If you are currently using a first‑generation SIMATIC S7‑1200 and evaluating a transition to the G2 platform, this overview addresses the most common questions we receive from control engineers and plant managers.
1Can I migrate my existing S7-1200 program to the G2 without rewriting it?
Yes. Transition logic handles smoothly with the help of the official Migration Tool Add-in. Once the Add-in is activated inside your engineering workspace, simply right-click your existing first-generation controller inside TIA Portal's main left navigation tree, select S7-1200 G2 Migration Tool, and trigger Migrate.
Watch a step-by-step video tutorial demonstrating the migration tool interface here: Siemens S7-1200 G1 to G2 Conversion Tutorial.
2What TIA Portal version do I need?
TIA Portal V20 is required, though V21 or newer is highly recommended. Next-generation S7-1200 G2 hardware components are not supported in V19 or older software layers. If you are currently operating on older versions, a development software update will be an essential phase of your migration layout plan.
3The G2 is physically smaller. Will it fit my existing panel layout?
The S7-1200 G2 delivers a 25% to 38% reduction in horizontal chassis width compared to legacy first-generation models. For example, the CPU 1212C width drops from 90 mm to 70 mm, and the CPU 1214C drops from 110 mm down to 80 mm. The global station footprint is roughly 25% tighter.
While this yields extra rail space inside crowded control enclosures, note that the G2 form factor stands slightly taller and deeper. Verify your DIN rail depths and clearance boundaries before ordering hardware. Additionally, the G2 replaces classic screw terminal strips with push-in clamp terminal blocks. This allows field wire bundles to be pre-wired onto blocks prior to mounting the modules, significantly lowering downtime during direct swaps.
4Which S7-1200 CPUs map to the G2?
The G2 architecture consolidates the legacy processor portfolio down into two streamlined primary hardware baselines. First-generation CPU 1211C, 1212C, and 1212FC lines aggregate into the G2 CPU 1212C (150 kB program / 500 kB data, 70 mm wide). Classic CPU 1214C, 1215C, and 1217C hardware configurations map directly into the G2 CPU 1214C (250 kB program / 750 kB data, 80 mm wide).
5What happened to onboard analog I/O on G1 S7-1214 and S7-1215?
This is a vital point for engineers migrating away from a classic 1215C or 1217C. S7-1200 G2 CPUs do not feature integrated onboard analog channels. On the legacy platform, the 1215C and 1217C provided onboard 2 AI / 2 AO channels directly. On next-gen G2 processors, analog processing moves entirely onto localized Signal Boards (SBs) that snap onto the front faceplate of the CPU. Be sure to audit your field loop drawings, assign Signal Boards to cover required analog signals, and review your I/O memory address maps before beginning.
6Can I keep my existing signal modules?
No. First-generation S7-1200 expansion I/O modules are not forward-compatible with the revised G2 backplane rail system. Extension cards use a distinct form factor and backplane link, meaning signal modules must update alongside the CPU swap.
7Should I migrate if I'm running a safety application?
Evaluate your fail-safe timing requirements carefully. While G2 F-CPUs are fully available, standalone G2 localized safety I/O expansion cards (F-DI / F-DQ signal modules) are slated for general availability rollout around Summer 2026. If your safe loops require immediate hardware mapping, pair your G2 CPU with decentralized remote safety I/O blocks like ET 200SP over PROFINET in the interim, or coordinate deployment schedules with your account manager.
8What about OPC UA server functionality?
Using firmware profiles FW V4.1 paired with TIA Portal V21, full OPC UA Server communication structures handle natively within the S7-1200 G2 processor, allowing clean connectivity upward to enterprise SCADA and MES layers without protocol translators.
9Do I need a separate safety license for new G2 fail-safe projects?
No. Starting with modern TIA Portal software layers, fail-safe engineering configuration for G2 hardware is natively included inside STEP 7 Basic. A single engineering software license now fully covers both your standard PLC logic and your fail-safe S7-1200 G2 safety loops—no separate Safety Basic license is needed for new projects going forward. Your legacy Safety Basic seats remain completely valid to support your current first-generation hardware assets.
10How much faster is the G2?
Basic bit processing performance doubles, dropping execution times from 85 ns down to a sharp 40 ns profile. Furthermore, networking traffic runs over a completely dedicated communication channel on the silicon, ensuring intense PROFINET overhead never struggles or competes with your programmatic logic scan cycle. The G2 expands network depth, supporting up to 31 PROFINET nodes with full PROFINET IRT, compared to a max limit of 16 on the first-generation line.
11Is the G2 more expensive than the first-generation S7-1200?
This commercial detail surprises a lot of engineers. Despite carrying double the processor execution speed, expanded memory scopes, integrated motion controls, NFC diagnostic chips, and a smaller panel footprint, next-generation G2 pricing is highly competitive—frequently launching at **lower list price targets** than classic variants. For example, G2 CPUs can start around $375 depending on configuration parameters. Contact EandM to secure an exact commercial quote for your bill of materials.
| Model Core Block |
Generation |
List Price Target |
Lead Status |
| CPU 1212 Series |
G1 Classic |
$495 |
4–6 weeks lead |
| CPU 1212 Series |
G2 Next-Gen |
$395 (↓ Save $100) |
In stock |
| CPU 1214 Series |
G1 Classic |
$745 |
3–4 weeks lead |
| CPU 1214 Series |
G2 Next-Gen |
$680 (↓ Save $65) |
2–3 weeks lead |
Why Partner with EandM on Your G2 Migration?
EandM stands as an authorized Siemens industrial automation distributor and a certified Platinum Partner—the highest integration tier awarded within Siemens' channel network. We staff a dedicated team of Siemens application specialists who work hands-on with these hardware systems daily. We can review your field drawings to confirm Signal Board analog assignments, clarify I/O expansion sizing rules, and validate parts lists before procurement loops close.
We offer certified local TIA Portal technical training workshops, hands-on sizing labs, and free local tech support lines across your West Coast plant installations—no automated voicemail queues, just straight technical guidance.
Contact EandM Engineering Support