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Siemens CP 1623 communication processor (6GK1162-3AA00) to be phased out from 1 June 2026

With the discontinuation of the Siemens CP 1623 communication processor, an important planning phase is beginning for many operators of PC-based automation solutions. Although the 6GK1162-3AA00 assembly will initially remain available to order as a new part, it will be withdrawn from active marketing with PM400. This means that spare parts strategy, repairability and system availability are coming into sharper focus.

The situation is particularly critical because Siemens has not named a directly compatible successor for the CP 1623. Anyone using the assembly in exisiting PG/PC stations, SIMATIC NET environments or REDCONNECT applications shiuld identify and assess installed stock at an early stage. This is because the planned product discontinuation on 10 December 2027 could significantly complicate procurement and maintenance.

Now is the right time for maintenance, engineering and procurement teams to establish a robust obsolescence strategy. Repairs, tested spare parts, replacement units and a technical assessment of possible alternatives help to reduce the risk of breakdowns and enable modernisation projects to be implemented in a planned manner.

Overview & Quick Start

  1. Key facts about the discontinuation of the Siemens CP 1623 (6GK1162-3AA00)
  2. Which Siemens assembly is affected?
  3. What does the discontinuation of the PM400 product on 1 June 2026 mean?
  4. Which alternative does Siemens suggest?
  5. How does EICHLER help Siemens tackle obsolescence?
  6. Why is it worth carrying out an inventory check now?
The Siemens CP 1623 communication processor will be discontinued as of June 1, 2026
The Siemens CP 1623 communication processor will be discontinued as of June 1, 2026

Key facts about the discontinuation of the Siemens CP 1623 (6GK1162-3AA00)

  • Siemens has announced the end-of-life of the CP 1623. The 6GK1162-3AA00 communication processor has been in product status PM400 since 1 June 2026.
  • New parts will remain available to order for the time being. The planned discontinuation of the PM410 is scheduled for 10 December 2027; after that date, new parts will no longer be available.
  • No directly compatible successor has been named. For certain applications, Siemens recommends standard network cards with SOFTNET-IE S7 or SOFTNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT.
  • Existing systems must be assessed individually from a technical perspective. In particular, HARDNET-IE S7- and HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT applications cannot be transferred to an alternative accross the board.
  • Spare parts and repair strategy are now becoming more important. Operators should record installed CP-1623 assemblies, assess their criticality and plan for supply, repairability and stockholding at an early stage.

Which Siemens assembly is affected?

This notice concerns the Siemens CP 1623 with the manufacturer's part number 6GK1162-3AA00. Siemens markets the CP 1623 as a communication processor for PCs and SIMATIC PGs. The module connects industrial computers to Industrial Ethernet. The Siemens CP 1623 uses PCI Express X1 and supports 10, 100 and 1000 Mbit/s. In addition, the Siemens assembly features a 2-port switch with RJ45 connectors.

In many systems, the Siemens CP 1623 handles stable communication tasks. Typical applications include PC-based automation solutions. These include connections with SIMATIC NET PC software. Applications with HARDNET-IE S7 and HARDNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT are particularly relevant.

What does the discontinuation of the PM400 product on 1 June 2026 mean?

Siemens has assigned product status PM400 to the Siemens CP 1623 as of 1 June 2026. This signifies that Siemens has announced the product's end-of-life. However, the Siemens CP 1623 can still be ordered as a new part. Siemens is no longer actively marketing the Siemens communication processor 6GK1162-3AA00.

This marks the start of an important planning phase for maintenance and procurement. System operators should identify all installed Siemens CP 1623 units. Critical system areas require a clear strategy. Spare parts requirements, repairability and alternatives should be assessed now.

Key questions regarding the discontinuation of the Siemens CP 1623 (6GK1162-3AA00)

With PM400, the official phase-out of the Siemens CP 1623 begins. Siemens will continue to supply the Siemens CP 1623 as a new part. However, the assembly is no longer being actively marketed. Maintenance and procurement teams should review their stock levels. The installed base also warrants attention. This will enable well-informed decisions to be made regarding spare parts stock, repairs and migration.

