SIEMENS 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0

What is the 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0 and where is it used?

The 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0 is the Siemens SIMATIC NET CP 342-5 communication processor for the SIMATIC S7-300 platform. The assembly connects an S7-300 controller to PROFIBUS DP and additionally supports S5-compatible communication, PG/OP communication and S7 communication. This makes it particularly relevant in legacy systems where PROFIBUS remains the primary fieldbus and communication tasks need to be offloaded from the CPU. Typical applications include machines and systems equipped with ET 200 distributed I/O, third-party controllers, process-control system interfaces and existing S7-300 architectures that are to remain in operation without a complete platform migration. In brownfield environments, the exact article number is especially important because it determines replacement compatibility, project-engineering requirements and migration effort.

Overview of the key technical data and what it means

The CP communicates via a PROFIBUS RS485 interface with a 9-pin Sub-D connector and supports data rates from 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s. It requires an external 24 V DC power supply and additionally uses the 5 V backplane bus of the S7-300 system. Typical power dissipation is 6.75 W, the permissible operating temperature range is 0 to 60 °C, and the protection rating is IP20. Of particular practical importance is the ability to operate as a DP master for up to 124 DP devices. The assembly supports 16 open-communication connections and 16 S7 communication connections. In DP master mode, a total of 2,160 bytes of inputs and 2,160 bytes of outputs are available. The assembly can be configured using STEP 7 V5.1 SP2 or later, as well as STEP 7 Professional from V12 onwards within the TIA Portal environment. These specifications demonstrate that the CP is designed for traditional PROFIBUS applications in S7-300 architectures rather than Ethernet-based communication systems.

Product status, life-cycle status and obsolescence

From a procurement perspective, the product life cycle is a key consideration. The EICHLER product page lists an EOP (End of Production) date of 1 October 2025. Siemens has announced the discontinuation of the SIMATIC S7-300 communication processor range and specifies a product discontinuation date of 1 October 2025 for this model. This places the assembly firmly in the category of obsolete or near-obsolete products and increases the importance of repair services, replacement solutions and qualified used-part inventories. As part of the phase-out strategy, Siemens identifies the S7-1500 platform as the successor architecture and specifically recommends the CM 1542-5 (6GK7542-5DX00-0XE0) as the successor communication module. It is important to note, however, that this is not a direct plug-compatible replacement for an S7-300 system but rather a successor within the context of a system migration. Within the CP 342-5 family itself, the 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0 serves as the replacement for the earlier versions 6GK7342-5DA00-0XE0, 6GK7342-5DA01-0XE0 and 6GK7342-5DA02-0XE0.

Available EICHLER services and when they are relevant

In the event of an unplanned breakdown, a replacement part is often the fastest option, as EICHLER specifies a delivery time of 1–3 working days for this assembly. The same lead time applies to available used parts. Where the original assembly is to be retained—for example because of an identical project configuration, documented system history or lower investment requirements—repair is often the preferred solution, with a turnaround time of 2–5 working days. According to EICHLER, the repair service includes technical cleaning, preventive maintenance, comprehensive functional testing and a minimum 24-month warranty. An optional test report is also available. For obsolete PROFIBUS assemblies, this combination of services is particularly valuable because it helps maintain the functionality of existing S7-300 systems despite product discontinuation, reduces breakdown duration and mitigates procurement risks associated with limited market availability. New parts for this article number are currently available from EICHLER on request.

Is the 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0 still available or has it already been discontinued?

The assembly belongs to the phase-out and discontinuation phase of the S7-300 product family. EICHLER lists an EOP (End of Production) date of 1 October 2025 for this article, and Siemens specifies a product discontinuation date of 1 October 2025 for the CP 342-5 as part of the phase-out of the S7-300 communication processor range. For operators of existing systems, this means that the article number remains highly relevant from a procurement perspective, but the focus shifts towards repair, replacement, used-part availability and strategic stockholding rather than long-term procurement through the standard product life cycle.

Is there a Siemens successor to the 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0?

Yes. As part of the S7-300 phase-out strategy, Siemens identifies the SIMATIC S7-1500 platform as the successor architecture and assigns the CM 1542-5 as the successor communication module to the CP 342-5. However, it is important to understand that the CM 1542-5 is not a plug-compatible one-to-one replacement for an S7-300 rack assembly. Instead, it forms part of a migration solution based on the S7-1500 platform. For maintenance and purchasing departments, this means that repair or replacement of the original assembly is often the most direct option for short-term requirements within an existing S7-300 system, while the Siemens successor is primarily relevant for planned modernisation projects.

Can the CP 342-5 be configured in the TIA Portal?

Yes. Siemens specifies STEP 7 V5.1 SP2 or later, as well as STEP 7 Professional from V12 onwards in the TIA Portal environment, as supported engineering tools for the 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0. This is particularly important for organisations operating mixed engineering environments. Existing projects can continue to be maintained in traditional STEP 7 systems, while modern service and engineering workstations can also configure the assembly within the TIA Portal environment. For legacy systems, however, it remains important to verify which software version was originally used and whether the hardware configuration and communication data need to be downloaded again following a module replacement.

How many PROFIBUS devices does the CP 342-5 support?

When operating as a DP master, the CP can manage up to 124 DP devices. In DP master mode, it provides a total of 2,160 bytes of input data and 2,160 bytes of output data. Each DP device can support up to 244 bytes of input data, 244 bytes of output data and up to 240 bytes of diagnostic data. For many traditional S7-300 PROFIBUS applications, this capacity is more than sufficient. When designing a system, however, it is important to consider not only the number of devices but also the actual data volume per device, process-data consistency requirements and the correct mapping within the application program.

Does the 6GK7342-5DA03-0XE0 require an external 24 V power supply?

Yes. The CP uses the 5 V backplane bus of the S7-300 system but also requires an external 24 V DC power supply. Siemens additionally recommends that the CPU, CP and any associated interface modules operate from the same power supply. For maintenance engineers, this is an important consideration because communication faults can arise not only from bus-configuration issues but also from incorrect or inconsistent power-supply concepts. Whenever a CP is replaced or rewired, the 24 V supply and the reference potential should therefore be checked as part of the commissioning process.

When is repair preferable to replacement or purchasing a used part?

As a practical guideline, replacement is usually the best option when a breakdown must be resolved immediately, as EICHLER specifies a lead time of only 1–3 working days for replacement units. Repair is particularly attractive when the original assembly is to be retained and a technically refurbished, fully tested solution is preferred. EICHLER’s repair service includes technical cleaning, preventive maintenance, comprehensive functional testing and a minimum 24-month warranty. Used parts are often a suitable choice when a compatible legacy component is required quickly without immediately committing to a complete modernisation project. This assessment is a logical conclusion based on the available service options, lead times and the discontinued status of the assembly.