A host of features support users in programming, commissioning, and servicing the S7-1500.

• Performance
  • Faster command processing, depending on the CPU type, language extensions and new data types
  • Significantly shorter response times through optimized code generation
• Integrated technology
  • Simple, fast programming of motion sequences via standard PLCopen motion control blocks
  • The motion control functionality supports speed-controlled axes, positioning axes, relative synchronous operation (synchronizing without specification of the synchronized position), as well as external encoders, cams and probes.
  • Extended motion control functions such as absolute synchronous operation (synchronizing with specification of the synchronized position) and camming are also integrated in the technology CPUs.
  • Convenient diagnostic and commissioning tools provide support in commissioning drives
  • Automatic alarm messages to engineering system and HMI: Simplified troubleshooting saves time and effort in commissioning.
• Isochronous mode
  • Synchronous coupling of distributed signal acquisition, signal transmission and program execution to the cycle of the PROFIBUS and PROFINET with constant bus cycle time:
    the input signals are acquired and processed and output signals are output at fixed intervals (constant bus cycle time). A consistent process image partition is created at the same time.
  • Precisely reproducible and defined process response times due to synchronous signal processing with constant bus cycle times by the distributed I/O
  • In distributed automation solutions, the SIMATIC S7-1500 thus also permits high-speed processing operations and enables the achievement of maximum precision and reproducibility. This means increased production with optimal and constant quality.
  • Comprehensive range of components for complex tasks such as motion control, measured value acquisition, high-speed control, etc.
• Security Integrated
  • Password-based know-how protection against unauthorized readout and modification of program blocks (in combination with STEP 7)
  • Copy protection:
    Protection against unauthorized copying of program blocks. With copy protection, individual blocks on the SIMATIC Memory Card can be tied to its serial number so that the block can only be run if the configured memory card is inserted into the CPU.
  • 4-stage authorization concept:
    Different access rights can be assigned to user groups. The new protection level 4 makes it possible to also restrict communication to HMI devices. Improved manipulation protection allows changed or unauthorized transfers of engineering data to be detected by the controller.
• Design and handling
  • CPUs with integrated display:
    For convenient evaluation of module states for central and distributed modules or to set or change IP address(es) without programming device. System diagnostics and user alarms are shown in plain text on the display and help to respond to occurring error messages quickly and efficiently. The menu and message texts are available in multiple languages on the display.
• Integrated system diagnostics
  • System diagnostics information is displayed consistently and in plain text on the display, TIA Portal, HMI device and web server, including for messages from the drives, and are even possible in the CPU's STOP state. This functionality is integrated is the CPU firmware as a system feature and does not have to be configured separately by the user. If new hardware components are configured, the diagnostic information is updated automatically.
  • Simple and rapid diagnostics directly in the user program through the quality information:
    By activating the quality information (QI) of a module, the validity of the supplied process value can be queried and evaluated directly in the user program. Here, access is via the process image using simple binary or load commands. The prerequisite is that the module can be diagnosed and the quality information can be configured in the TIA Portal.
  • Supports SIMATIC ProDiag S7-1500 – for the easy creation of machine and plant diagnostics. It increases availability and supports fault analysis and elimination on-site.
• Configuration by means of the SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional engineering software, V12 and higher
  • The SIMATIC S7-1500 controller family is programmed in the Totally Integrated Automation Portal using STEP 7 Professional V12 or higher. SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional, V12 and higher, is the intuitively operated engineering system for the SIMATIC S7-1500.
• Compatibility
  • Migration:
    A migration tool integrated in SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional V12 or higher provides support in switching from the S7-300/S7-400 to the S7-1500 controller and converts the program code automatically. Program code that cannot be converted automatically is logged and can be adapted manually. The migration tool is also made available as a standalone tool in the download area of Customer Support. STEP 7 V11 projects can continue to be used with STEP 7 V12 in compatibility mode. S7-1200 programs can also be transferred to the S7-1500 by means of copy&paste.
• SIMATIC Memory Card (required for operation of the CPU)
  • The SIMATIC Memory Card is used as plug-in load memory or for updating the firmware. STEP 7 projects including comments and symbols, additional documentation or csv files (for recipes and archives) can also be stored on the SIMATIC Memory Card. Data blocks can be created and data stored or read via SFCs on the SIMATIC Memory Card with the user program.
• Safety Integrated (option for S7-1500F controller)
  • "STEP 7 Safety Advanced" option package;
    required for programming the safety-related program sections of the S7-1500F controller.
    The package contains all the functions and blocks required to create an F program. STEP 7 Safety Advanced V12 can run under SIMATIC STEP 7 Professional V12 SP1.