Since the new S7-CX series behaves like a original SIMATIC® PLC, the programming tools S7 for Windows® and STEP®7 can be used. Online connections can be established via Ethernet. The S7-CX executes a program in the same manner as a hardware PLC. The program of a S7-PLC can be transferred to the S7-CX series.

As hardware platform for the S7-CX, the modular DIN rail PCs of the CX series of the Beckhoff automation GmbH is used. The fieldbus used to control the central and the distributed I/O primarily is EtherCAT (Real-Time Ethernet).