The controller is available in two performance classes (CPU 1504D TF and CPU 1507D TF). Integrated safety functions for the controller and drive mean that it can meet demanding requirements for operator and machine safety. There are three Profinet ports and a Profibus port for communicating with, for example, HMIs, I/Os and other drive systems, as well as on-board technology I/Os. These can be used to implement dynamic motion control applications.

A “cross-PLC synchronous operation" function, which is now available on all of Siemens’ technology CPUs, can be used to implement gearing and camming across CPUs, so that there are almost no limits to axis numbers. As well as distributing performance among several CPUs, the function can be used to implement modular automation concepts. The Simatic Drive Controller can be configured via the TIA Portal Engineering Framework.