What is a Simatic controller? Types and features.

Siemens Simatic programmable logic controllers (PLC) are an effective automation tool for all industries, combining software and hardware components. The advantages of Siemens Simatic controllers are modular design, ease of maintenance, the presence of functional modules for input-output of discrete and analog signals, and multifunctionality, the ability to program for specific tasks and conditions. Today we want to discuss Siemens programmable logic controllers in more detail.

Simatic Controller Types

Siemens technology is the most demanded in modern industry and their PLC line is represented by Siemens Simatic S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 controllers.

Simatic S7-300

The Simatic S7-300 modular programmable controller is capable of solving low and medium-complexity automation tasks. A wide range of modules for solving various industrial automation tasks, free cooling, convenient design, use of distributed I/O structures and easy inclusion in network configurations, communication capabilities, and a huge number of functions supported by the operating system.

Simatic S7-300 are easy to operate and maintain, and provide the opportunity to obtain optimal solutions for building automatic process control systems in various industries. The controllers are supplied with several types of central processors of different performances, a wide range of I/O modules for discrete and analog signals, and functional modules, which increases the efficiency of using Siemens Simatic S7-300 controllers

Simatic S7-400

Siemens Simatic S7-400 PLC series for building automation systems of medium and high complexity. Siemens Simatic S7-400 has a modular design and allows the use of various modules in its composition. The use of several types of central processors of different performances contributes to the efficient use of Simatic S7-400 controllers. The device operates in free cooling conditions, it is possible to use local and distributed I/O structures. The controllers are easy to operate and maintain, and provide the best solutions for building automatic control systems in the industry.

Simatic S7-1200

PLC Siemens Simatic S7-1200 is a new family of Siemens microcontrollers for solving a variety of basic tasks in mechanical engineering and other industries. Simatic S7-1200 controllers have a modular structure and universal application. The system consists of three types of central processing units. The controllers are able to work in real mode, and can be used to build relatively simple nodes of local automation or nodes of complex automatic control systems that support intensive communication data exchange via Industrial Ethernet/PROFINET networks, as well as PtP (Point-to-Point) connections.

The S7-1200 programmable controllers have compact IP20 plastic housings, can be mounted on a standard 35 mm DIN rail or on a mounting plate, and operate in the temperature range from 0 to +50 C. Siemens Simatic S7-1200 PLCs are used in treatment plants or pumping buildings, fire safety systems, for controlling air conditioning and lighting, machine tools in the textile and metalworking industries and for many other tasks.

Simatic S7-1500

The Simatic S7-1500 programmable logic controllers are the latest family of Siemens controllers with excellent features and speed. The aim of these controllers is to combine the well-established Siemens Simatic controllers with state-of-the-art technology in a single, future-oriented automation system.

The innovative SIMATIC S7-1500 programmable controller is a further development of the proven SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-400 programmable controllers. The operating system of the controller integrates support for standard motion control functions and communication via PROFINET in IRT mode.

Together with the system, Siemens supplies a unified development environment STEP 7 Basic, which simplifies all stages of development and programming as much as possible, the integrated system of diagnostic messages has been updated, but at the same time, support for Simatic S7-300/S7-400 functions has been retained. Combined with the benefits of STEP 7 Professional V12 (TIA Portal), simple and efficient commissioning is ensured.

The convenient design of the S7-1500 programmable controller and its modularity allows it to be maximally adapted to the requirements of the task being solved. The controller is naturally cooled. In the case of a system upgrade, the controller provides free expansion of functionality. Increased program and data protection provides developers with an additional level of security.

Controllers are often used in automated control systems, such as:

• Technological installations and mechanical engineering.
• Automation of special purpose machines.
• Measurement and data collection systems.
• Packing machines and lines.
• Storage facilities.
• Building.
• Pumping stations.
• Conveyor equipment.
• Means of positioning and monitoring.

Features of Simatic Controllers

Siemens controllers Simatic series S7 allows you to automate any technological process that can be automated. The principle of this equipment is extremely simple - plug and play. The control process starts milliseconds after the device is integrated into the system.

Siemens Simatic compact PLC controllers effectively solve the following tasks:

• Collection, processing, and transformation of data.
• Monitoring and storage of information.
• Generation of commands for the control system.
• Trouble-free control of machines and production lines.
• Automation of small, medium, and large facilities.
• Increasing the profitability of production by optimizing the load and reducing downtime of capacities.
• In 99% of cases, Simatic logic microcontrollers provide an increase in production indicators in the first month of operation.

Advantages of Using Simatic Controllers

Siemens Simatic drive controllers have a wide range of advantages, let's look at the main ones:

• The high performance of the equipment contributes to the effective and efficient solution of problems of various levels of complexity.
• Modular design is easier to adapt to the specific specifics of the enterprise.
• The flexibility of the software provides a wide range of options for easy configuration and installation of controllers, as well as changing their initial parameters.
• An advanced security system restricts access to databases stored in the memory of logic controllers, making it safe to exchange confidential information over the Internet and other networks.
• The versatility of the Simatic S7 programmable modules allows you to simultaneously serve local and distributed ACS systems.
• The functionality of the system can be expanded.
• Siemens Simatic logic controllers can be operated at low and high temperatures, in conditions of high humidity, and under constant dynamic loads.
• High profitability of programmable devices.