Siemens Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)

Siemens programmable logic controllers are internationally recognized for their quality. They’re one of the most common producers of PLCs worldwide. Siemens PLCs are available to automate processes from small scale to large. Their latest PLC is the SIMATIC S7-1500V, a virtual PLC.

Are you trying to understand what programmable logic controllers are available? Perhaps you already have some Siemens PLCs and want to know whether or not to stick with Siemens. Keep reading to learn more about Siemens Logo! PLC and SIMATIC controllers.

This Access Industrial Automation blog post will list Siemens programmable logic controllers and explain the differences between Siemens PLCs.

If you want to learn more about technologies used in automation, read this blog post.

Siemens Programmable Logic Controllers

Siemens programmable logic controllers are considered some of the best in the industry. Their Logo! and SIMATIC controllers range from small-scale automation processes to large industrial scale. Siemens is leading the future of PLCs with their new virtual SIMATIC S7-1500V PLC.

Siemens’s main competitor in the United States is Rockwell Automation’s Allen Bradley PLCs.

We’ll look into the following Siemens PLCs more closely:

Siemens Logo! PLC
Siemens SIMATIC S7-200 PLC
Siemens SIMATIC S7-300 PLC
Siemens SIMATIC S7-400 PLC
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLC
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC
Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500V PLC

Siemens Logo! PLC

Siemens Logo! PLC is suitable for small-scale automated processes and has a compact design. It handles fewer inputs and outputs than other Siemens PLCs. The Logo! PLC is available with and without a display screen built-in.

Siemens SIMATIC S7-200 PLC

Siemens SIMATIC S7-200 PLC is the most affordable PLC. It is suitable for small-scale automated processes. This PLC can handle a maximum of 38 analog signals or 256 digital ones. The SIMATIC S7-200 PLC is also user-friendly.

Siemens SIMATIC S7-300 PLC

Siemens SIMATIC S7-300 PLC is suitable for medium to large-scale automated processes. Its modular design allows it to be combined with up to 32 different additional modules. This PLC is great for manufacturing applications due to its flexibility and performance. This is TIA Portal compatible.

Siemens SIMATIC S7-400 PLC

The Siemens SIMATIC S7-400 PLC is a high-end PLC that works well for automated processes and manufacturing. This PLC is capable of exceptional processing and advanced diagnostics. The Siemens SIMATIC S7-400 PLC can handle up to 21 expansions. It’s TIA Portal compatible.

Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 PLC

The SIMATIC S7-1200 PLC is one of Siemens’s most popular PLCs. This compact-designed PLC can handle simple and complex programming. It’s suitable for small to medium-sized scale automation. This PLC comes in multiple models and can be programmed using the TIA Portal.

Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC

The S7-1500 PLC from Siemens comes in a variety of models and forms, including a virtual version described later. These PLCs are the most advanced of any of Siemens programmable logic controllers. These PLCs are for large scale automation like manufacturing.

The Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs can support up to 32 expansion modules. It features a built-in display and keyboard. These PLCs can also be programmed using the TIA portal.

The SIMATIC S7-1500 PLCs are also capable of the following:

Edge integration and database connection
Suitable for artificial intelligence (AI) applications of PLCs
Adding CPU modules facilitates higher-level languages
Motion control is available with the addition of S7-1500 CPUs

Siemens Virtual SIMATIC S7-1500V PLC

Siemens offers a cutting-edge virtual programmable logic controller called the SIMATIC S7-1500V. This latest PLC is the result of collaborating with Audi and is compatible with Siemens’s existing TIA portal. Digital PLCs are the future of industrial automation.

The virtual PLC offers all of the perks and functions of the SIMATIC S7-1500 hardware version completely virtual. Functionality is downloaded as easily as you would add an app onto a smartphone.

In fact, complete access to the controller and its functions is available on a mobile device. You’re able to pay for the number of virtual instances, so you only pay for what you need.

The virtual PLC is still compatible with the TIA Portal, so you’ll have access to the programming you’re already using and integration features.

Conclusion: Finding a Siemens PLC Programmer

Siemens makes high-quality PLCs to meet your automation needs. Pairing Siemens products with a reliable programmer will boost your productivity!

Finding a trusted PLC programmer does not have to be difficult. Follow Access Industrial Automation’s guide on how to find a good PLC programmer for tips.

If you’re in Stockton, Oakland, Fresno, Modesto, or the surrounding California communities, you can find reliable PLC programming services for Siemens PLCs through Access Industrial Automation.

Learn more about PLC programming languages, like L/D or ladder/logic diagram, on our blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What PLCs does Siemens make?

Siemens has made various programmable logic controllers throughout its history. Some common ones that you may find still in use today include the Logo! PLC, the SIMATIC S7-200, S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, and S7-1500 versions, including an all-new virtual PLC.

What is the best Siemens PLC?

The best Siemens PLC is the SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC. This PLC is available in a hardware and virtual format. The virtual PLC is the SIMATIC S7-1500V. These PLCs represent the most advanced technology from Siemens and the greatest capacity.

What is the latest PLC from Siemens?

The latest PLC from Siemens is the virtual PLC: the SIMATIC S7-1500V. This virtual programmable logic controller is the product of a collaboration between Siemens and Audi. It offers all of the benefits of the standard SIMATIC S7-1500 PLC in a virtual format.

How many types of Siemens PLCs are there?

Currently, Siemens offers four different types of programmable logic controllers. Siemens advertises the Logo! PLC, the SIMATIC S7-1200 PLC, and three versions of the SIMATIC S7-1500. The S7-1500 comes in the standard version and the virtual version.