Siemens S7-1200 G2 vs. Delta DVP: Which PLC Is Right for Your Application?

Introduction: The Compact PLC Crossroads

You are designing a new machine. The specifications are clear. The budget is approved. Now comes the hard part: which PLC?

Two names keep appearing in conversations with colleagues, distributors, and online forums. One is the global industry standard — the Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 G2, the next-generation compact PLC from the world's largest automation supplier. The other is the value champion — the Delta DVP series, the most-deployed budget compact PLC outside the Mitsubishi FX ecosystem, with millions of units running in OEM machinery across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

These two platforms occupy different positions in the market. Siemens is the premium ecosystem player with deep integration across the automation stack. Delta is the cost-effective challenger that delivers solid performance at a fraction of the price. But the choice is rarely as simple as "premium vs. budget" — it depends on your application requirements, team skills, existing infrastructure, and long-term strategy.

This guide provides a head-to-head comparison of the Siemens S7-1200 G2 and Delta DVP series. We will examine performance, memory, motion control, communication, engineering software, pricing, and real-world applications. By the end, you will have a clear framework for choosing the right PLC for your next project.

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Part 1: At a Glance — The Executive Summary

Before we dive into the details, here is the bottom line:

The short answer: Choose Siemens if you need an integrated ecosystem, advanced motion control, safety functionality, or enterprise-level support. Choose Delta if cost is your primary constraint, your application is standalone, and you are comfortable with a simpler, free engineering environment.

Now, let us dig into the details.

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Part 2: The Contenders — Platform Overview

2.1 Siemens SIMATIC S7-1200 G2

The S7-1200 G2 is the second generation of Siemens' compact PLC family, introduced as the successor to the original S7-1200. Siemens has announced that the first-generation S7-1200 will be phased out through 2027, making the G2 the future of the platform.

What makes it new:

• Smaller footprint: CPU 1212C drops from 90 mm to 70 mm; CPU 1214C drops from 110 mm to 80 mm — roughly 25% smaller overall

• 2× faster processing: Bit operations drop from 85 ns to 40 ns

• Significantly more memory: CPU 1214C now offers 250–300 kB program memory (up from 150 kB) and 750 kB data RAM

• Integrated motion control: Single-axis, coordinated axes (gearing & camming), and simple kinematics — built into every G2 CPU. Up to 4 positioning axes per CPU

• NFC built in: Read diagnostics, set IP addresses, and check cycle times from a mobile device — no laptop required

• Safety included: Starting with TIA Portal V21, fail-safe engineering is included in STEP 7 Basic — no separate license needed

• Push-in terminals: Replaces screw terminals for faster wiring

The S7-1200 G2 is engineered specifically for small and medium-sized machine builders facing tight project timelines, limited engineering resources, and rising customer expectations for smart, connected solutions.

2.2 Delta DVP Series

The Delta DVP series is a compact, brick-style PLC architecture where the CPU and a fixed bank of digital I/O share one housing, with right-side expansion modules for additional I/O. The series covers eight distinct sub-families, each targeting different application needs.

Key DVP sub-families:

Programming is done with two free Windows IDEs — WPLSoft for legacy and mainstream DVP families, and ISPSoft for newer, IEC 61131-3-aligned models. The instruction set is Mitsubishi-FX-influenced, which is the strongest single reason Delta has succeeded as a budget alternative — engineers trained on Mitsubishi FX move to Delta in days, not weeks.

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Part 3: Head-to-Head Comparison

3.1 Performance and Memory

Siemens S7-1200 G2:

• Bit processing: 40 ns

• Program memory (CPU 1214): 250–300 kB

• Data memory: 750 kB

• Multi-core architecture with dedicated communication channel — PROFINET traffic no longer competes with the scan cycle

Delta DVP:

• Bit processing: 0.24–0.54 µs (240–540 ns) depending on model

• Program memory: 8k–30k steps (approximately 16–60 kB equivalent)

• Data memory: Varies by model

• Single-core serial processing

Verdict: The S7-1200 G2 is significantly faster (40 ns vs. 240–540 ns) and offers substantially more program and data memory. For complex applications with large programs, extensive data logging, or multiple communication tasks, Siemens has a clear advantage. For simple, repetitive logic, Delta is more than sufficient.

