The Siemens S7-1500 family is the current flagship of the SIMATIC PLC range, and the foundation of the TIA Portal engineering ecosystem. But a working machine is never just a CPU — it is a controller, a drive, motor-switching and protection devices, an operator panel and a network switch working together. This guide walks through each building block so you can select a complete, correctly sized system.
1. The TIA Portal Ecosystem in One View
Everything in the S7-1500 world is engineered, programmed and diagnosed from a single tool — TIA Portal. A typical system contains a CPU (logic), a frequency inverter (variable-speed control), contactors and motor protectors (fixed-speed motor switching and protection), a soft starter (smooth ramp-up), an HMI panel (operator interface) and a managed switch (PROFINET networking). Selecting each part correctly avoids oversizing cost and undersizing downtime.
2. Choosing the Controller: CPU 1511-1 PN vs CPU 1513-1 PN
The CPU is sized first because it defines I/O count, memory and motion capability:
- SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU 1511-1 PN — the entry-level controller. It offers 150 KB of program memory, 1 MB of data memory, a 30 ns bit execution time, one PROFINET interface (2-port switch), support for up to 1,024 I/O and basic motion control. It is the right choice for compact machines with modest logic and I/O.
- SIMATIC S7-1500 CPU 1513-1 PN — the mid-range option. It doubles program memory to 300 KB with 1.5 MB of data, supports up to 2,048 I/O and adds enhanced motion control for up to 4 axes. Choose the 1513 when you need more program headroom, larger I/O counts or multi-axis positioning.
Rule of thumb: pick the 1511 for small stand-alone machines and the 1513 for lines or cells with coordinated motion and growing logic.
3. Variable-Speed Control: SINAMICS G120C
For pumps, fans, conveyors and any application needing speed control, the SINAMICS G120C Power Module is a compact 7.5 kW frequency inverter. It runs on a 380–480 V 3-phase supply, outputs 0–400 Hz with V/f and vector control, and integrates a Class A EMC filter plus Safe Torque Off (STO) certified to SIL 3. Its PROFINET port plugs directly into the CPU network.
Use the G120C wherever you need energy-efficient speed control with built-in functional safety — no external contactor is required for the safety stop function.
4. Motor Switching: SIRIUS 3RT2026 Contactor
For fixed-speed motors that simply need to start and stop, the SIRIUS 3RT2026 Contactor is the switching workhorse. Rated 11 kW at 400 V in AC-3 duty with a 24 V DC coil, it provides one NO plus one NC auxiliary contact and a 10-million-operation mechanical life. It is the standard contactor for direct-on-line motor starting across countless industrial panels.
5. Motor Protection: SIRIUS 3RV2011 Motor Protector
Every motor branch needs short-circuit and overload protection. The SIRIUS 3RV2011 Motor Protector combines both in one DIN-rail device. It is adjustable over a 0.11–0.16 A current range with Class 10 tripping and a 100 kA short-circuit breaking capacity at 400 V — ideal for protecting small motor feeders and control circuits.
6. Soft Starting: SIRIUS 3RW5513 Soft Starter
For motors that must ramp up gently to reduce mechanical stress and inrush current, the SIRIUS 3RW5513 Soft Starter handles 15 kW at 400 V with an integrated bypass contactor. It supports PROFINET communication and 24 V DC control, and is built to IEC 60947-4-2. Use it for pumps, fans and compressors where direct-on-line starting would cause water hammer or belt slip.
7. Operator Interface: SIMATIC HMI KTP700 Comfort Panel
Operators need to see the process and command the machine. The SIMATIC HMI KTP700 Comfort Panel is a 7-inch widescreen touch panel with 800 × 480 resolution, eight function keys and a 2-port PROFINET switch. It is configured in TIA Portal WinCC and is the natural companion to the S7-1500 CPU for recipe handling, alarms and diagnostics.
8. Industrial Networking: SCALANCE XC208 Managed Switch
A reliable PROFINET network ties the whole system together. The SCALANCE XC208 Managed Switch provides eight RJ45 10/100 Mbps ports in a DIN-rail housing, with PROFINET Conformance Class B and a −40 °C to +70 °C operating range. Its managed features (Web and TIA Portal configuration) give you port diagnostics and network segmentation for machine-level networks.
9. Selection Checklist
- Logic size — small machine → CPU 1511-1 PN; larger line / multi-axis → CPU 1513-1 PN.
- Speed control needed? → add SINAMICS G120C.
- Fixed-speed motor? → pair 3RT2026 contactor with 3RV2011 protector.
- Soft ramp-up? → use 3RW5513 soft starter.
- Operator display? → add KTP700 Comfort Panel.
- Network? → SCALANCE XC208 for PROFINET.
10. Get a Quote
Glorient supplies genuine Siemens SIMATIC, SINAMICS, SIRIUS and SCALANCE components with datasheet, competitive pricing and global delivery. Send us your machine requirements and I/O list and our engineers will confirm the correct system configuration. Request a quotation and we will respond within 24 hours.