Best communication method between PLCnext AXC F 3152 and Siemens S7-1500 / S7-300?

PLCnext Technology & PLCnext Controls
1

Hello everyone,

I am currently planning a communication architecture between a PLCnext AXC F 3152 and Siemens PLCs (S7-1500 and S7-400/300).

Before deciding on a specific implementation, I would like to ask for general recommendations regarding the best communication approach for this setup.

Requirements:

  • Communication between:

    • PLCnext AXC F 3152 ↔ Siemens S7-1500 and S7-400/300

  • Ideally one solution that works for both Siemens PLC types

  • Reliable and maintainable solution

  • Ability to exchange structured / larger datasets (not just single bits)

From my understanding:

  • PLCnext supports multiple protocols such as PROFINET and OPC UA

  • S7-1500 supports modern standards like OPC UA and PROFINET out of the box

  • Older S7 systems may have limitations depending on communication method

However, I am unsure which solution is considered best practice in real industrial environments, especially when mixing different PLC platforms.

Thanks in advance!

2

The question is not so easy to answer,

If the controllers that are to be connected to each other are bundled together in a system area, I would always prefer a Profinet connection first:
For example, the 3152 as Profinet master and the Siemens controllers to the Profinet device.
Due to the different network connections X1-3 of the 3152, it can communicate with a higher-level system on X1 and then act as a PN master on X3.

However, if the controllers are all stand-alone, an OPC UA connection to a control system may be the better choice.