User Manual
Easy Book 
Manual, 03/2014, A5E02486774-AF 
3 
Preface 
Welcome to the world of S7-1200. The SIMATIC S7-1200 compact controller is the modular, 
space-saving controller for small automation systems that require either simple or advanced 
functionality for logic, HMI and networking. The compact design, low cost, and powerful 
features make the S7-1200 a perfect solution for controlling small applications. 
As part of the SIMATIC commitment to "totally integrated automation" (TIA), the S7-1200 
product family and the TIA Portal programming software give you the flexibility you need to 
solve your automation needs. 
The S7-1200 helps to make the most challenging tasks easy!
The SIMATIC S7-1200 controller solution, designed for the "compact" controller class, is 
comprised of the SIMATIC S7-1200 controller and SIMATIC HMI Basic panels that can both 
be programmed with the TIA Portal engineering software. The ability to program both 
devices using the same engineering software significantly reduces development costs. The 
TIA Portal includes STEP 7 for S7-1200 programming and WinCC for designing Basic panel 
projects. 
The S7
-1200 compact controller includes: 
•
  Built-in PROFINET 
•
  High-speed I/O capable of motion control, onboard 
analog inputs to minimize space requirements and 
the need for additional I/O, 4 pulse generators for 
pulse-train and pulse-width applications (Page 67) , 
and up to 6 high-speed counters 
•
  On-board I/O points built into the CPU modules 
provide from 6 to 14 input points and from 4 to 10 
output points. 
Signal modules for DC, relay, or 
analog I/O 
expand the number of I/O points, and 
innovative signal boards snap onto the front 
of the CPU 
to provide additional I/O 
(Page
 18). 
The 
SIMATIC HMI Basic panels (Page 22) 
were designed specifically for the S7
-1200. 
This Easy Book provides an introduction to 
the S7
-1200 PLC. The following pages offer 
an overview of the many features and 
capabilities of the devices.
For additional information, refer to the 
S7-1200 programmable controller system manual
. For 
information about UL and FM certification, CE labeling, C-Tick and other standards, refer to 
the Technical specifications (Page 281). 










