VIPA 300S Modules: VIPA315-2DP01 CPU315DPM –

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

VIPA 300S Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The VIPA 300S series is a Siemens S7-300 compatible programmable logic controller (PLC) platform developed by VIPA GmbH (now Yaskawa Europe GmbH). It has achieved significant installed base across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical plants, nuclear power auxiliary systems, oil refineries, and continuous process manufacturing. The series is pin-compatible and software-compatible with Siemens S7-300 hardware, enabling direct replacement in existing control cabinets without rewiring. Its SPEED7 CPU architecture delivers execution speeds up to 10× faster than equivalent Siemens CPUs, making it a preferred upgrade path for brownfield automation projects. The 300S platform supports PROFIBUS-DP, MPI, and Ethernet communication natively, and integrates with STEP 7 and TIA Portal programming environments without additional licensing.

The Evolution of VIPA 300S Architecture

The VIPA 300S series was introduced in the early 2000s as a cost-competitive, performance-enhanced alternative to the Siemens SIMATIC S7-300. The first-generation CPUs (e.g., 315-2AG10) used a standard S7-300 backplane and relied on MPI/PROFIBUS-DP for field communication. With the introduction of the SPEED7 core (circa 2005–2008), VIPA significantly increased instruction processing throughput while maintaining full STEP 7 compatibility.

The second-generation modules (e.g., 315-2AG12, 315-2AG13) added integrated Ethernet ports and expanded memory capacity. The 315-2DP01 (CPU315DPM) represents the mature PROFIBUS-DP master variant, widely deployed in distributed I/O architectures. As the series entered its maturity phase (post-2015), VIPA introduced the SLIO (System LIFEIO) platform as its next-generation successor, while continuing to manufacture and support 300S modules for the large installed base. The 300S series is now in a sustained-support lifecycle phase: new projects are directed to SLIO or Yaskawa's UR series, but 300S modules remain available as new-old-stock and factory-refurbished units for maintenance and replacement purposes.

Compatibility note: All 300S CPUs use the standard S7-300 backplane bus. Mixing VIPA and Siemens I/O modules on the same rack is supported. VIPA 300S CPUs require VIPA-specific system data blocks (SDBs) for SPEED7 features; standard STEP 7 programming is otherwise identical.

VIPA 300S Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

CPU Modules

• 315-2DP01 (CPU315DPM): SPEED7 CPU, 512KB work memory, integrated PROFIBUS-DP master port, MPI interface, supports up to 32 DP slaves.
• 315-2AG12: SPEED7 CPU with 512KB work memory, dual-port Ethernet + MPI, PROFIBUS-DP master, SD card slot for program backup.
• 315-2AG13: Enhanced 315-2AG12 variant with 1MB work memory, extended instruction set, improved cycle time performance.
• 314-6CG23: Mid-range SPEED7 CPU, 256KB work memory, MPI + PROFIBUS-DP, suitable for medium-complexity standalone applications.
• 317-4NE12: High-performance SPEED7 CPU, 1MB work memory, integrated PROFIBUS-DP + Ethernet, supports S7 routing and teleservice.
• 318-4EF02: Top-tier 300S CPU, 2MB work memory, dual Ethernet, PROFIBUS-DP master/slave, extended diagnostic functions.

Digital Input (DI) Modules

• 321-1BL00: 32-channel digital input module, 24VDC, 0.2ms input delay, standard S7-300 form factor.
• 321-1CH20: 16-channel digital input, 24VDC, with interrupt capability, suitable for high-speed event detection.
• 321-1FF10: 8-channel digital input, 120/230VAC, for direct AC field signal acquisition without interposing relays.

Digital Output (DO) Modules

• 322-1BL00: 32-channel digital output, 24VDC/0.5A, transistor sourcing outputs, short-circuit protected.
• 322-1HH01: 16-channel relay output module, 230VAC/2A per channel, for high-voltage actuator control.
• 322-8BF00: 8-channel digital output, 24VDC/2A, high-current transistor outputs for solenoid valve applications.

Analog Input (AI) Modules

• 331-7KF01: 8-channel analog input, ±10V / 0–20mA / 4–20mA selectable, 12-bit resolution, suitable for transmitter loops.
• 331-7NF10: 8-channel analog input with 14-bit resolution, supports thermocouple and RTD inputs, integrated cold-junction compensation.

Analog Output (AO) Modules

• 332-5HD01: 4-channel analog output, ±10V / 0–20mA, 12-bit resolution, short-circuit and open-circuit diagnostics.
• 332-7ND02: 8-channel analog output, 13-bit resolution, supports voltage and current output simultaneously per channel.

Communication & Interface Modules

• 341-1CH01: Serial communication module (RS-232/RS-485), supports ASCII, 3964R, and Modbus RTU protocols.
• 341-1BH02: PROFIBUS-DP slave interface module, enables 300S rack expansion as a remote I/O station.
• 307-1KA02: 2A regulated 24VDC power supply module for 300S backplane, integrated short-circuit protection.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete VIPA 300S Parts

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for VIPA 300S modules, including models that have been discontinued by Yaskawa Europe. For facilities operating legacy 300S installations — particularly in chemical processing, power generation, and water treatment — unplanned module failures create critical downtime risk when standard distribution channels no longer stock the required part numbers.

DriveKNMS sources 300S modules through authorized surplus channels, factory-refurbished stock, and controlled decommissioning programs. Each unit is individually serialized and traceable. For CPU modules such as the 315-2DP01, DriveKNMS maintains firmware version records to ensure compatibility with the customer's existing STEP 7 project configuration. Long-term maintenance agreements (LTMAs) are available for facilities requiring guaranteed stock reservation of specific 300S SKUs over multi-year maintenance cycles.

Quality Control for the VIPA 300S Range

VIPA 300S modules present specific test challenges due to their SPEED7 backplane bus architecture and integrated PROFIBUS-DP interfaces. DriveKNMS applies the following verification procedures to all 300S units prior to dispatch:

• Backplane bus integrity test: Each module is seated in a reference 300S rack and subjected to full backplane communication cycling to verify bus connector integrity and slot addressing.
• CPU functional verification: CPU modules are loaded with a standardized STEP 7 test project that exercises all memory areas (bit, byte, word, double-word), timer/counter functions, and OB interrupt handling.
• PROFIBUS-DP master/slave test: DP-capable CPUs and interface modules are connected to a reference DP network and verified for GSD-based slave configuration, cyclic data exchange, and diagnostic telegram handling.
• Analog I/O calibration check: Analog modules are tested against a calibrated signal source across the full input/output range. Modules outside ±0.5% of rated accuracy are rejected.
• Thermal cycling: Modules are operated through a 0°C to 55°C thermal cycle to screen for latent solder joint or component failures consistent with field-aged units.
• Firmware version logging: CPU and communication module firmware versions are recorded and provided with the delivery documentation to support customer compatibility verification.