Legacy Parts / Migration Reference
Legacy, Discontinued & Replacement Requirements
For equipment that has been in operation for many years, what really needs to be confirmed is usually not "whether there is a new model", but what functions the original complete ordering code corresponds to, which interfaces and options must be retained, and whether the successor product can be used under the existing control cabinet, program and field conditions. XIECHENG starts from the identification of the original model, compares it with the manufacturer's migration/replacement information, and then checks the rated parameters, I/O, installation dimensions, communication and engineering software to help procurement and maintenance personnel organize the legacy part number requirements into executable spare parts or modification plans.
SIEMENS · SIMATIC
S7-1200 G1 → S7-1200 G2
The S7-1200 G2 is the next generation basic controller for new projects and subsequent migrations. When migrating, you cannot just replace it by the name "CPU 1214C". You should use the complete MLFB as the benchmark to check the power supply method, output type, onboard I/O, expansion module, PROFINET, program structure and TIA Portal version. G2 has changes in performance, storage, motion control, diagnostics and security capabilities, so older projects should be checked for hardware and software compatibility first.
Check carefully:CPU type, onboard analog differences, expansion module correspondence, TIA Portal version, program/hardware configuration migration.
ABB · MACHINERY DRIVES
ACS355 → ACS380
ACS355 is a stock drive on a large number of mechanical equipment, and ACS380 is an important successor platform for ABB's current mechanical drives. ABB's migration materials clearly require that the complete type designation of ACS355 be identified first, and then ACS380 be selected based on motor power and rated current, structural form, supply voltage and option code. Different power ranges do not always correspond to the current code, so the new model cannot be directly derived from the digital part of the legacy part number.
Check carefully:Motor rated current, heavy/light load conditions, I/O, communication options, safety functions, installation space and control methods.
ABB · GENERAL PURPOSE DRIVES
ACS550 → ACS580
ACS580 continues the application focus of ABB's universal drives, but there are differences between ACS550 and ACS580 in the base, terminals, control panel, option codes and some wiring definitions. ABB's Replacement Guide recommends starting from the original ACS550 type designation and comparing voltage classes, power/current, option codes, control terminals and mechanical dimensions item by item, rather than simply changing "ACS550" to "ACS580".
Check carefully:Voltage level, rated current, B055/B056 and other enclosure/options, I/O terminals, communication modules, chassis size and parameter migration.
SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC · ALTISTART
ATS48 → ATS480
The Altivar Soft Starter ATS480 is one of the successor platforms to the ATS48. Schneider's special replacement manual not only gives model correspondence, but also requires checking mechanical installation, electrical connections, configuration transmission, firmware and communication differences. Therefore, even if the legacy part number has a clear recommended relationship with the ATS480 in terms of current level, the motor application, control power supply, bypass method, communication and original parameter configuration should still be checked before site replacement.
Check carefully:Differences in rated current, main circuit voltage, control power supply, wiring, bypass contactor, communication network, parameters and firmware.
OMRON · CP SERIES
CP1E → CP2E
CP2E is targeted at small device control and provides an official reference for migrating from CP1E. OMRON data supports the use of CX-Programmer to convert CP1E programs to CP2E, but the CPU type, number of points, output mode, Option Board and communications requirements still determine the final selection. Especially when the CP1E-N series uses an option board, the recommended paths for CP2E-S and CP2E-N may be different.
Check carefully:I/O points, relay/transistor output, power supply, Option Board, serial port/Ethernet, expansion unit and program conversion.
WEINTEK · HMI
Old MT/iE/XE → cMT X
Weintek officially maintains an independent list of End-of-Life and Recommended Alternatives, so the successor models of the old HMI should be queried first by the original complete part number instead of just selecting by screen size. In addition to the size, when replacing, you also need to confirm the hole opening, resolution, COM/Ethernet/USB interface, PLC driver, EasyBuilder Pro project file, and object compatibility after conversion of the old project.
Check carefully:Panel opening, resolution, communications port, PLC driver, engineering software version, project conversion and remote/network functions.
Can't find an older model?
Original part number, nameplate, photo or existing BOM can be sent. It is recommended that pictures and documents be sent via WhatsApp, Telegram or WeChat instant messaging to facilitate quick verification of legacy part numbers and site information.
Send a Legacy Part NumberLifecycle Check
How to tell if the model you have has been discontinued
Official service, channel stock or repair spare parts may still be available for some models. The availability of the original model should be confirmed first before deciding whether to enter subsequent model or cross-platform replacement evaluation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How to tell if an industrial model has been discontinued?
The manufacturer's current lifecycle information, replacement/migration guidance, and regional product pages should be checked first. Writing "discontinued" on the dealer's page is not enough to prove global discontinuation. Some products may have different life cycles in different regions.
Can the officially recommended successor model be installed directly?
Not necessarily. Even if the manufacturer gives a successor or migration path, continue to compare electrical parameters, mounting dimensions, terminals, communications, accessories, programs or parameter files. Migration relationships do not mean that all applications can be plug-and-play.
What if I can’t find an official one-to-one replacement model?
You can first confirm whether the legacy part number is still available for purchase in stock; if it must be replaced, reselect it based on functions, key parameters, mechanical dimensions, communication and control logic, and list the differences that are not directly compatible.
What is the best thing to provide for inquiries about discontinued parts?
It is best to provide the complete legacy part number, nameplate photos, equipment usage, quantity, destination country and whether to accept upgrades. The more complete the information, the easier it is to distinguish between original model procurement, official successor models and functional replacement routes.
