Description
1. Unboxing & Physical Snapshot
- Model & Brand: Siemens SIMATIC NET — CP 1623 (Catalog No. 6GK1162-3AA00)
- Physical Dimensions: Standard PCI Express short card profile matching PC slot form factors.
- Estimated Shipping Weight: 0.45 kg (0.99 lbs) packed inside high-density anti-static foam containment.
- What’s in the Box: CP 1623 communication processor card, dual RJ-45 port dust caps, slot bracket assembly, and safety documentation insert (note: SIMATIC NET software packages and HARDNET-IE licenses are sold separately).
2. Product Introduction
Integrating industrial PCs (IPCs) directly into high-speed plant communication loops requires specialized hardware capable of handling deterministic data traffic without taxing the host computer’s central processor. Operating as a high-performance communication processor within the SIMATIC NET ecosystem, this PCI Express card connects industrial workstations to Industrial Ethernet networks at speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
Equipped with an onboard microprocessor and an integrated 2-port switch, the module handles intensive protocol processing independently—(which ensures reliable, low-latency data exchange with S7 controllers and supervisory systems). Plant system integrators and reliability engineers depend on this exact hardware card to establish secure, high-bandwidth plant-floor IT/OT integration nodes.
3. Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Product Series | SIMATIC NET Industrial Ethernet (IE) |
| Module Type | Communications Processor (CP 1623) |
| Bus Interface | PCI Express X1 (3.3 V / 12 V power supply lines) |
| Transmission Rate | 10 / 100 / 1000 Mbps (auto-sensing) |
| Network Interfaces | Two (2) RJ-45 ports with integrated 2-port switch |
| Supported Protocols | HARDNET-IE S7, ISO, TCP/IP, UDP |
| Power Consumption | Approximately 7.6 Watts maximum operational draw |
| Operating Temperature | +5^\circC to +55^\circC (+41^\circF to +131^\circF) |
| Storage Temperature | -20^\circC to +60^\circC (-4^\circF to +140^\circF) |
4. Global Compliance & Industry Certifications
Compliance audits penalize facilities that deploy uncertified network interface cards inside critical industrial control computers.
- Certifications: CE Mark, cULus Listed industrial control equipment, C-TICK, and RoHS environmental compliance directives.
- Safety Relevance: The cULus and CE industrial standards ensure that electrical isolation barriers on the Ethernet ports withstand high-voltage transient surges, protecting the host industrial PC and local operator personnel.
- Audit Note: Verify specific firmware levels and driver versions against your plant automation cybersecurity framework prior to final system commissioning.
5. Long-Term Storage & Asset Preservation Guide
Spare communication cards kept in stockroom inventory are vulnerable to electrostatic discharge and gold-finger tarnish over extended storage periods (—requiring strict environmental controls). Protect your capital investment by following these maintenance protocols:
- Maintain warehouse climate control where ambient storage temperatures remain between -20^\circC and +60^\circC while keeping relative humidity strictly below 95% non-condensing.
- Keep the module sealed inside its original factory anti-static moisture-barrier bag with protective port caps fitted until the exact PC integration window.
- Inspect the gold PCI Express edge connector annually for tarnish, cleaning pins gently with a lint-free electronic contact cleaner if necessary.
6. Physical Installation Prerequisites
Proper mechanical alignment and slot preparation inside the industrial PC prevent backplane damage and ensure stable network communication.
- Clearance Space: Ensure sufficient vertical clearance within the IPC chassis to allow unobstructed airflow around the board components and heatsink surfaces.
- Grounding Requirements: Secure the metal slot bracket tightly to the grounded IPC chassis backplane using retaining screws to maintain continuous electromagnetic shielding.
- ESD Precautions: Always wear a grounded wrist strap when handling the card to prevent electrostatic breakdown of sensitive onboard microprocessors.
7. Buyer’s FAQ (Logistics & Compliance Focus)
Q: What Harmonized System (HS) Tariff Code applies to this Siemens communication processor for international shipping?
A: Industrial network interface cards and communication controllers typically classify under HS code 8517.62.0050 (Machines for reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data). Always check final classifications with your broker.
Q: Does this card include the required SIMATIC NET software licenses in the box?
A: No. The 6GK1162-3AA00 part number covers the hardware communication processor only; communication software packages (such as HARDNET-IE S7) must be licensed separately.
Q: What is the Country of Origin (COO) for trade compliance documentation?
A: This product is manufactured in Germany, requiring proper EU origin marking on commercial export and import paperwork to satisfy regional trade laws.
Q: Is specialized shock-resistant transit insurance required for international cargo delivery?
A: Yes, because precision multi-layer circuit boards and PCI Express edge connectors are sensitive to heavy drop impacts, full-value freight insurance is strongly recommended.
