====== Simatic HW basic / PLC Types ======
The original S7 series debuted in the mid-1990s as a successor to the S5 line. The current generation (S7) was introduced between 2009 and 2013 to integrate with the TIA Portal.

Siemens SIMATIC S7 controllers range from compact, entry-level units to high-performance modular systems designed for complex industrial automation. The S7-1200 and S7-1500 represent the current generation optimized for the TIA Portal, while the S7-300 and S7-400 are legacy modular systems.



^Feature^LOGO! (Basic)^S7-1200 (Compact)^S7-1500 (Advanced)^S7-300 (Legacy)^S7-400 (High-End)|
|-|{{:automation:s7_logo_1.png?120|LOGO! (Basic)}}|{{:automation:s7_1200_3.png?120|S7-1200 (Compact)}}|{{:automation:s7_1500_1.png?120|S7-1500 (Advanced)}}|{{ :automation:s7_300_1.png?150|S7-300 (Legacy)}}|{{:automation:s7_400_1.png?120|S7-400 (High-End)}}|
^Launch Year|1996|2009|2012|1994|1994|
^Status|Active (Current: LOGO! 8)|Active (G2 launched Dec 2024)|Active (Flagship series)|//Phasing out as of 2023//|Active for specialized/critical tasks|
^Design|Logic Module \\ Programmable Relay|Compact Modular|Modular with Display|Legacy Modular|Legacy High-End|
^Max Digital I/O|24 Inputs / 20 Outputs|Up to ~280|High Density (thousands)|High Density|Very High (rack-based)|
^Integrated I/O|Always included|Integrated onboard|No (onboard display only)|Some models only|No|
^Expansion|35mm DIN rail modules|Max 8 Signal Modules|Max 32 modules/rack|Max 8 modules/rack|Up to 21 racks|
^Redundancy|No|No|Hardware (R/H models)|Software only|Full Hardware (H)|
^Software|LOGO! Soft Comfort|TIA Portal|TIA Portal|Step 7 / TIA Portal|Step 7 / TIA Portal|