The Siemens 6FC5247-0AA00-0AA3 is a PC Card (PCMCIA) Adapter specifically designed for Siemens SINUMERIK CNC systems. It serves as a hardware interface to expand the connectivity of Panel Control Units (PCUs), enabling data transfer between the CNC system and external storage devices via PCMCIA-compatible cards. Below are its detailed specifications based on industry documentation and technical resources:
- Manufacturer: Siemens AG
- Product Series: SINUMERIK
- Product Type: PCMCIA Adapter (PC Card Interface)
- Status: Discontinued (Obsolete)
- Target Systems: Primarily compatible with SINUMERIK 810D/840D/840Di series CNC systems, specifically paired with PCU 50 (e.g., 6FC5210-0DFxx series) and early PCU 70 Panel Control Units.
- Interface Standard:
- Complies with the PCMCIA 2.1 standard, supporting Type II PC Cards.
- Compatible with common PC Card types for data storage and transfer, including:
- Flash memory cards (e.g., ATA Flash Cards).
- Hard disk drives (HDD) in PCMCIA form factor.
- Data Transfer Protocol:
- Uses the ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment) protocol for communication with storage media, ensuring compatibility with standard file systems (FAT16/FAT32).
- Connection to CNC System:
- Connects directly to the internal interface of the SINUMERIK PCU via a dedicated 40-pin connector (matching the PCU’s internal expansion port pinout).
- Power Supply: Draws power directly from the host PCU, requiring no external power source.
- Input Voltage: Derived from the PCU’s internal 5 V DC and 3.3 V DC rails (typical for PCMCIA adapters).
- Power Consumption: < 2 W (low-power design to avoid overloading the PCU’s power budget).
- Dimensions:
- Approx. 100 mm (Width) × 50 mm (Height) × 15 mm (Depth) (compact form factor to fit inside standard SINUMERIK CNC cabinets).
- Weight: Approximately 0.1 kg (0.22 lb).
- Mounting: Internal installation within the PCU’s chassis, secured via screws to the cabinet’s mounting bracket.
- Protection Class: IP20 (dust-protected, suitable for indoor industrial environments).
- Data Transfer & Backup:
- Enables operators to import/export CNC programs (G-codes, M-codes), system configurations, and machine data between the CNC system and external PC Cards.
- Facilitates system backups (e.g., HMI software settings, PLC programs) to PC Cards for disaster recovery.
- Software Updates:
- Supports loading firmware updates, HMI software patches, and SINUMERIK system software revisions into the PCU via compatible PC Cards.
- External Storage Expansion:
- Provides additional non-volatile storage for large CNC programs or production logs that exceed the PCU’s internal memory capacity.
- PCU Compatibility:
- Fully compatible with PCU 50 (6FC5210-0DF02/0DF31 series) and early PCU 70 models. Not compatible with newer PCU 50.5-C/70.5-C units, which use USB or Ethernet for data transfer instead of PCMCIA.
- PC Card Limitations:
- Maximum supported PC Card storage capacity: 2 GB (due to ATA protocol and legacy PCU firmware constraints).
- Requires PC Cards formatted in FAT16/FAT32; NTFS or exFAT formats are not supported.
The 6FC5247-0AA00-0AA3 was discontinued as PCMCIA technology became obsolete in industrial automation. Siemens recommends the following alternatives for modernized data transfer:
- USB Adapters: Use USB 2.0/3.0 expansion modules (e.g., 6FC5247-0AA00-0AA4) for PCU 50.5-C/70.5-C units.
- Ethernet: Direct network transfer via the SINUMERIK system’s Ethernet port for remote data management and updates.
As a discontinued product, it is primarily available through industrial automation resellers offering refurbished units or surplus stock. Users should verify compatibility with their specific PCU model and ensure the adapter is tested for functionality before installation.
