Siemens 6GK7443-1EX20-0XE0 SIMATIC CP 443-1 Communications Processor

Configured for connection of SIMATIC S7-400 to Industrial Ethernet over ISO, TCP/IP, and UDP, the Siemens 6GK7443-1EX20-0XE0 (6GK7443-1EX20-0XE0 Communications Processor CP 443-1) provides direct physical and electrical execution. The module manages dedicated automation network services across S7 communication, fetch/write, and SEND/RECEIVE protocols while acting as a hardware gateway between the controller backplane and external distributed field architectures.

Hardware Specifications

Deterministic Industrial Ethernet and Switch Architecture

The communications processor utilizes an integrated ERTEC 400 real-time switch to execute deterministic network distribution directly through its dual RJ45 interfaces. It operates natively as a PROFINET IO Controller, handling up to 64 open communication links via SEND/RECEIVE blocks with and without RFC1006 multicast compliance. The hardware configuration executes backplane bus communication velocity licenses to sustain concurrent multi-protocol traffic across DHCP, SNMP V2, and web-based diagnostics. The dedicated embedded ASIC guarantees firmware flash compatibility across legacy S7-400 racks, providing access protection through hardware-enforced IP access lists while suppressing packet collision cross-talk during heavy network loop traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is the initial IP address assigned to the 6GK7443-1EX20-0XE0 during commissioning?

A: The module supports initialization via LAN. The network configuration can be deployed dynamically using a DHCP server, or assigned statically via STEP 7 engineering software using the Media Access Control (MAC) address over standard ISO transport protocols.

Q: What are the architecture limits when deploying multiple CP 443-1 modules per S7-400 CPU?

A: A maximum of 14 communication processors can be installed per individual S7-400 CPU rack assembly to scale total I/O density. However, out of these 14 modules, a maximum of only 4 units can be concurrently initialized and operational as active PROFINET IO Controllers.

Field Installation Guidelines

• Rack Slot and Power Isolation: Insert the module only when the S7-400 rack backplane power is fully isolated. Lock the upper and lower fastening screws into the chassis sub-rack to ensure continuous electrical engagement with the 5 V DC backplane power rails and to mitigate terminal contact resistance.
• Network Cable Routing and Strain Relief: Connect standard Cat5e or industrial-grade shielded twisted-pair (STP) cables to the integrated RJ45 ports. Route all communication lines through dedicated low-voltage wire trays, maintaining a minimum physical separation of 100 mm from three-phase AC motor leads and power switching components to eliminate electromagnetic noise injection.
• Shield Grounding and Environmental Limits: Verify that the RJ45 cable shield makes continuous connection with the internal metallic frame of the module housing. The host enclosure must maintain adequate vertical convective airflow to keep local ambient operating temperatures between 0 deg C and +60 deg C, preventing thermal degradation under the maximum 8.6 W power loss loading.