Siemens is expanding the 'Simatic S7-1500' controller generation with the failsafe CPU Simatic S7-1518F. This failsafe CPU is suitable for high-end standard and safety applications in machine and plant automation. In addition, the 'Simatic S7-1516F' CPU complements the line of failsafe CPUs. In the 'Step 7 Safety Advanced V13' engineering tool, users create their programs for both standard and safety-related tasks using the same engineering and operating concept. Data consistency functions automatically synchronize standard and safety-related program parts. Simatic S7-1518F has a user memory of 10 Mbytes and is equipped with four communication interfaces: a Profinet interface with 2-port switch for communication at field level, two Profinet interfaces and a Profibus interface. The connection of a maximum of 128 drive axes and their clock-synchronous operation in the 250 µs range is possible. The CPU has a bit performance of 1 ns. The failsafe controllers are certified for functional safety in accordance with EN 61508 (as of 2010) and are suitable for use in safety-related applications up to SIL 3 in accordance with IEC 62061 and PL e in accordance with ISO 13849. Additional password protection for F configuration and F program has been set up for IT security.