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Industrial Automation & Network Hardware
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Siemens S7-1200 vs. S7-1500 Series: Choose the Right PLC with Industrial Automation Co.

May 16, 2025

Whether you're outfitting a compact machine or automating a large-scale production line, selecting the right PLC is critical to your operation’s success. At Industrial Automation Co., we help manufacturers choose and source the right Siemens PLC fast. From emergency part replacements to long term modernization planning, we’re your trusted partner for Siemens S7-1200 and S7-1500 series controllers.

Real-World Reliability: Why Industrial Automation Co. Stands Out

When a Midwest manufacturer faced a failing PLC on a key packaging line, they contacted Industrial Automation Co. By noon, we shipped a Siemens S7-1500 controller with same-day delivery. Their operations were back online within hours, avoiding tens of thousands in lost productivity.

This is the Industrial Automation Co. difference:
 Same-day shipping
 U.S.-based support
 New, refurbished, and legacy inventory
 24-month warranty on most parts

Key Differences: Siemens S7-1200 vs. S7-1500 PLCs

Feature S7-1200 Series S7-1500 Series
Applications Small to mid-size (e.g., machine control) Medium to large (robotics, production lines)
CPU Performance Cortex-M3, ~0.1 ms/instruction Cortex-M4, ~0.01 ms/instruction
I/O Capacity Up to 128 points Up to 2048 points
Memory 150 KB, optional card Up to 3 MB, memory card required
Motion Control Basic (steppers) Advanced (servos, VFDs, kinematics)
Safety Models 1200F (SIL 3, PL e) 1500F (Advanced, SIL 3, PL e)
Networking Optional Ethernet (CM 1243-5) Dual Profinet + OPC UA standard
Redundancy Limited Hot standby support
Software TIA Portal Basic (~$500) TIA Portal Professional (~$4000)
Cost ~$300–$500 (e.g., 1214C) ~$1000+ (e.g., 1511)

Which Siemens PLC Is Right for You?

Use this decision guide:

Criteria Choose S7-1200 Choose S7-1500
Project Scale Compact machines, limited I/O Large systems, complex sequencing
Performance Needs Basic logic and control High-speed processing and analytics
Motion Capabilities Simple motor or stepper control Coordinated servo motion, kinematics
IIoT Integration Limited OPC UA, Profinet, MindSphere-ready
Budget Cost-conscious projects Scalable, long-term investments

Engineer-Focused Specs

S7-1200 (Example: 1214C)

  • 150 KB work memory

  • 0.1 ms/instruction

  • 8 expansion modules

  • Communication via CM1243-5 module

  • Ideal for standalone machines

S7-1500 (Example: 1516-3 PN/DP)

  • 1.5 MB work memory

  • 0.01 ms/instruction

  • 32 module support

  • Dual Profinet + OPC UA

  • Perfect for integrated, high-performance control

Programming Examples in TIA Portal

S7-1200 Ladder Logic – Pump Control

ladder
IF "Level_Sensor" (I0.1) THEN SET "Pump_Motor" (Q0.1); ELSE RESET "Pump_Motor" (Q0.1); END_IF;

S7-1500 Motion Block – Servo Movement

structured
FUNCTION_BLOCK "Servo_Position" VAR Axis: TO_Axis; Position: LREAL := 200.0; // mm END_VAR MC_Power(Axis:=Axis, Enable:=TRUE); MC_MoveAbsolute(Axis:=Axis, Position:=Position, Velocity:=60.0); END_FUNCTION_BLOCK

Case Studies: Fast, Field-Tested Solutions

  • Food Packaging (S7-1200)
    A bakery needed a compact PLC for packaging with 50 I/O points. We delivered a 1214C same day, enabling remote web monitoring and minimizing downtime.

  • Automotive Assembly (S7-1500)
    A robotic assembly line with over 1000 I/O points required high-speed logic and safety integration. We sourced a 1516F with safety support and delivered within 24 hours.

Why Buy Siemens PLCs from Industrial Automation Co.?

  • Refurbished + New Inventory: Over 5,000 parts stocked

  • Same-Day Shipping: Most orders ship within hours

  • Repair Services: Extend the life of EOL Siemens controllers

  • U.S. Veteran-Owned: Based in Raleigh, NC

  • 24-Month Warranty on most PLCs

 

Cost vs. Value

  • S7-1200 + TIA Portal Basic = ~$900 total

  • S7-1500 + TIA Portal Professional = ~$5,000 total

FAQs

Can S7-1200 code run on S7-1500?
Yes, but advanced features require TIA Portal Professional.

Which series is newer?
Both are actively supported. S7-1500 is optimized for larger systems.

Can I mix them?
Yes, use Profinet to integrate S7-1200 as remote I/O.

Which series is better for beginners?
S7-1200 offers an affordable learning curve with transferable skills.

Need legacy support?
Yes, we specialize in discontinued Siemens PLCs.

Conclusion
Whether you're automating a compact machine with the S7-1200 or building a smart factory around the S7-1500 delivers the parts and expertise you need. With fast shipping, expert support, and legacy inventory, we’re your go-to partner for Siemens PLCs.

 

For more information, contact PLG Automation:
Email: sales@plgautomation.com
Phone: 800-906-9271