Key Takeaway
Yes, Siemens S7-300 has entered the phase-out stage, meaning it is discontinued for new production orders as of 2023–2024.
However, support services, spare parts, and replacements are still available under Siemens’ Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) program.
Many industries rely on S7-300 in existing installations, so Siemens offers migration paths to S7-1500 systems.
Extended service agreements ensure continued technical support and spare part availability for at least 10 years post-discontinuation.
If planning a new project, it’s highly recommended to use the newer S7-1200 or S7-1500 series instead, ensuring future-proof automation and software compatibility with TIA Portal advancements.
Siemens Official Lifecycle Statement
Let’s address the big question every automation engineer is asking: Is the Siemens S7-300 discontinued? The short answer — Yes, it’s being phased out.
Siemens officially declared the S7-300 series as a “Mature Product” in its lifecycle. This means it’s no longer recommended for new projects. The product is still available for sale depending on stock and region, but the clear direction is toward transitioning to the S7-1500 series.
This is not surprising. The S7-300 has served the industry well for over two decades. It’s reliable, robust, and widely adopted. But as industrial automation standards evolve, so must the tools. The S7-1500 offers a future-ready platform with higher performance, integrated safety, and full compatibility with modern engineering tools.
So, while you might still find the S7-300 in catalogs or inventory, it’s time to look ahead.
Support Status and Replacement Options
Here’s some good news — Siemens isn’t leaving existing users in the dark. While S7-300 production may be slowing down, Siemens continues to provide spare parts, technical support, and firmware updates.
But that won’t last forever.
According to Siemens’ support policy, once a product enters the “phase-out” period, active support continues for 10 more years. That means many S7-300 users still have time to plan their transition — without disruption.
Replacement options? Look no further than the Siemens S7-1500. It’s more than just a newer model. It’s a leap forward.
Higher processing speeds
Advanced diagnostics
Integrated safety functions
Enhanced security features
Siemens has even released transition kits and guides to help engineers make the switch without rewriting entire programs from scratch.
Transition Strategy to S7-1500
Switching from S7-300 to S7-1500 isn’t just plug-and-play. But with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Start with identifying which systems still run on the S7-300. Prioritize critical machines and automation lines. Then, begin creating a roadmap for hardware replacement and software migration.
The key here is not to rush.
The TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation) engineering framework supports both S7-300 and S7-1500. So, you can start working with S7-1500 without abandoning your existing S7-300 projects.
This makes gradual migration possible.
Engineers can learn the new architecture, test it on pilot lines, and eventually scale across the plant. Siemens also provides training programs tailored to help engineers understand S7-1500 configurations, addressing common migration concerns.
Bottom line — plan smart, migrate in stages, and you’ll have a seamless transition.
Backward Compatibility Considerations
A major concern during migration is compatibility.
Will my existing code work? Can I reuse I/O modules? How much of my setup needs to change?
Let’s clarify: The S7-1500 and S7-300 use different CPUs, backplanes, and memory concepts. So, a full swap isn’t always possible without adjustments.
However, Siemens understands this challenge and has built several backward compatibility features into the TIA Portal.
While direct hardware reuse may be limited, the software side offers a much smoother path. With TIA Portal, you can import Step 7 projects from S7-300 and convert them into S7-1500-compatible logic with minimal rewriting.
That means: Your engineering time is protected.
Also, Siemens offers signal modules and interface converters that allow some hardware reuse depending on the application.
So while the systems are not identical, compatibility isn’t lost — it’s re-engineered.
Migration Tools Available in TIA Portal
Siemens didn’t just release a new PLC — they built a bridge.
The TIA Portal is your migration control room. It’s designed to manage the full automation lifecycle, from hardware configuration to logic programming, diagnostics, and commissioning.
Migration tools within TIA Portal allow you to:
Import S7-300 projects from Step 7
Automatically convert much of the code to S7-1500 standards
Identify and highlight areas needing manual review
Simulate and test before deployment
In simple terms: You don’t have to start from scratch.
There’s also a Migration Tool add-on specifically for this purpose. Siemens provides extensive documentation, webinars, and community support to ensure your transition goes as smoothly as possible.
And once you get used to the TIA Portal’s interface and logic structure, you’ll realize it saves time in the long run.
This is not just an upgrade — it’s a future investment.
Conclusion
Yes, the Siemens S7-300 is being phased out. But that doesn’t mean chaos. It means opportunity.
Opportunity to adopt smarter hardware. To align with global automation standards. To improve system performance and reliability.
With the S7-1500, Siemens offers a stronger, faster, and more secure platform. And with the TIA Portal and Siemens’ support tools, you won’t be navigating the change alone.
Start small, plan wisely, and move confidently. The future of industrial automation is already here — and it’s ready for you.