes.
In the context of safety, the S7-1200 series offers a specialized variant known as the S7-1200F. This fail-safe series brings an additional layer of security to automation processes, integrating safety functionalities with standard automation tasks.
The Simatic S7-1500 series also includes safety variants – the S7-1500F models. These PLCs seamlessly weave together complex automation and advanced safety features. The comprehensive library of certified safety functions enhances the safety quotient in industries where precision and reliability are paramount.
S7-1200 Series Fail Safe CPU
- S7-1200F CPU 1214FC: This is a fail-safe CPU suitable for small to medium-sized safety applications in the S7-1200 series. It comes with integrated safety functions and is designed to meet safety standards.
- S7-1200F CPU 1215FC: The CPU 1215FC is designed for medium-sized safety applications and provides more memory and processing power for handling safety-related tasks.
- S7-1200F CPU 1217FC: This fail-safe CPU is suitable for larger and more complex safety applications. It offers advanced processing power and safety features for demanding safety requirements.
S7-1500 Series Fail Safe CPU
- S7-1500F CPU 1511F: This is the basic fail-safe CPU in the S7-1500 series. It is suitable for smaller to medium-sized safety applications and comes with integrated safety functions.
- S7-1500F CPU 1513F: The CPU 1513F is designed for medium-sized safety applications. It offers more memory and processing power for handling safety-related tasks.
- S7-1500F CPU 1515F: This CPU is suitable for medium to large safety applications. It provides a higher level of memory and processing capabilities for safety functions.
- S7-1500F CPU 1516F: The CPU 1516F is designed for larger and more complex safety applications. It offers advanced processing power and safety features for demanding requirements.
- S7-1500F CPU 1517F: This high-performance fail-safe CPU is suitable for demanding safety applications that require advanced safety functions and processing capabilities.
- S7-1500F CPU 1518F: The CPU 1518F is the highest-performance fail-safe CPU in the S7-1500 series, intended for the most complex and demanding safety-critical automation tasks.
These fail-safe CPUs in the S7-1200/1500 series are equipped with integrated safety functions and are capable of executing safety-related programs in compliance with safety standards, such as ISO 13849 and IEC 61508. They are used in applications where safety is paramount and where the PLC needs to monitor and control safety-critical functions to prevent accidents and hazards.
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Conclusion:
As industries navigate the ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation, the choice between the Simatic S7-1200 and S7-1500 PLCs is a decision of strategic significance. The former excels in compactness and scalability for smaller setups, while the latter conquers complexity and demands with its modularity, power, safety integration, and motion control prowess. By comprehending the differences and aligning them with unique operational needs, businesses can leverage Siemens' innovation to optimize automation and carve their path toward a more efficient future.
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