- Published 26 Apr 2024
- Last Modified 29 Apr 2024
- 8 min
The Ultimate Guide to Siemens SIMATIC for Automation Excellence
In this guide, we’ll explore the Siemens SIMATIC range, including PLCs and HMI Panels. We'll also look at which types of SIMATIC PLCs are best suited to various applications, along with software and networking features and some helpful FAQs.
Introduction to the Siemens SIMATIC Range
Siemens SIMATIC stands as a robust suite of industrial automation products, crafted to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance control across a wide range of industries. At the core of industrial automation, Siemens SIMATIC controllers offer tailored solutions to meet the requirements of various sectors.
We’ve partnered with Siemens to provide an overview of SIMATIC features, explore common applications across industries, and integration and compatibility aspects of the Siemens SIMATIC range.
The SIMATIC Family Ecosystem
The SIMATIC family encompasses a suite of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), I/Os, Industrial PCs and associated software, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that streamlines automation processes.
SIMATIC PLCs Explained
Within the Siemens SIMATIC range, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) form the bedrock of automation, providing intelligence and control across a diverse range of industrial applications. Let's explore the distinct features of various SIMATIC PLCs, each tailored to meet specific needs and performance requirements.
SIMATIC S7-1200: Entry-Level Efficiency
The SIMATIC S7-1200 caters to compact automation solutions, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized projects. Despite its size, it boasts powerful performance and integrated communication options for seamless operation.
Key Features:
- Compact design for space efficiency
- Scalability for different project sizes
- Integrated PROFINET interface for seamless communication
- Well-suited for manufacturing, building automation, and smaller control cabinets
SIMATIC S7-1500: High-End Performance
For projects demanding high performance and flexibility, the SIMATIC S7-1500 is the go-to choice. With advanced features and excellent processing power, it caters to complex automation tasks with precision.
Key Features:
- High-speed processing for demanding applications
- Expanded memory and data handling capabilities
- Enhanced diagnostics and maintenance features
- Ideal for large-scale manufacturing, process automation, and applications requiring extensive data processing
- Optionally with Motion technology objects for demanding motion and robotics applications
SIMATIC S7-300: Proven Versatility
The SIMATIC S7-300 has long been a staple in industrial automation, known for its robustness and adaptability. This PLC offers a modular design for flexibility and scalability, with an extensive range of modules to customise solutions for various industries.
Key Features:
- Modular design for flexibility and scalability
- Extensive range of available modules
- Excellent reliability for continuous operation
- Commonly used in manufacturing, infrastructure, and applications with varying control requirements
- SIMATIC S7-1200 and SIMATIC S7-1500 are successors to the S7-300 range
SIMATIC S7-400: Maximum Flexibility
For large and complex automation solutions, the SIMATIC S7-400 stands out with high performance, extensive module options, and compatibility with existing installations.
Key Features:
- High processing power for demanding tasks
- Extensive range of modules for customisation
- Suitable for applications requiring large I/O capacities
- Widely applied in heavy industries, process automation, and applications demanding high availability
SIMATIC ET 200: Distributed Controllers
The SIMATIC ET 200 series offers a choice of distributed controller solutions, allowing for flexibility in your automation system. Seamless integration with other SIMATIC controllers provides decentralised control options.
Key Features:
- Decentralised PLC for flexible installation
- Scalability to adapt to changing system requirements
- Either a compact PLC fitting to the SIMATIC ET200SP, if you wish also PC-based; or fitting to the SIMATIC ET 200pro portfolio with IP65/67 protection
- Easy integration with various communication protocols
- Ideal for applications where the controller needs to be close to the production
SIMATIC Controllers Comparison Table
PLC Model | Performance | Size | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
S7-1200 | Entry-Level | Compact | Small to medium-sized projects |
S7-1500 | High-End | Compact to Mid-Size | Large-scale manufacturing, process |
S7-300 | Versatile | Modular | Manufacturing, infrastructure |
S7-400 | Maximum Flexibility | Large | Heavy industries, process automation |
ET 200 | Distributed | Compact, open, robust | Flexible controller placement |
SIMATIC HMIs Explained
Complementing the PLCs, SIMATIC HMIs provide an intuitive interface for operators to interact with the automation system, enhancing visualisation, control, and monitoring for overall operational efficiency.
