Simatic S7-1200 microcontroller from Siemens

A Siemens Automation and Drives product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jun 3, 2009

Siemens's industry automation division has launched the Simatic S7-1200 microcontroller.

The Simatic Step 7 Basic engineering system configures both the controller and the human-machine interface (HMI) Basic Panels.

This ensures especially simple and rapid programming, networking, and commissioning.

Together, the controller, the HMI Basic Panels and the software form an integrated solution for compact automation tasks in the Micro Automation performance class.

The Simatic S7-1200 Micro PLC (programmable logic controller) is a modular controller for compact applications in the lower performance range.

In developing the controller and the software, particular emphasis was given to seamless integration and the ideal co-ordination of controller, HMI and software.

The design of the Simatic S7-1200 microcontroller is scalable and flexible.

This makes it possible to fulfil automation tasks with precision.

The central module can be extended flexibly with input/output and communication modules.

The 'signal boards' are a new feature.

They are attached to the front of the CPU module and provide either two DI (digital input)/DO (digital output) interfaces or one analogue output.

This allows a compact design for applications with only a few signals.

The micro PLC can be expanded for serial communication with two communication modules, each with an RS232 or RS485 port.

The Simatic S7-1200 has an integrated Profinet interface for easy networking and communication between an engineering system, controllers and HMI; for example, for programming and CPU-to-CPU communication.

The Simatic HMI Basic Panels for visualisation are also connected via this interface.

The CSM 1277 expansion module, an unmanaged four-port Ethernet/Profinet switch, is available for networking multiple controllers or HMI devices.

For demanding technological tasks, technology functions for counting, measuring, closed-loop control, and motion control are already integrated as standard.

In addition, compared with the Simatic S7-200 predecessor model, the new microcontroller also has a faster processor and larger memory, which can be divided flexibly between program and application data.

The Simatic Step 7 Basic engineering system provides integrated engineering for controllers and Simatic HMI Basic Panels.

Simatic Step 7 Basic V10.5 with integrated WinCC Basic for visualisation tasks supports the user with task-oriented and intuitive editors for a high degree of user-friendliness and efficiency in engineering.

The co-ordinated solution of controller and engineering system can be expanded through a range of HMI Basic Panels with a high IP65 degree of protection and with integrated Profinet interface.

The panels include 4in to 15in pixel-graphic displays with touch-screen and tactile function keys.

All panels consistently offer the same functionality regarding reporting, recipe management, and trend curve functions.

The Simatic S7-1200 Microcontroller is versatile and is suitable for both the efficient automation of smaller machines and conveyor systems as well as distributed closed-loop control components in larger systems.