The S7-400 is the most powerful PLC in the family of SIMATIC controllers. It enables successful automation solutions with Totally Integrated Automation (TIA). The S7-400 is an automation platform for system solutions in production and process engineering, and it is characterized primarily by its modularity and performance reserves.

S7-400

• The power PLC for the mid to high-end performance ranges
• The solution for even the most demanding tasks
• With a comprehensive range of modules and performance-graded CPUs for optimal adaptation to the automation task
• Flexible in use through simple implementation of distributed structures
• User-friendly connections
• Optimal communication and networking options
• User-friendly handling and uncomplicated design without a fan
• Can be expanded without problems when the tasks increase
• Multicomputing:
  Simultaneous operation of several CPUs in one S7-400 central controller.
  Multicomputing distributes the overall performance of an S7-400. For example, complex tasks in technologies such as open-loop control, computing or communication can be split and assigned to different CPUs. And every CPU can be assigned its own local I/O.
• Modularity:
  The powerful backplane bus of the S7-400 and the communication interfaces that can be connected direct to the CPU enable high-performance operation of a host of communication lines. This permits, for example, the division into one communications line for HMI and programming tasks, one line for high-performance and equidistant motion control components, and one "normal" I/O fieldbus. Additionally required connections to MES/ERP systems or the Internet can also be implemented.
• Engineering and diagnostics:
  The S7-400 is configured and programmed extremely efficiently together with the SIMATIC Engineering Tools particularly in the case of extensive automation solutions with a high engineering component. For this purpose, high-level languages such as SCL and graphical engineering tools for sequential controls, state graphs and technology-oriented diagrams are available, for example.

S7-400H

• High-availability automation system with redundant design
• For applications with high fail-safety requirements:
  Processes with high restart costs, expensive downtimes, little supervision, and few maintenance options
• Redundantly designed central functions
• Increases availability of I/O: switched I/O configuration
• Also possible to use I/Os with standard availability: single-sided configuration
• Hot stand-by: Automatic reaction-free switching to the standby unit in the event of a fault
• Configuration with 2 separate or one divided central rack
• Connection of switched I/O via redundant PROFIBUS DP or system-redundant PROFINET I/O.

S7-400F/FH

• Failsafe automation system for plants with increased safety requirements
• Complies with safety requirements to SIL 3 in accordance with IEC 61508, AK6 in accordance with DIN V 19250 and Cat. 4 in accordance with EN 954-1
• If required, also fault tolerant through redundant design
• Without additional wiring of the safety-related I/O
• Safety-relevant communication via PROFIBUS DP with PROFIsafe profile
• Based on S7-400H and distributed ET 200 I/O with fail-safe modules
• Standard modules for non-safety-related applications can also be used in the automation system
• Isolation module for the combined use of fail-safe and standard modules in safety mode in one ET 200M.

Catalog ST 70

You can also find information about SIMATIC S7-400 in the Catalog ST 70:

http://www.automation.siemens.com/salesmaterial-as/catalog/en/simatic-st70-chap06-english-2015.pdf