Realise your HMI solution with the well-known visualisation software SIMATIC WinCC.
Key Features:
- Touchscreens and graphical displays for a user-friendly experience, simplifying operations for operators
- Tailor the HMI interface to align with specific operational needs, creating informative dashboards and control panels
- Integration with SIMATIC PLCs and other devices ensures a cohesive automation environment, with Ethernet and other communication protocols facilitating real-time data exchange
- Be flexible: Choose from a variety of HMI devices with sizes from 4” to 24”, also for outdoor or hygienic use, close to the machine or up to 100m and more away from your controlling device
I/Os Wherever you need them
You will find a wide variety of I/O offerings within the SIMATIC range, opening many opportunities to set up your automation solution. All can be configured in one central software tool, the SIMATIC TIA Portal.
SIMATIC ET 200SP: Distributed I/O Systems
The SIMATIC ET 200SP series offers a distributed I/O solution, allowing for flexible I/O module placement across the automation solution. Seamless integration with SIMATIC controllers provides decentralised control options.
Key Features:
- Decentralised I/Os for flexible installation
- Scalability to adapt to changing system requirements
- Easy integration with various communication protocols
- Ideal for applications where I/O modules need distributed placement
SIMATIC ET 200MP: Central I/O Systems
The SIMATIC ET 200MP series is the choice, when you want to combine the I/Os with the PLC, having every automation component placed safely in the cabinet.
Key Features:
- Powerful central I/O system
- Scalable and easy to mount
- Provides modules to add Edge or AI-functionality directly to the controller
SIMATIC ET 200 product lines for harsh environments
- The SIMATIC ET 200 portfolio allows you to cover every need of your automation project
- SIMATIC ET 200AL: Compact and low weight to be mounted on robots or moving parts
- SIMATIC ET 200eco PN: Robust metal housing for use in outdoor and hazardous
Application & Benefits in Automation
The Siemens SIMATIC range finds applications across various industries, delivering numerous benefits to businesses engaged in automation and control processes.
Industry Applications:
- Enhances efficiency and ensures precise control over manufacturing production processes
- Contributes to reliable control of power plants, distribution systems, and renewable energy sources
- Provides intelligent automation solutions for critical infrastructure, from water treatment plants to transportation systems
Key Benefits:
- Seamless integration streamlines operations, reducing manual intervention and enhancing overall efficiency
- The modular nature of SIMATIC controllers allows businesses to scale their automation systems as needed, adapting to changing requirements
- Siemens' reputation for delivering reliable and durable automation solutions minimises the risk of system failures and downtime
Connecting and Networking Siemens SIMATIC Controllers with Other Devices
Which Software is used with Siemens SIMATIC?
Central to the SIMATIC ecosystem framework TIA Portal is the renowned SIMATIC Step 7 software. This powerful engineering tool facilitates programming, configuration, and diagnostics of SIMATIC controllers.
Key Features:
- SIMATIC Step 7 streamlines the programming process, offering a user-friendly environment for code development and enhancing programming efficiency
- Test and simulate control logic before deployment, ensuring accuracy and reducing the likelihood of errors
How do SIMATIC controllers ensure connectivity and networking?
Siemens SIMATIC controllers excel in connectivity and networking capabilities. They support Ethernet communication for high-speed data exchange between devices, enabling real-time control and monitoring. Additionally, SIMATIC controllers can be integrated into IoT ecosystems for data-driven decision-making.
SIMATIC IPC – Run Software Anywhere
A data gateway connects your brownfield applications to the cloud, allowing you to add analytics functionalities to virtually all applications. Another way to assess data is to implement an Edge system and compute the data locally. Visual quality inspection or HMI platforms are among further use cases for Industrial PCs. The SIMATIC Industrial PC portfolio provides the platform to realise your applications.
Key Features:
- Box PCs, Panel PCs and Rack PCs
- Devices with protection class IP65 available
- 24/7 operation in industrial environments
- Embedded IPCs with no moving parts for little to no maintenance
- Available with Windows or Industrial OS