The S7-1500 Software Controller implements the function of a S7-1500 Controller as software on a SIMATC IPC with Windows. This enables a SIMATIC IPC to be used for controlling machines or plants.

New: In addition to the standard CPU, the S7-1500 Software Controller is also available as a fail-safe CPU. Thus, PC-based automation solutions can also be used for safety-oriented applications.

To connected the distributed I/O via PROFINET or PROFIBUS, the integrated Ethernet and PROFIBUS interfaces of the SIMATIC IPC can be used. In addition, the CPU offers comprehensive control functionalities via easy-to-configure blocks, as well as the connection of drives via standardized PLC-open blocks.

The software controller shows its particular strengths when special automation functions have to be integrated using the programming languages C or C++ or when a direct connection of Windows software to the software controller is required.

The SIMATIC ODK 1500S is available for this purpose to support the development of such applications. These applications can be used for the interface to Windows and Windows software (e.g. databases, visualization or the Windows file system) or for real-time applications (e.g. algorithms, controllers).

Some applications that are frequently developed with the ODK are available "ready to use" as Add On applications. Thus, for example, access to SQL databases or XML files can be used in the control task without having to program with C/C++.

Together with the SIMATIC Target 1500S™ for Simulink^®, direct generation of the library functions from Simulink® is possible.