For both systems, a wide range of modules can be used according to the task at hand and a

cost-effective stock of spare parts are readily available.

Overview

Released in 2012, the SIMATIC S7-1500 is the successor of the longstanding S7-300 PLC.
Although they are interchangeable in many situations, the S7-1500 generation integrates the
latest and future-proof technologies into an automation system with enhanced system features
over the S7-300.
With the engineering system TIA Portal, the common engineering platform for all SIMATIC
controllers, the S7-1500 is designed for fast market changes, constantly shorter product life
cycles, and increasing cost pressures.

General Specifications

Both the S7-300 and S7-1500 PLCs are similar in shape and size and are built around a
modular, expandable design.
CPUs, I/O modules and communication modules may be added as needed to a standard
backplane that can be sized to fit your specific project.
Up to 32 expansion modules can be installed with both systems, requiring only a DIN rail
mount and backplane.
The S7-1500 has a standard built-in display and keypad that allows for basic configuration
and diagnostics without the need for an external screen.

S7-1500 and S7-300 CPU Categories

Both the S7-300 and S7-1500 series PLCs have many different configuration options that
allow the optimal CPU to be selected depending on the application.
Both platforms provide several CPU categories including:
– Standard, for typical applications.
– Compact, for applications where space and cost is a concern.
– Fail-Safe, for fail-safe applications.
The following tables give a basic overview of CPU options you can choose although there are
many more selections that are not listed.

S7-300 CPU Categories and their Applications

The following table gives a basic overview of S7-300 CPU options you can choose although
there are many more selections that are not listed.
 S7-300 Application

CPU
For small-scale applications with moderate requirements on the processing speed.
312

CPU
For installations with medium requirements on program scope.
314

CPU
315-2 Medium to large programming memory with the ability to use SIMATIC engineering tools.
DP

CPU
315-2 Medium program memory and quantity framework. Integral Profinet interface with 2 ports.
Standard PN/DP

CPU
317-2 Large program memory and quantity framework for demanding requirements
DP

CPU
Large program memory and quantity framework for demanding requirements. Integral Profinet in
317-2
ports.
PN/DP

CPU
High command processing performance, large program memory and quantity framework for dem
319-3
applications
PN/DP

CPU
For small applications with high requirements in terms of processing power
312C

CPU
For installations with high requirements in terms of processing power and response time.
Compact 313C

CPU
For installations with high requirements in terms of processing power and response time. Point to
313C-
interface.
2 PtP
 CPU
313C- For installations with high requirements in terms of processing power and response time. Profibus
2 DP

CPU
For installations with high requirements in terms of processing power and response time. Point to
314C-
interface.
2 PtP

CPU
314C- For installations with high requirements in terms of processing power and response time. Profibus
2 DP

CPU
314C- For machines with high demands of computing power and reaction rate. Combined MPI-PROFIB
2 interface onboard
PN/DP

CPU
Failsafe CPU with medium to the large program memory and quantity framework with the ability
315F-2
SIMATIC Engineering tools.
DP

CPU
315F-2 Failsafe CPU with a medium program memory and quantity framework
PN/DP

CPU
Fail-Safe 317F-2 Failsafe CPU with a large program memory and quantity framework for demanding requirements
DP

CPU
Failsafe CPU with a large program memory and quantity framework for demanding requirements
317F-2
interface.
PN/DP

CPU
Failsafe CPU with highest processing performance, enlarged quantity framework, and enhanced c
319F-3
possibilities. Profinet Interface
PN/DP

S7-1500 CPU Categories and their Applications

The following table gives a basic overview of SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU options you can
choose although there are many more selections that are not listed.
 S7-1500 Application

CPU
1511-1 For small to medium applications, Integrated Profinet I/O interface
PN

CPU
1513-1 For medium applications. Integrated Profinet I/O interface
PN

CPU
1515-2 For medium to exceptionally demanding applications. Integrated Profinet I/O interface.
PN

Standar
d
CPU
For exceptionally demanding applications and additional communication tasks. Integrated Prof
1516-3
interface
PN/DP

CPU
1517-3 For demanding applications and additional communication tasks. Additional PROFIBUS DP m
PN/DP

