Siemens プログラマブル ロジック コントローラーの分類 (PLC)

Siemens プログラマブル ロジック コントローラーの分類 (PLC)

Siemens プログラマブル ロジック コントローラーの分類 (PLC)

Siemens PLC product line Siemens プログラマブル ロジック コントローラーの分類 (PLC) covers full scenarios from micro logic control to large-scale complex automation. The core classification is divided into two dimensions: Classification by Product Series (Scale / 位置決め) and Classification by Functional Characteristics. The two categories are interrelated and complementary. The following provides a detailed explanation combined with specific product models, functions and application scenarios, covering both current mainstream models and phased-out replacement models to ensure a complete classification and practical engineering applicability.

1. Classification by Product Series (Scale / 位置決め)

This classification is mainly based on PLC hardware performance, I/O expansion capability, programming complexity and applicable project scale, upgrading gradually from micro to large scale. It meets automation demands at all levels and is the most commonly used classification method for engineering selection.

1.1 Ultra-Micro PLC: ロゴ! シリーズ

Positioned as an ultra-compact general logic control module, it is Siemens’ simplest PLC, mainly used to replace traditional relay control for minimal control scenarios. It integrates input and output contacts, editable control logic, internal timers, operation panel and power supply into one unit, featuring compact structure, simple wiring and low maintenance. It supports standard DIN 35mm rail mounting and can be programmed via LOGO! Soft Comfort software (free and installation-free) with easy operation.

主な特長: コンパクトなサイズ, low cost, supporting basic logic operation, counting and timing functions. Some models are equipped with backlit displays and expandable I/O modules. It supports Ethernet networking and delivers excellent EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and shockproof performance.

アプリケーションシナリオ: Standalone equipment control (例えば, 小型ウォーターポンプ, ファン, 照明制御) and small commercial & industrial automation scenarios. Ideal for applications with simple operation requirements and limited I/O points. After multiple generations of iteration, it is widely adopted in various simple control systems.

1.2 Small PLC: S7-200 Series (製造中止) & S7-200 SMART Series

This series is positioned as entry-level and cost-effective PLCs, targeting the OEM market. The S7-200 series has been officially discontinued and fully replaced by the S7-200 SMART series. The two share compatible programming logic, while the latter achieves significant improvements in communication performance and system integration.

主な特長: The S7-200 SMART series adopts a compact structure with integrated PROFINET interface and Modbus TCP/RTU communication. It can be seamlessly integrated with SMART LINE HMI and V20 inverters to reduce system integration costs. It supports basic logic control, 数える, timing and simple analog processing, with small footprint and high cost performance for low I/O point applications.

アプリケーションシナリオ: 小規模生産ライン, 包装機械, building automation, small machine tools and other simple automation systems with no more than 100 I/O点数. It is the preferred entry-level automation solution for small and medium-sized enterprises.

1.3 中くらい & Small PLC: S7-1200シリーズ

As Siemens’ core mid-range compact PLC for medium and small complex control applications, it gradually replaces the traditional S7-200 and partial S7-300 products. It balances performance and cost and supports Industry 4.0 related functions.

主な特長: Compact integrated I/O design, expandable with up to 8 signal modules and a maximum of 284 digital I/O points. It offers microsecond-level instruction processing speed, high-speed pulse output (up to 100kHz), built-in PID and motion control functions, and multi-axis synchronization (まで 32 positioning axes for selected models). With integrated PROFINET, high-speed communication and cloud connection, it is programmed on the TIA Portal platform for convenient operation.

アプリケーションシナリオ: OEM equipment, standalone or small collaborative control for medium and small production lines, such as food processing machinery, assembly lines and warehousing sorting equipment. Suitable for projects with 128~512 I/O points and moderately complex control logic.

1.4 中くらい & 大型PLC: S7-300/400 Series (製造中止) & S7-1500シリーズ

Positioned as mid-to-high-end PLCs for large and complex automation systems, the modular mid-range S7-300 and high-performance S7-400 series are being phased out and replaced by the S7-1500 series. As a new generation of high-end PLC, the S7-1500 fully adapts to Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing with far superior performance over legacy products.

主な特長:

S7-300/400 Series (製造中止): The S7-300 is a modular mid-range PLC expandable with up to 32 modules for medium complex systems within 1000 I/O点数. The fanless S7-400 features wide-temperature operation (-25~70℃), redundant configuration support, expansion of over 300 モジュール, tens of thousands of I/O control, high reliability and powerful complex algorithm processing capability.

S7-1500シリーズ (Current Mainstream): Powerful hardware with nanosecond-level instruction speed, large working memory and abundant communication resources. It supports distributed I/O expansion (CPU 1511 supports up to 1024 モジュール) そして 64 integrated DIQ points per module. Equipped with an onboard display for operation monitoring and fault diagnosis, it supports motion control, industrial cybersecurity and safety-related functions, and seamless connection with PCS 7 システム. Programmed via TIA Portal, it enables multi-task processing and complex process control.

