When drives or axes in a machine are decoupled from each other when operating, this is termed a single-axis configuration. Typical single axes are speed and positioning axes, such as conveyor belts and format adjustments. The user can program the coordination of multiple single axes in the machine to achieve the desired movements in the machine.

Coordinated axes replace complex mechanical couplings, simplifying the mechanical design of machines. An electronic coupling supports linear and nonlinear dependencies as well as fast format changes for greater flexibility.

Kinematics are freely programmable mechanical systems in which multiple mechanically coupled axes cause the movement of an operating point. The technology CPUs S7 1500T with the technology object kinematics provide functions for controlling kinematics, , for example for handling tasks such as pick & place, assembly, and palletizing.

The SIMATIC Safe Kinematics software library for the fail-safe Technology CPU (CPU 1517TF-3PN/DP), combined with SINAMICS S120 (FW5.1), makes it possible to safely monitor specified kinematic motions in space. Speed monitoring for selected points (e.g., tool centerpoints) and freely
Configurable zones (e.g., working and protection zones) protect machine tool operators during their work.

Separate machine sensors (external sensors) for position detection can be implemented in addition to the drive position sensors. These can compensate for slip or other mechanical effects in the machine, for example.

Incremental and absolute sensors are optimally integrated in the system via technology modules.

Counters acquire and evaluate the signals from incremental or pulse encoders. Fast reactions increase productivity - for example, in the precise dosing of liquids for greater material savings.

Electronic cam control units generate switching signals based on precise position – wear-free and flexibly adjustable.  If required, direction or speed dependent.

Probes determine the exact current position at the time of a measurement event.

Pulse length, frequency and number of variable pulses offer possibilities for solving a wide range of tasks, such as valve control and dosing. The control of inputs and output timed to the microsecond enables high machine speeds.

Determination of frequency or period duration from the time sequence of counter impulses or position values. This enables precise monitoring and control of rotating or linear speeds in a production process. Precise length measurement is possible with the available digital inputs.

Separate machine sensors (external sensors) for position detection can be used in addition to the drive position sensors. These are used to compensate for slip or other mechanical effects in the machine, for example.

Incremental and absolute sensors are optimally integrated into the system via technology modules.

Compact controllers are used for universal control tasks with continuous actuators. These are controlled either by analog logic or with a pulse-width modulated signal.

Step controllers are specially designed for the requirements of integrating actuators, such as for valves with control motors. They therefore have additional inputs for connecting position feedback signals or limit switch signals.

Temperature controllers support separate actuators for heating and cooling, each with their own parameter set. Temperatures can thus be controlled quickly and without overshoot. Synchronization mechanisms are available for applications with multiple temperature zones. The controller is also suitable for similar tasks with other process variables.

Freeport, also known as ASCII protocol, is telegram-based and is free in its data content. Flexible criteria for automatically detecting the start and end of telegrams support generation and evaluation of the data stream.

In 3964 data transfer, control symbols are added to the information data. This enables the communications partners to check whether the data have been received in full. 3964R also uses a block check to detect data falsification.

The universal serial interface protocol (USS) is ideal for drive technology. A USS master can control up to 31 slaves/drives. Separate channels are available for cyclical process data as well as for parameter changes.

Modbus RTU (remote terminal unit) is a widely used protocol for data transfer in automation technology. Data transfer is serial between the Modbus master and one or more Modbus slaves.

With the use of secondary hardware signals, the physical interface per RS232 (or EIA-232) enables controlled data transfer such as is required by modems. Without a secondary signal, RS232 represents a universal point-to-point connection.

The physical interface per RS422 (or EIA-422) uses four individual conductors. The difference voltage principle enables higher transfer rates of up to 115 kbit/s. Simultaneous transmission and reception are possible.

The physical interface per RS485 (or EIA-485) sends and receives on one conductor. This enables the operation of multiple slaves on one master and reduces wiring effort and expense.