If you are currently using a first‑generation S7‑1200 and evaluating a transition to the G2 platform, this overview addresses the most common questions we receive.
Yes. With the help of the Migration Tool Add-in. Once Add-in is activated, Right Click your PLC inside TIA Portal main Left navigation window -> S7-1200 G2 Migration Tool -> Migrate
Check out our video on the Migration Tool here: https://youtu.be/Fb5HbgHCUA0
TIA Portal V20 is required, v21 recommended. S7-1200 G2 hardware is not supported in earlier versions. If you're currently on V19 or older, a software update is part of your migration plan.
The G2 is 25–38% narrower than first-generation models. The CPU 1212C drops from 90 mm to 70 mm wide; the CPU 1214C drops from 110 mm to 80 mm. Overall station footprint is roughly 25% smaller. In most cases that's a benefit — more room in the panel. But if you're doing a direct swap on existing hardware, verify your DIN rail spacing and panel layout before ordering. G2 is narrower but it’s a little taller and deeper.
One other thing to note: the G2 moves from screw terminals to push-in terminals, which actually speeds up wiring. If you're swapping in new G2 signal modules, the terminal blocks can be pre-wired before the physical swap to minimize downtime.
The G2 consolidates the original lineup into two platforms. The CPU 1211C, 1212C, and 1212FC both map to the G2 CPU 1212C (150 kB program / 500 kB data, 70 mm wide). The CPU 1214C, 1215C, and 1217C all three map to the G2 CPU 1214C (250 kB program / 750 kB data, 80 mm wide).
This is one of the most common questions we get especially from engineers migrating from a 1215C or 1217C. The G2 CPUs do not have integrated analog I/O. On the first-generation platform, the 1215C and 1217C had onboard 2 AI / 2 AO. On the G2, analog I/O moves to Signal Boards. Make sure you've identified every analog channel that needs SB coverage and reviewed your I/O address assignments before you start.
No, first-gen S7-1200 I/O Cards are not compatible with the G2 station. The G2 uses a different form factor, so existing I/O cards cannot be reused and will need to be replaced as part of the CPU migration.
Proceed with caution. The F-CPU is available, but Safety I/O cards (F-DI/F-DQ signal modules) are not included in the initial G2 release. If your application requires fail-safe I/O modules, consider using ET200sp remote I/O for safety I/O in the interim, or wait for the release of the S7-1200 G2 safety I/O cards AROUND SUMMER 2026
The latest firmware update for the S7-1200 G2, FW v4.1 using TIA v21, adds OPC UA Server functionality.
No. Starting with TIA Portal V21,20, fail-safe engineering for G2 hardware is included in STEP 7 Basic. One license covers both standard and fail-safe S7-1200 G2 applications — no separate Safety Basic license needed for new projects going forward. Your existing Safety Basic license remains valid for your current first-generation hardware.
Bit performance doubles, from 85 ns to 40 ns. Communication also runs on a dedicated channel, so PROFINET traffic no longer competes with your scan cycle. The G2 supports up to 31 PROFINET devices with PROFINET IRT, compared to 16 on the first-generation platform.
This one surprises a lot of engineers. For a platform with 2× faster processing, more memory, integrated motion control, NFC, and a smaller footprint, G2 pricing is competitive — in many cases comparable to what you were already paying for first-gen hardware. If you've been assuming a new generation means a significant price jump, it's worth getting an actual quote before making that assumption. G2 CPUs start at $375 — contact EandM for current pricing on your specific configuration.
S7-1200 G1 vs G2 — Price & Availability
| Model | Gen | List Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU 1212 | G1 | $495 | 4–6 weeks |
| CPU 1212 | G2 | $395↓ $100 | In stock |
| CPU 1214 | G1 | $745 | 3–4 weeks |
| CPU 1214 | G2 | $680↓ $65 | 2–3 weeks |
We have dedicated Siemens product specialists who work hands-on with these platforms every day.