アプリケーションシナリオ: The S7-1500 is widely used in large-scale production lines, 冶金, 力, chemical industry and automotive assembly lines, applicable to projects with over 512 I/O points requiring complex motion control, distributed control or high operational reliability. The S7-300/400 series is only used for maintenance and upgrading of existing equipment, while the S7-1500 is the priority choice for new projects.

1.5 スペシャルシリーズ: SIMATIC TDC Series (製造中止)

A dedicated process control PLC built on the SIMADYND core, it is a high-performance modular multi-processor automation system designed for industrial high-precision control demands, now replaced by the S7-1500T series. Its core advantages include ultra-short cycle time (minimum 100μs), synchronous multi-processor operation, high-speed dynamic data processing, complex process control and high-precision analog processing, suitable for metallurgy, 力, metal processing and other complex industrial scenarios.

2. Classification by Functional Characteristics

This classification focuses on special customized functions to meet differentiated control requirements. Multiple functional types are available within one product series, serving as a supplement to series-based classification and facilitating model selection according to specific process demands.

2.1 Standard PLC

The most basic and widely used type, with core functions including logic control, 数える, timing, arithmetic operation and basic communication without extended specialized functions, applicable to most conventional automation scenarios. All series provide standard CPU models, such as S7-1200 standard CPU and S7-1500 standard CPU (例えば, CPU 1511), delivering high cost performance for general standalone equipment and production line control.

2.2 Technology PLC (T-Type)

Optimized for motion control, supporting positioning, interpolation (curved motion), multi-axis synchronization and cam synchronization with rich instructions and high motion precision for complex motion applications. Mainly available in the S7-1200 and S7-1500 series (S7-1500T), it realizes high-speed positioning, flying shear and rotary cutting, widely used in machine tools, robots and precision processing equipment.

2.3 Safety PLC (F-Type)

With functional safety certification compliant with SIL 3, it can quickly cut off hazardous circuits upon faults to ensure equipment and personnel safety for high-safety-demand industries. Main models include S7-1200F CPU, S7-1500F CPU, S7-1500HF CPU and ET200 series safety controllers, which need to cooperate with failsafe I/O modules (F-I/O) and STEP 7 Safety software packages. Applied in chemical, 冶金, lifting machinery and passenger-carrying equipment.

2.4 Distributed PLC

Featuring compact size and decentralized installation, it is suitable for space-limited or remote control scenarios. It communicates with the main controller via field buses (プロフィネット, プロフィバス) to realize distributed I/O expansion and remote control. Represented by the ET200 series (ET200SP, ET200pro), it can operate as distributed I/O stations or independent controllers, widely deployed in distributed control architectures of large production lines.

2.5 コンパクトPLC (C-Type)

Integrated with onboard I/O and communication interfaces, it meets basic control demands without additional expansion modules. It features compact structure, small footprint and space-saving installation with high cost performance. Typical products include the compact S7-1200 and LOGO! シリーズ, ideal for space-restricted standalone equipment and small-scale simple control scenarios.

2.6 Extended Temperature PLC (SIPLUS Series)

Designed for extreme ambient conditions, it operates stably in a wide temperature range (-40~70℃) with excellent dustproof, moisture-proof and anti-vibration performance for harsh environments such as outdoor facilities, metallurgy and mining. Corresponding extended temperature models are available for all mainstream Siemens PLC series.

2.7 Redundant PLC (R&H-Type)

Featured with redundant configuration including dual CPU, dual power supply and dual communication modules, it achieves bumpless switching during single-module failures to ensure non-stop and continuous system operation. It is adopted in mission-critical industries with ultra-high reliability requirements such as power systems, continuous chemical production and nuclear industry, mainly covered by the S7-1500 and S7-400 series (例えば, S7-400H).

3. 補足事項
4. Product Iteration: Siemens PLC has a clear upgrade roadmap: low-end: S7-200 → S7-200 SMART; mid-range: S7-300 → S7-1200/S7-1500; high-end: S7-400 & SIMATIC TDC → S7-1500. New projects are recommended to adopt current mainstream models for convenient later maintenance and upgrading.
5. 選定基準: Series classification determines hardware performance and applicable project scale, while functional classification defines specialized capabilities. Actual model selection shall comprehensively consider project scale, control logic complexity, customized functional demands and on-site environmental conditions.
6. Programming Compatibility: Mainstream current series (S7-200 SMART, S7-1200, S7-1500) are uniformly based on the TIA Portal platform with compatible programming logic and instruction systems. Proficiency in one series enables quick mastery of other models.