The Siemens 6ES5946-3UA23 is a communication processor (CP) module belonging to the legacy SIMATIC S5 series, designed to enable data exchange between S5 PLC systems and external devices or networks. Below is the detailed information compiled from historical technical archives and industry documentation:
- Product Series: SIMATIC S5 (compatible with S5-115U/135U/155U modular PLC systems, the primary configurations for the S5 series)
- Module Type: Communication Processor (CP) for serial communication
- Key Function: Acts as an interface between the S5 PLC and external devices via RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial protocols
- Product Status: Obsolete/DiscontinuedAs Siemens has phased out the entire SIMATIC S5 product line, this module is no longer in production. Spare parts and official technical support are limited, with modern replacements available in the SIMATIC S7 series or from third-party legacy component suppliers.
- Dimensions (W×H×D): ~40 mm × 130 mm × 180 mm (matches the standard S5 module form factor for rack mounting)
- Weight: Approximately 0.35 kg
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C (non-condensing, suitable for control cabinet environments)
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +80°C
- Protection Rating: IP20 (intended for indoor, panel-mounted use only; not waterproof or dustproof for field installation)
- Mounting: Installed in any available slot of the S5 PLC rack (except the leftmost power supply slot) via the backplane bus connector; secured with a locking clip.
As a serial communication processor, the 6ES5946-3UA23 expands the connectivity of S5 PLC systems by enabling data exchange with a range of external devices. Its key roles include:
- Facilitating communication between the S5 PLC and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), such as Siemens OP (Operator Panel) series, for process visualization and control.
- Enabling data transfer to/from peripheral devices like barcode scanners, printers, or weighing scales via ASCII protocol.
- Supporting peer-to-peer communication between multiple S5 PLCs or integration with upper-level control systems using Siemens proprietary protocols (3964(R), RK512).
It was widely deployed in industrial environments (e.g., manufacturing lines, material handling systems, and process control plants) during the S5 series’ operational peak (1980s–2000s).
- Replacement: For modernization of legacy S5 systems, Siemens recommends migrating to the SIMATIC S7 series with equivalent communication modules, such as the 6ES7 340-1AH02-0AE0 (S7-300 RS-232C CP) or 6ES7 341-1AH02-0AE0 (S7-300 RS-422/485 CP), which support updated protocols and integration with TIA Portal.
- Legacy Support: Historical technical manuals (e.g., "SIMATIC S5 Communication Processors") can be requested from Siemens’ legacy documentation archive for configuration guides and wiring diagrams.
For specific maintenance or replacement queries, contact Siemens Industrial Support or specialized legacy automation component suppliers.