According to the announcement dated 10 December 2027, the planned discontinuation of part number PM410 for the Siemens CP 1623 will take effect on that date. From that date onwards, Siemens will only supply the CP 1623 as a spare part, subject to stock availability. It will no longer be possible to order new parts for PM410. Purchasing departments should therefore assess procurement risks at an early stage.

Siemens has not specified a directly compatible successor product for the CP 1623 communication processor. This increases the testing workload in existing systems. For certain applications, the manufacturer recommends a standard network card with SOFTNET-IE S7 or SOFTNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT. However, this solution is not a direct replacement for the Siemens CP 1623. Each system therefore requires a technical assessment on a case-by-case basis.

The Siemens CP 1623 can play a key role in older PC workstations. An unplanned failure can disrupt communication and processes. The risk will increase following the product's discontinuation on 10 December 2027. From then on, availability and supply will depend more heavily on spare parts stock. Repairable assemblies therefore often represent the most-effective nterim strategy.

Which alternative does Siemens suggest?

Siemens specifies a technical alternative for certain applications. A standard network card can be used instead of the Siemens CP 1623. For this purpose, Siemens recommends the SIMATIC NET PC software SOFTNET-IE S7 and SOFTNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT. Siemens highlights optimisations introduced from version V21 onwards. These relate to robustness, data throughput, latency and reliability.

In addition, SOFTNET-IE S7 REDCONNECT supports increased redundancy from V21 onwards. Siemens specifies 4-way redundancy via TCP/IP here. Furthermore, the solution supports up to four network cards that can be operated simultaneously per configured PC station.

Nevertheless, this alternative does not directly replace the Siemens CP 1623. Existing HARDNET-IE projects require a technical review. The scope of work will depend on project planning, software versions, redundancy concepts and approvals.

How does EICHLER help Siemens tackle obsolescence?

EICHLER supports maintenance, engineering and procurement teams dealing with end-of-life automation technology. The focus is on repair, maintenance and supply. This also applies to Siemens communication assemblies such as the Siemens CP 1623.

For maintenance engineers, system availability is paramount. A repair often keeps existing systems running smoothly for longer. It avoids short-term modifications. It reduces the risk of breakdowns. It can also buy time for planned modernisation projects.

For procurement staff, cost-effectiveness is key. A certified repair can reduce procurement costs. It avoids unplanned migrations. It protects investments in existing systems. EICHLER combines technical inspection with a practical spare parts strategy.

Why is it worth carrying out an inventory check now?

1 June 2026 marks the start of the PM400 phase. There is time for planning until the scheduled PM410 on 10 December 2027. This time should be put to good use.

Operators should identify any Siemens CP 1623 units in use. This should be followed by a risk assessment for each system. Critical communication links should be given priority. At the same time, it is worth checking for spare parts, repairability and software alternatives.

This results in a robust obsolescence strategy. It combines technical reliability with economic planning. This is precisely where EICHLER offers a clear advantage: existing Siemens automation technology remains usable for longer. System availability remains predictable. Decommissioning can take place at the right time.

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About the author

Stephan Band, EICHLER GmbH

Since 2015, I have been working in marketing at EICHLER GmbH. Right at the start, I soldered a submitted S5 CPU module labeled “Made in Western Germany.” This experience sparked my enthusiasm for sustainability and repair in automation technology. Until 2024, I served as editor-in-chief of the customer magazine "News from maintenance", passionately reporting on people and solutions in industrial maintenance. In the new digital magazine, I now focus on Product Change Notifications (PCN) and Product Discontinuation Notifications (PDN). 

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Repair accompanying note PDF

Important documents

Repair accompanying note

Download the repair accompanying note as a PDF, or use the digital repair registration and send your defective modules to the EICHLER Service Centre for repair.

Repair accompanying note Online repair registration
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