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

• 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 01 October 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

1 June 2026 marks the start of the PM400 phase. There is time for planning until the scheduled PM410 on 01 October 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.