Introduction In the world of industrial automation, staying ahead of the curve is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. With Siemens officially initiating the phase-out of the first-generation SIMATIC S7-1200 (G1) starting in late 2026, many engineers and procurement managers are asking: "What is the real difference, and is it time to switch?"
At BXLY PLC, we’ve analyzed the hardware and performance shifts. Here is everything you need to know about the transition from G1 to the next-generation S7-1200 G2.
1. Physical Design: More Power, Less Space
The first thing you’ll notice about the S7-1200 G2 is its significantly smaller footprint. Siemens has optimized the housing to save precious rail space in control cabinets.
Size Reduction: The CPU 1214C G2 is now only 80mm wide, compared to the 110mm of the G1. That’s nearly a 30% reduction in width.
Modern Wiring: G2 models come standard with Push-in terminals, replacing the traditional screw terminals for faster, tool-free installation.
Built-in NFC: This is a game-changer. Every G2 CPU features a built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. Technicians can now access diagnostics and IP settings simply by tapping their smartphone to the PLC—no laptop required.
2. Performance: Doubling the Speed
If the G1 was a reliable workhorse, the G2 is a high-performance athlete. Siemens has doubled down on processing power to meet the demands of Industry 4.0.
Processing Speed: Bit processing has been slashed from 85ns (G1) to 40ns (G2).
Memory Expansion: Data memory has seen a massive jump—up to 750 KB on mid-range models—allowing for more complex logic and larger data blocks.
Motion Control: While G1 handled basic single-axis tasks, the G2 supports coordinated multi-axis kinematics, bringing features previously reserved for the high-end S7-1500 series to a compact controller.
3. How to Identify G2: The "50" Rule
When sourcing parts, how can you be sure you are getting the 2026 generation? The secret lies in the Article Number (Part Number).
G1 (Legacy): Look for "40" in the 10th and 11th digits (e.g., 6ES7214-1BG40-0XB0).
G2 (Modern): These models feature "50" in the same position (e.g., 6ES7214-1BG50-0XB0).
4. Why You Should Upgrade Now
With the G1 phase-out beginning in November 2026, spare parts for the older generation will gradually become more expensive and harder to find. Upgrading to G2 today ensures:
Future-Proofing: Full compatibility with the latest TIA Portal features.
Sustainability: 20-30% lower power dissipation compared to G1.
Enhanced Security: Certified to the latest IEC 62443-4-2 cybersecurity standards.
Conclusion
The SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 is more than just a replacement; it is a leap forward in compact automation. Whether you are building new machines or retrofitting old lines, G2 offers the efficiency and connectivity needed for the 2026 landscape.
Looking for genuine Siemens G2 stock or hard-to-find G1 spares? Explore our full catalog at bxlyplc.com or contact our technical team for a migration consultation today.
Need a Quote for Siemens G2? As a leading provider of industrial automation parts, BXLY PLC carries the latest SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 stock. Contact our sales team today for bulk pricing and technical support.
Email: info@bxlyplc.com
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