CPU
1518-4 For high-performance applications and shortest reaction times. Additional PROFIBUS DP mas
PN/DP

CPU
For small to medium applications and compact constructions such as in series machine manufa
1511C-1
Integrated Profinet I/O interface
PN
Compa
ct
CPU
For medium applications and compact constructions such as in series machine manufacturing.
1512C-1
Profinet I/O interface
PN

CPU
Fail- Entry-level CPU for medium fail-safe and standard applications. Integrated Profinet interface f
1511F-1
Safe Profinet basic services
PN
 CPU
For medium fail-safe and standard applications. Integrated Profinetinterface for Ethernet and P
1513F-1
services
PN

CPU
1515F-2 For medium to large fail-safe and standard applications. Integrated Profinet interface with 2 po
PN

CPU
For exceptionally demanding fail-safe and standard applications and additional communication
1516F-3
Integrated Profinet.
PN/DP

CPU
For high-performance fail-safe and standard applications and shortest reaction times. Integrate
1518F-4
interface
PN/DP

CPU
1518F-4 For standard and failsafe applications with high demand. Provides decentral structure via Profi
PN/DP PROFIBUS DP w/ PROFIsafe
ODK

SIMATIC S7-1500 Enhanced Processing Performance

The S7-1500 significantly increases performance over the S7-300 with a faster backplane
bus, standard Profinet interface, and shorter reaction times.
As a result, the updated Profinet interface provides greater reproducibility and precision in
the nanoseconds timeframe.
When programming for slower processes this may not make a noticeable difference in the
real world, however, it can be very useful in high-speed applications such as assembly lines.
SIMATIC S7-1500 Profinet Ports

Two Profinet ports come standard on every S7-1500 CPU although you may select additional
ports and communication protocols when ordering.

As an added bonus, you are able to configure these ports as a bridge which acts as a mini
switch. This can be very convenient when linking devices and interfacing with the PLC in the
field.
With S7-300s, the desired number of ports and appropriate communication protocol must be
chosen up-front.
For both systems, there are expansion modules you can add after the fact to add extra ports or
communication capabilities.

Siemens S7-1500 Lower Cost

Prices between the S7-300 and S7-1500 are very similar between like models.
If cost is a major concern, the S7-1500 compact version provides up to 70% cost savings, as
well as 25% space savings compared to the standard CPUs, although some features are
limited.
Selecting a Siemens S7 PLC for Your Project
There are several main factors to consider when selecting a PLC for your project; These
factors are:
– Application size
– Available space
– Communications protocols
– Processing performance
By following the table provided above or by using the Siemens website, you can select the
appropriate PLC for your specific application.

Additional Benefits of S7-1500 Over S7-300

For almost all applications, the S7-1500 can be used where the S7-300 is used. However, the
S7-1500 provides many additional benefits over the S7-300.
– A built-in display comes standard, allowing for easy configuration, such as IP addressing,
without the need for programming or tools.
– Plain-text diagnostic information is provided to prevent having to look up error codes
resulting in reduced troubleshooting and downtime.

– Sufficient memory is provided a standard for any application regardless of industry.

– There’s also a flexible memory card concept that allows you to select the appropriate
memory card for varying project sizes.
– You can store up to 32 GB worth of information on the card for project data and
documents.
– There’s a long service life of 50,000 operating hours.
– There’s no loss of system error messages, even when CPU is in STOP mode.
– You get access to all operating data using Office tools and via Web Server.
In cases where expansion or replacement is required on an existing system using S7-300
PLCs, it may be desirable to continue using the S7-300 series to maintain consistency and the
ability to use the same spare parts.
Using TIA portal, S7-1500s have the ability to import old Step 7 projects from an S7-300
PLC and convert to the new format.

In conclusion, both the S7-300 and S7-1500 PLCs are capable and proven systems, providing
modular, cost-effective, and application-specific solutions to fit your needs.
In the future, Siemens will slowly begin to phase out the S7-300 in favor of the SIMATIC S7-
1500.
Eventually, the S7-300s will no longer be supported, although that is still many years away. As
of now the added benefits of the S7-1500 offered at a price point similar to the S7-300 make it
a no-brainer to go with the updated PLC on your next project.

Thank you so much for reading, watching and adding your voice to this automation
conversation.