3.2 Motion Control

Siemens S7-1200 G2:

• Integrated motion control in every CPU

• Single-axis positioning, speed control, torque limiting

• Coordinated axes (gearing & camming)

• Simple kinematics

• Up to 4 positioning axes per CPU

• Technology objects in TIA Portal for simplified engineering

Delta DVP:

• Pulse-train output only (no integrated motion control)

• Up to 4 × 200 kHz maximum

• Basic positioning (no coordinated motion or kinematics)

• Motion control requires external motion controllers for complex applications

Verdict: This is a major differentiator. The S7-1200 G2 brings "enterprise-grade motion control to the SME segment," allowing machine builders to design machines with multi-axis coordination and kinematics without upgrading to costlier PLC platforms. Delta requires external motion controllers for anything beyond basic pulse-train positioning. If your application requires coordinated motion, gearing, camming, or kinematics, Siemens is the clear choice.

3.3 Communication and Networking

Siemens S7-1200 G2:

• Native PROFINET support

• Up to 31 PROFINET devices

• PROFINET IRT support

• Integrated web server

• Web API for remote diagnostics

• DHCP / DNS support

• NFC for mobile diagnostics

Delta DVP:

• Built-in RS-232 / RS-485 with Modbus RTU

• Ethernet models (DVP-SE) support Modbus TCP

• No native PROFINET or EtherNet/IP (requires gateways)

• Limited web server functionality

Verdict: For PROFINET-based systems (common in Europe and increasingly globally), the S7-1200 G2 is the obvious choice. If your network is Modbus-based and you do not need PROFINET integration, Delta can meet your needs at a lower cost.

3.4 Safety

Siemens S7-1200 G2:

• Integrated fail-safe functionality (fail-safe CPUs available)

• PROFIsafe communication support

• Safety features (emergency stops, protective device monitoring, safe motion control) designed directly into machine architecture

• Starting with TIA Portal V21, fail-safe engineering is included in STEP 7 Basic — no separate license needed

Delta DVP:

• No integrated safety functionality

• Safety requires external safety relays or dedicated safety PLCs

Verdict: If your application requires functional safety (SIL/PL ratings), Siemens offers an integrated solution. Delta does not — you will need to add external safety components, increasing cost and complexity.

3.5 Engineering Software

Siemens S7-1200 G2:

• TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal)

• Unified engineering environment for PLC, HMI, and drives

• Professional-grade debugging and diagnostics

• Requires license (Basic ~€300/year, Professional higher)

Delta DVP:

• WPLSoft (legacy and mainstream families) — free

• ISPSoft (newer IEC 61131-3 models) — free

• Simple, functional, Mitsubishi-FX-influenced instruction set

• Limited debugging tools compared to TIA Portal

Verdict: TIA Portal is a professional-grade engineering environment with deeper diagnostics, better simulation, and seamless integration across the automation stack. But it costs money and has a steeper learning curve. Delta's software is free and easier to pick up for engineers familiar with Mitsubishi FX platforms — but it is less capable for complex projects.

3.6 Pricing

Siemens S7-1200 G2:

• CPU 1211C: €421–€705

• General range: $250–$800 per CPU

Delta DVP:

• Entry-level: $110–$220

• High-end (DVP-SV2): $360–$520

• General range: $110–$520 per CPU

Verdict: Delta is 30–70% less expensive than Siemens at comparable capability levels. For cost-sensitive applications with simple requirements, Delta offers exceptional value.

