Technology is advancing by colossal leaps and bounds in the automation industry due to an increasingly competitive market, especially due to the emergence of Industry 4.0. In this context, as of October 1, 2023 Siemens has initiated the process of discontinuation of the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) of the SIMATIC S7-300 familyThis has generated concern and interest among companies and industries, which are now obliged to migration from Siemens S7-300 to S7-1500. This means that SIMATIC S7-300 components will be available as spare parts until at least 2033, but the innovations will only take place in the SIMATIC S7-1500 system and the TIA Portal, the manufacturers themselves have said.
Before getting into the issue of how to migrate from S7-300 to S7-1500it must be said that the family Siemens S7-300 is a series of PLCs that play a fundamental role in the industrial automation. These rugged devices were an industry standard due to their reliability and versatility and are used to automate a wide range of processes in diverse industries, from manufacturing to energy to the chemical industry.
On the other hand, the S7-300 programming is generally done through the Siemens STEP 7 softwarewhich supports several programming languages, such as Ladder Logic (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD), and Statement List (ST), facilitating the implementation of customized solutions.
What is the S7-1500 family?
When we ask ourselves what is the Siemens S7-1500 family it is important to clarify that just like the S7-300, it is a series of PLC designed to drive industrial automationbut with improved performance and flexibility. These controllers are in the range TIA Portalare a family of controllers with superior capabilities to those of the S7-1200 family. They have been created to meet the demands of modern industry, offering advanced processing, communication and safety capabilities.
The S7-1500 is equipped with a powerful multi-core processor that provides exceptional performance. This enables the control and monitoring of complex industrial systems with ultra-fast response times. Also It is also designed for networking. It also offers a wide range of communication options.
It also stands out for its incredible power and high processing speed. But what really makes it stand out is its integrated diagnostic system, which eliminates the need for diagnostic programming. In addition, its improved design includes features such as integrated jumpers, tool-free removal, screen connection and a two-position cover, which makes it much easier to maintain. It also has a built-in display that allows date/time settings, IP address configuration, program loading and provides valuable information such as serial numbers and IP addresses. In addition, it offers a robust set of diagnostic functions per channel and an integrated web server with user-customizable web pages.
In terms of industrial safety, theS7-1500 offers integrated safety featuresThis means that security measures can be implemented directly in the controller without the need for additional hardware. The SIMATIC S7-1500 prioritizes protection in every aspect. It offers block protection, access control, encrypted passwords and digital certificates, ensuring that data and access are secure. In addition, advanced features such as IP Forwarding and cybersecurity functionalities such as VPN and firewall make it a reliable choice for industrial environments where security is paramount.
Likewise, programming is done through the TIA Portal software from Siemens, which offers an intuitive development environment. It supports various programming languages, such as Ladder Logic (LD), Function Block Diagram (FBD) and Sequential Function Chart (SFC), making it easy to create custom applications.
Reasons behind the de-certification of the S7-300
SIMATIC S7-300 controllers, although they have been reliable and effective for many years, have reached the end of their life cycle in terms of technology and capabilities. Therefore, the new SIMATIC S7-1500 leverages the latest technological innovations to deliver superior performance and greater flexibility.
As explained in the previous section, the SIMATIC S7-1500 offers significantly improved performance compared to the S7-300. It has more powerful processors, the larger amount of memory and the faster execution speed enable more efficient control and the ability to handle more complex applications. This is essential in an industrial world with today's demands for a more efficient control and the ability to handle more complex applications. greater efficiency and productivity in industries 4.0.
With the discontinuation of the S7-300Siemens is committed to providing support and repair services until 2033 to ensure that existing users have a smooth transition to the new platform. In the long term, however, the company will focus its resources on the development and support of the SIMATIC S7-1500, ensuring a sustainable and reliable future for users.
The SIMATIC S7-1500 is designed to support current and future industry standards. This includes the easy integration into Industry 4.0 environments and the ability to communicate with other devices and systems more effectively, resulting in greater interoperability and adaptability to changing industry needs. And as we can deduce, the Siemens S7-1500 PLCs are more ready for upgrades and upgrades of existing systems and hardware than the Siemens S7-300 PLC. Unlike its predecessor, the S7-1500 has a digital display and keypad with which you can make configurations directly on the PLC without the need to add another accessory.
Other reasons for migration from S7-300 to S7-1500According to the company itself, the most important features are modernization and investment protection, since it enables companies to modernize their existing systems, incorporating state-of-the-art technology and thus protecting their investment in the long term. It also offers greater flexibility and efficiency compared to its predecessors. They enable more efficient engineering and more agile working, resulting in significant productivity gains. In addition, the S7-1500 is designed to easily adapt to changing market requirements and emerging technologies, ensuring future readiness.
How to migrate to the S7-1500
Siemens itself does not advise new installations with the old Siemens S7-300. As already announced, the S7-1500 will be available for the next 20 years. Therefore, if you have already made the decision to migrate from the S7-300 and S7-1500, please take into account these tips on how to migrate to the S7-1500. Before beginning any migration, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of your existing infrastructure and review the official guide and steps provided by the manufacturer. This document contains recommendations and notes for users, regarding the new generations that so far use the S7-300 automation.
In the migration preparation phaseIn order to ensure that all hardware components are clearly identified and the functions of each of them clearly defined, it is crucial to carry out an exhaustive identification of the hardware components. This involves verifying with the customer the availability of up-to-date backups, electrical schematics and documentation related to the production line. In addition, a detailed analysis of the fieldbuses and protocols needed to ensure a successful migration is performed. At this stage, the scope of the modernization is determined, considering whether it will be partial or total. To make this decision, the phases and systems to be migrated are prioritized according to the degree of obsolescence. Generally, we start with the most critical elements, while generating spare parts to guarantee the continuity of the operation. Plant availability is also evaluated during the modernization process.
In order to carry out this preparation phase efficiently, you can take advantage of useful tools such as the TIA Selection Tool. These tools provide valuable information and resources that facilitate planning and decision making in the modernization project, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to more up-to-date and efficient systems.
As with any process, perform extensive testing throughout the system to ensure that everything is working as intended. This includes functional, redundancy and safety testing. Verify that all functions and alarms are configured correctly. Once all testing has been successful, proceed with commissioning the S7-1500 system. Monitor performance during the first few weeks to identify and resolve any potential problems.
If you want to migrate to the S7-1500 from top expertsyou can get advice from Hexa Ingenieros. We have a highly trained team that will allow you to transition to the most advanced PLC model without major complications. We will also provide you with comprehensive advice on the S7-1500. Do not hesitate to contact us to receive additional information about Siemens S7-300 and S7-1500 PLCs.