- Particularly compact Simatic S7-1511C and S7-1512C
- CPU plus inputs and outputs in one enclosure
- Technology functions such as metering, measuring, and positioning already integratedinto hardware
- Rounds off advanced controller portfolio
- Engineering via updated TIA Portal V13 Service Pack 1
Siemens is expanding its portfolio of advanced controllers in the Simatic S7-1500 family with the addition of two particularly compact controllers. Simatic S7-1511C and S7-1512C combine CPU (including front display) with inputs and outputs in one enclosure. The compact design means that Simatic S7-1511C with 32 digital IO ports is just 85 millimeters wide and Simatic S7-1512C with 64 digital IO connections only 110 millimeters wide. Both models can be expanded to include additional connections using signal modules if required. Key technology functions such as metering, measuring, and positioning are already integrated into the hardware. The new Siemens controllers are suitable primarily for compact designs, such as those used in series production machines. Other benefits for customers include the low cost compared with modular controllers with processing units and easier storage or warehousing.
The new advanced controllers from Siemens are small in size but big in performance. Simatic S7-1511C has a bit performance of 60ns; the equivalent performance for the somewhat larger Simatic S7-1512C is 48ns. Just by switching from older generations of controllers, users therefore benefit from the large range of functions in the high-performance hardware. For integrating into networks, both models have a Profinet connection with two ports and an integrated Web server.
Simatic S7-1511C and S7-1512C engineering is through the TIA Portal. Siemens has updated the TIA Portal V13 with Service Pack 1. The latest version offers high-performance functions such as variant management. Automatic address adjustment and option handling – centrally, locally, and via networks – open up new opportunities for machine manufacturers to design modular and expandable machines. Other advantages include the clear potential cost savings in the manufacture, commissioning, and documentation of machinery.
Background
Since the launch of the new Simatic S7-1500 generation of controllers in 2012, Siemens has systematically expanded its controller portfolio. The new compact range provides users with a total of fourteen S7-1500 central processing units (of which 6 have Safety Integrated) for a huge variety of applications – from small series production machines to complex plant with significant requirements in terms of speed and deterministics. At the SPS IPC Drives 2014 trade fair, Siemens also presented for the first time a software controller based on the Simatic S7-1500 for use in PC-based automation. The S7-1500 software controller based on Simatic S7-1500 PLC is available for Simatic industrial PCs. It runs independently of Windows and is therefore available for a wide variety of systems. An overview of the complete range of automation controllers can be accessed at siemens.com/simatic-controller.