VIPA 315 Series Modules | 315-2AG12

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

VIPA 315 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The VIPA 315 Series represents one of the most widely deployed CPU families in the SPEED7 programmable logic controller platform. Engineered for demanding continuous-process environments, these modules are installed across global heavy industry sectors including petrochemical refineries, nuclear power auxiliary systems, offshore platforms, and large-scale chemical processing facilities. The 315 Series is fully compatible with Siemens S7-300 instruction sets and hardware form factors, enabling direct substitution in existing cabinets without mechanical or software re-engineering. Its SPEED7 core delivers execution speeds up to 30 times faster than comparable S7-300 CPUs, making it the preferred upgrade path for plants seeking performance gains without full system replacement. Installed base spans Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, with documented deployments in facilities operated by major EPC contractors and national energy companies.

The Evolution of 315 Series Architecture

The VIPA 315 Series was introduced as part of the SPEED7 platform in the early 2000s, targeting the mid-range PLC segment dominated by Siemens S7-315 hardware. The initial release established binary S7-300 compatibility at the hardware and software level, allowing STEP 7 programming without modification. Subsequent revisions introduced integrated PROFIBUS-DP master/slave interfaces, eliminating the need for separate CP modules in distributed I/O architectures. Later generations added onboard Ethernet ports (IE variants), enabling direct integration with SCADA and MES layers via S7 communication and open TCP/IP protocols. The DP/M variants introduced dual-port memory and expanded work memory up to 512 KB, addressing the growing complexity of process programs in refinery and power generation applications. As the S7-300 platform entered its end-of-life phase (Siemens announced discontinuation effective October 2023), the VIPA 315 Series transitioned into a critical long-term maintenance role: providing pin-compatible, software-compatible replacements for facilities that cannot justify full migration to S7-1500 or TIA Portal architectures within their current maintenance cycles. Compatibility with existing GSD files, hardware configurations, and HW Config projects is maintained across all current 315 variants.

VIPA 315 Series Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly stocked models within the VIPA 315 Series. Models are classified by primary function.

CPU / Processor Modules

• 315-2AG12: CPU 315SB/DPM — SPEED7 core, 512 KB work memory, integrated PROFIBUS-DP master, S7-300 compatible form factor, MPI/DP port.
• 315-2AG13: CPU 315SB/DPM — Extended firmware revision of 315-2AG12, enhanced diagnostic buffer, same pinout and memory map.
• 315-4NE12: CPU 315SN/NET — Integrated Ethernet (IE) port, PROFIBUS-DP master, 512 KB work memory, supports S7 communication over TCP/IP.
• 315-4NE13: CPU 315SN/NET — Revised Ethernet stack, improved cycle time performance, dual-interface (MPI + IE), backward compatible with 315-4NE12 projects.
• 315-2EH13: CPU 315-2 DP — Standard PROFIBUS-DP master/slave, 256 KB work memory, direct S7-315-2DP replacement.
• 315-2EH14: CPU 315-2 DP — Updated variant with extended I/O addressing range, compatible with S7-315-2DP hardware configurations.
• 315-2FH13: CPU 315F-2 DP — Failsafe (F-CPU) variant, supports F-I/O via PROFIsafe, certified for SIL 2 / PLe applications.
• 315-2AG10: CPU 315SB/DPM — Earlier SPEED7 revision, 256 KB work memory, PROFIBUS-DP master, predecessor to 315-2AG12.

Communication / Interface Modules

• 315-5BG00: CP 315 — PROFIBUS-DP communication processor, standalone DP master for S7-300 racks, supplements CPU DP port capacity.
• 315-6CF23: CPU 315-2 PN/DP — PROFINET IO controller + PROFIBUS-DP master, dual-protocol, supports MRP ring redundancy.
• 315-6CF33: CPU 315-2 PN/DP — Enhanced PROFINET variant, IRT (Isochronous Real-Time) support, increased PN IO device count.

I/O and Expansion Modules (315-compatible rack)

• 321-1BH02: DI 16x24VDC — 16-channel digital input module, 24 V DC, compatible with 315-series racks, standard S7-300 form factor.
• 322-1BH01: DO 16x24VDC/0.5A — 16-channel digital output, transistor, 0.5 A per channel, rack-compatible with all 315 CPUs.
• 331-7KF02: AI 8x12Bit — 8-channel analog input, 12-bit resolution, supports current/voltage/thermocouple inputs.
• 332-5HF00: AO 8x12Bit — 8-channel analog output, 12-bit, current and voltage output modes, used in valve positioner and drive control loops.
• 307-1EA00: PS 307 5A — 24 V DC power supply module, 5 A output, mounts in S7-300 rack, powers 315-series CPU and I/O modules.
• 307-1KA02: PS 307 10A — 24 V DC power supply, 10 A output, for high-density I/O racks with multiple analog modules.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete 315 Series Parts

The VIPA 315 Series has entered a mature lifecycle phase. While VIPA (now Yaskawa Europe GmbH) continues to manufacture select variants, a significant portion of the installed base relies on models that have been superseded or discontinued. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for 315 Series lifecycle support, covering the following scenarios:

• Discontinued CPU variants (e.g., 315-2AG10, early 315-2EH13 revisions): sourced from certified refurbishment channels and tested to original factory specifications.
• Firmware-matched replacements: where a plant's STEP 7 project is locked to a specific firmware version, DriveKNMS can supply units pre-loaded or verified against the required firmware revision.
• Emergency breakdown supply: same-day dispatch available for in-stock units. Air freight to major industrial hubs in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe within 24–72 hours.
• Long-term maintenance contracts: facilities operating 315-series CPUs in critical loops can register their installed base with DriveKNMS for priority allocation and annual stock reservation.

All sourced units are accompanied by full traceability documentation including origin records, test reports, and warranty certificates.

Quality Control for the 315 Series Range

The VIPA 315 Series uses a proprietary SPEED7 backplane bus that operates at higher clock rates than standard S7-300 backplanes. This requires specialized test procedures beyond standard power-on verification:

• Backplane bus integrity test: each CPU is seated in a reference rack and bus communication is verified across all slot positions using a calibrated bus analyzer. Signal timing and voltage levels are logged against VIPA factory tolerances.
• PROFIBUS-DP port validation: DP master functionality is tested with a live GSD-configured slave network. Bus termination, baud rate negotiation (up to 12 Mbit/s), and diagnostic telegram exchange are verified.
• Work memory verification: full memory read/write cycle test across the entire addressable work memory range. Any cell with marginal retention is flagged and the unit is rejected.
• Ethernet port test (IE variants): TCP/IP stack validation using S7 communication protocol. Ping response, connection establishment, and data transfer integrity are confirmed at 100 Mbit/s.
• Thermal burn-in: units are operated at elevated ambient temperature (55°C) for a minimum of 8 hours under cyclic program load to screen for early-life component failures.
• Final functional test: CPU is programmed with a standardized test project covering all I/O areas, timers, counters, and communication functions. Execution is verified against expected outputs before release.