New generation of the Simatic S7-1200 from Siemens

After 15 years, Siemens has presented the next generation of its Simatic S7-1200 compact controller series at the Hannover Messe 2024: the Simatic S7-1200 G2. Siemens cites efficient motion control, flexible machine safety, increased performance and seamless scalability as its main advantages.

At the 2009 Hanover Fair, Siemens presented the S7-1200 as the successor to the S7-200, heralding a new generation of compact PLCs. Now comes the next generation of compact PLCs, which Siemens now calls "controllers". The Simatic S7-1200 G2 series should be available from winter 2024.

The new controllers help bridge the worlds of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT). The controllers’ high communication performance and efficient data processing increase production output. By connecting the controllers to IT systems, it is also possible to use advanced data analysis, for example in the cloud.

The new controllers are part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, allowing customers to benefit from the standardized engineering approach in the TIA Portal. The Simatic S7-1200 G2 controller generation enables customers to address major challenges, such as productivity, flexibility, and cost optimization.

At the trade show, customers can explore the Simatic S7-1200 G2 controller via digital and real exhibit highlights: the S7-1200 G2 – enabling them to experience first-hand how the Simatic S7-1200 G2 supports efficient motion control and flexible machine safety, along with other smart solutions.

New features for Simatic S7-1200 G2

Machine builders are facing rising customer demands for more customized and flexible solutions. This is driving the need for technological advances, such as new motion control functionalities, performance improvements, and machine safety solutions. Siemens delivers full scalability across all Simatic controllers and offers the right controller for every customer application.

Simatic S7-1200 G2 controllers are setting new performance standards for versatile and high-precision automation applications. The new range of controllers combines integrated motion control functionalities with space-saving and flexible machine safety solutions.

For example, the S7-1200 G2 controllers make it possible for machine builders to control multiple coordinated axes and simple kinematics. Customers experience increased performance capabilities thanks to improved processing power, dedicated communication performance and more memory, as well as Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality with in-app access to diagnostic, operational, and device data. Plain text diagnostic information about the entire programmable logic controller (PLC) station reduces machine downtime and gives users quick access to data.