Engineering knowledge base
Make the technical decision.
Then release the project basis.
Honghao guides answer common Siemens selection, migration, panel-engineering, FAT and export questions with the inputs, limitations and next technical step visible.
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Common Google searches
Direct answers to the next technical decision.
Each answer opens a detailed guide with selection criteria, buyer inputs, common mistakes, related technical pages and source references.
01S7-1200 or S7-1500: which PLC should I choose?
Choose from logic performance, I/O distribution, motion, safety, networks, software environment and future expansion—not CPU price or I/O count alone.
Read the decision guide02Can S7-1200 G2 directly replace an installed S7-1200?
Not without checking article numbers, dimensions, wiring, modules, firmware, TIA Portal version, communications, program functions and the shutdown test plan.
Read the decision guide03SINAMICS V20 or G120: what changes the selection?
Motor current, load duty, overload, braking, control performance, communication, safety, EMC, environment and accessories decide the complete drive configuration.
Read the decision guide04Soft starter or VFD: which motor-control method fits?
Use a soft starter for suitable fixed-speed duty where controlled starting or stopping is the goal; evaluate a VFD when normal operation needs speed or broader torque control.
Read the decision guide05What information is needed to quote a control panel?
Prepare the load and I/O lists, supply, environment, operating modes, interfaces, destination requirements, documents and FAT expectations.
Read the decision guide06What should an overseas control-panel FAT prove?
FAT should verify the released design, materials, workmanship, agreed electrical checks and simulated functions while clearly separating site wiring, loads, process and safety validation.
Read the decision guideBrowse by decision
Four resource libraries
Each library owns one search-intent cluster, so buyers can move from a question to the relevant product, solution or engineering page.
Siemens Product Selection Guides
Decision guides for Siemens PLC, HMI, drive and motor-control selection using application data rather than family names alone.
- PLC platforms
- Drive platforms
- Motor starting
Siemens Automation Migration Guides
Practical checklists for replacement, compatibility, software access, cutover and acceptance planning across installed automation.
- Installed-base capture
- Compatibility gap
- Software access
Control Panel Engineering Guides
Technical planning resources for panel sizing, control power, drawings, FAT and the questions buyers should resolve before release.
- VFD panel sizing
- PLC panel design
- Documentation
Procurement and Export Guides
Buyer-focused guidance for article-number verification, supplier evaluation, quotation comparison, documents and overseas delivery scope.
- Article-number control
- Supplier evidence
- Quotation comparison
Technical articles
Ten published decision guides
Open the decision framework that matches your current selection, replacement, panel or procurement question.
S7-1200 vs S7-1500: how to choose the PLC platform
Compare SIMATIC S7-1200 / G2 and S7-1500 by machine scale, I/O, performance, motion, safety, networking and lifecycle—not only CPU price.
FIRST CHECKProgram and cycle duty
Read the guide S7-1200 to S7-1200 G2 migration checklist
Plan hardware, wiring, software, communication and acceptance checks before treating S7-1200 G2 as a replacement for an installed S7-1200 system.
FIRST CHECKInstalled-base capture
Read the guide SINAMICS V20 vs G120: selecting a drive for the real duty
Compare the two SINAMICS platforms by load, overload, communication, safety, modularity, environment and lifecycle.
FIRST CHECKLoad and overload
Read the guide Soft starter vs VFD: which motor control method fits?
Choose between reduced-stress fixed-speed starting and variable-speed process control using load and operating data.
FIRST CHECKNormal running speed
Read the guide How to size a VFD control panel
Turn motor and process data into drive selection, protection, thermal design, enclosure space, EMC and maintainability decisions.
FIRST CHECKDrive current and duty
Read the guide PLC control panel design checklist
Define architecture, power, I/O, networks, software, documentation and test scope before a PLC cabinet is released.
FIRST CHECKControl architecture
Read the guide Control panel FAT checklist for overseas projects
Plan drawing review, workmanship checks, electrical tests, I/O simulation, functional cases, records and site-test boundaries.
FIRST CHECKDocument baseline
Read the guide Siemens article-number and BOM verification workflow
Reduce wrong-part and compatibility risk by checking full article numbers, generations, accessories, lifecycle and substitutions before quotation.
FIRST CHECKCapture the exact identity
Read the guide Industrial control panel export documents: buyer checklist
Define technical, test, packing and commercial documents before an overseas control panel is released for shipment.
FIRST CHECKApproval documents
Read the guide How to select a Siemens automation supplier for export
Evaluate product identity, engineering method, documentation, commercial transparency and after-delivery support without relying on unsupported claims.
FIRST CHECKLegal and commercial identity
Read the guide