Application

The SIMATIC S7-1200 is the controller for open-loop and closed-loop control tasks in mechanical equipment manufacture and plant construction. It combines maximum automation and minimum cost.

Due to the compact modular design with a high performance at the same time, the SIMATIC S7-1200 is suitable for a wide variety of automation applications. Its range of use extends from the replacement of relays and contactors up to complex automation tasks in networks and within distributed structures.

The S7-1200 also increasingly opens up areas for which special electronics was previously developed for economical reasons.

Application examples include, for example:

• Placement systems
• Conveyor systems
• Elevators and escalators
• Material transportation equipment
• Metalworking machinery
• Packaging machines
• Printing machines
• Textile machines
• Mixing systems
• Freshwater treatment plants
• Wastewater treatment plants
• External displays
• Electricity distribution stations
• Room temperature control
• Heating/cooling system control
• Energy management
• Fire protection systems
• Air conditioning
• Lighting control
• Pump control
• Security/access control systems

Function

The S7-1200 is characterized by:

• Extremely simple starter solution: Special starter packages and introductions facilitate familiarization.
• Uncomplicated operation: Powerful standard commands which are simple to use, together with the user-friendly programming software, reduce the programming overhead to a minimum.
• Exceptional real-time characteristics: Special interrupt functions, fast counters, and pulse outputs permit use even with time-critical processes.
• Powerful communication options: Particularly with the optional PROFIBUS DP connection, the S7-1200 can fully utilize its performance capability for distributed automation solutions.

The SIMATIC S7-1200 meets national and international standards:

• UL 508
• CSA C22.2 No. 142
• FM Class I, div. 2, group A, B, C, D; T4A Class I, Zone 2, IIC, T4
• VDE 0160
• EN 61131-2
• Requirements of the EMC directive in accordance with EN 50081-1, 50081-2 and 50082-2

Design

The SIMATIC S7-1200 family consists of the following modules:

• 3 compact controllers with graded performances in different versions as wide-range AC or DC controllers
• 2 signal boards (analog and digital) for low-cost modular controller expansion directly on the CPU, with retention of the mounting space
• 13 different digital and analog signal modules
• 2 communication modules (RS232/RS485) for communication via point-to-point connection
• Ethernet switch with 4 ports for implementation of many different network topologies
• PS 1207 stabilized power supply units, line voltage 115/230 V AC, rated voltage 24 V DC

Mechanical features

• Rugged, compact plastic enclosure
• Easily accessible connection and control elements, protected by front flaps
• Removable connection terminals, also for analog or digital expansion modules

Device features

• International standards: SIMATIC S7-1200 complies with the standards according to VDE, UL, CSA and FM (Class I, Category 2; Danger zone groups A, B, C and D, T4A). The quality management system used during production is certified according to ISO 9001

Communication

The SIMATIC S7-1200 is equipped with different communication mechanisms:

• Integral PROFINET interface
• Point-to-point connection via communication modules

PROFINET interface

The integral PROFINET interface permits communication with:

• Programming device
• HMI devices
• Other SIMATIC controllers

The following protocols are supported:

• TCP/IP
• ISO-on-TCP
• S7 communication

The following can be connected:

• Field PG programming device and PCs via standard CAT5 cable.

Connection between PG and CPU of SIMATIC S7-1200

• SIMATIC HMI Basic Panels

Connection between Basic Panel and CPU of SIMATIC S7-1200

• Further SIMATIC S7-1200 controllers

Connection of several devices via CSM 1277 Ethernet switch

Point-to-point interface, freely-programmable interface mode

Communication modules permit communication via point-to-point connections. The RS232 and RS485 physical transmission media are used. Data transmission is carried out in the "Freeport" mode of the CPU. A user-specific, bit-oriented communication protocol is used (e.g. ASCII protocol, USS, or MODBUS).

Any terminal equipment with a serial interface can be connected, e.g. drives, printers, bar code readers, modems, etc.

Point-to-point connection via CM 1241 in programmable interface mode

Technical specifications