Quick Verdict
Choose the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 if you want a single box that runs logic and provides 32 I/O points, with 20 digital inputs and 12 relay outputs. Choose the Siemens SIMATIC HMI KTP700 if you already have a controller and you need a touchscreen for operators to interact with the machine. If you must pick one product from this pair, the decision is really about your current panel architecture.
At a Glance
| Product | Listed Price | Type | Role in a Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 (1761-L32BWB) | $299.00 | PLC processor module | Runs logic and switches outputs with built-in I/O |
| Siemens SIMATIC HMI KTP700 (6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0) | $614.00 | HMI touch screen | Displays machine status and accepts operator commands |
Where Each Product Wins
Where the Allen-Bradley wins: It bundles PLC processing and I/O into one processor module. You get a MicroLogix 1000-family controller with a built-in high-speed counter, RS-232 communication, and relay outputs that can switch loads directly. It's the more complete item on its own for logic tasks.
Where the Siemens wins: It offers a touchscreen HMI experience. You get a SIMATIC-branded touch screen in the KTP700 family. If your operator needs alarms, setpoints, or start/stop control, this panel gives you the visual layer that a PLC module cannot.
Product Notes
Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000 (1761-L32BWB)
Priced at $299, this is the less expensive way to add PLC processing to a panel. The MicroLogix 1000 family positions it as a compact controller, and the 1761-L32BWB variant gives you 32 total I/O points with 20 digital inputs and 12 relay outputs. It runs on 24V DC with 7W max power consumption, has a built-in high-speed counter, and provides an RS-232 communication port. Memory works out to about 1KB of EEPROM, which covers roughly 737 instruction words and 437 data words. If your application is small machine logic with a need for physical I/O and relay switching, the Allen-Bradley covers it out of one box. The limitation is that it is a controller, not an interface: you won't get a touch screen or visual operator panel here. Plan for a separate HMI if you need to supervise the process. The listing also marks this unit as unused, a good sign when you want a controller that hasn't been on a live line.
Siemens SIMATIC HMI KTP700 (6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0)
At $614, this is the higher-priced entry and it's a different kind of component. The Siemens SIMATIC HMI KTP700 is a touch screen interface designed to work with an S7/300 controller platform. That makes it a strong candidate when you already have a controller and need a panel that lets an operator see machine status, acknowledge alarms, and issue commands. The model number confirms it's part of the SIMATIC family, and its country of origin is Germany. The main limitation is that it doesn't include the PLC processing itself; it's an HMI, not a processor module. Pair it with a compatible controller-the listing points to the S7/300-for full operation. The price also means you should only choose it if operator interaction is actually part of your workflow. If all you need is logic control without a panel, the Allen-Bradley PLC is the more functional pick.
Final Choice by Use Case
If your project starts with programmable logic and physical I/O, choose the Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1000. If your project already has a controller and you need a touchscreen for the operator, choose the Siemens SIMATIC HMI KTP700. The Allen-Bradley gives you the "brain" of a small machine; the Siemens gives you the "face" of an industrial panel.