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Part 4: Decision Framework — How to Choose

4.1 Choose Siemens S7-1200 G2 If…

4.2 Choose Delta DVP If…

4.3 The Hybrid Approach

In many facilities, the best strategy is not to choose one platform — it is to use both where they excel:

• Siemens S7-1200 G2 for complex, motion-intensive, or safety-critical applications

• Delta DVP for simple, cost-sensitive machines, standalone equipment, or as an OEM standard for high-volume, price-competitive products

Both platforms can communicate via Modbus TCP, allowing them to coexist in the same facility.

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Part 5: Real-World Application Scenarios

Scenario 1: Packaging Machine with Servo Control

Requirement: A multi-zone packaging machine with three servo axes (filling, sealing, cutting), an HMI, and a label printer.

Recommendation: Siemens S7-1200 G2 — integrated motion control for coordinated axes, PROFINET to the servos, TIA Portal for unified programming of PLC and HMI.

Scenario 2: Simple Conveyor with VFD

Requirement: A conveyor with a single VFD, start/stop buttons, and a few sensors. Cost is critical.

Recommendation: Delta DVP-ES2 or SS2 — basic logic control, Modbus RTU to the VFD, low cost, free software.

Scenario 3: Production Line with Multiple Stations

Requirement: A production line with eight stations, each with its own PLC, all reporting to a central SCADA system via Ethernet.

Recommendation: Hybrid — Siemens S7-1200 G2 for complex stations (with motion), Delta DVP-SE for simple stations (Ethernet and Modbus TCP). Both communicate to SCADA via Modbus TCP or OPC UA gateways.

Scenario 4: OEM Machine Builder

Requirement: Build 500 units per year of a standard machine with fixed functionality. Price sensitivity is high.

Recommendation: Delta DVP-SS2 — slim profile, low cost, free software, simple programming. The savings per unit ($100–$300) add up to significant annual savings.

Scenario 5: Machine with Safety Requirements

Requirement: A machine with emergency stops, protective door monitoring, and safe speed limits.

Recommendation: Siemens S7-1200 G2 (fail-safe variant) — integrated safety with PROFIsafe eliminates external safety relays.

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Part 6: The Migration Consideration

A critical factor for Siemens users: the first-generation S7-1200 is being phased out through 2027. If you are currently using S7-1200 G1 and planning new machines, the G2 is where you should be starting.

Siemens offers a migration tool — a TIA Portal add-in that assists with upgrading projects from S7-1200 to S7-1200 G2. The tool automatically transfers supported program components and highlights areas requiring manual adaptation.

For Delta users, the DVP series remains active and well-supported, with continuous updates across the product family.

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Part 7: The PLC ERA Advantage

At PLC ERA, we stock both platforms — Siemens S7-1200 G2 and Delta DVP — alongside a complete range of expansion modules, programming cables, and accessories. Our team understands the strengths and limitations of each platform and can help you select the right PLC for your specific application.

Why choose PLC ERA:

• Genuine products — full traceability and manufacturer warranties

• Multi-brand expertise — we know both Siemens and Delta inside out

• Competitive pricing — volume purchasing power passed to you

• Technical support — application engineering support from professionals who know automation

Whether you are building a simple standalone machine or a complex production line, we have the components and expertise to help you succeed.

Visit plcera.com to explore our full catalog, request a quote, or speak with our automation experts.

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Article Tags

#SiemensS71200 #DeltaDVP #PLCComparison #PLCSelection #CompactPLC #IndustrialAutomation #TIA Portal #WPLSoft #MotionControl #PROFINET #Modbus #OEMAutomation #PLCERA

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References and Further Reading

1. EandM. (2026). Thinking About Migrating to the S7-1200 G2? Read This First.

2. DigiKey. (2026). Next-Generation Automation with SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 Controllers.

3. Siemens. (2026). SIMATIC S7-1200 G2: The Intelligent Answer to Growing Demands for Machine Builder SMEs.

4. PLC Programming IO. (2026). Delta DVP Buying Guide 2026: All Models Compared.

5. Industrial Monitor Direct. (2026). Siemens vs Delta PLC Comparison: Which Should You Choose?