Siemens SIMATIC RF185C User manual

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
SIMATIC Ident
RFID systems
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C,
RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions
03/2022
C79000
-G8976-C512-04
Introduction
1
Security recommendations
2
Description
3
Mounting
4
Connection
5
Configuring
6
Configuring with the WBM
7
Programming
8
Service and maintenance
9
Technical data
10
Dimension drawings
11
Appendix
A
Syslog messages
B
Service & Support
C

Siemens AG
Digital Industries
Postfach 48 48
90026 NÜRNBERG
GERMANY
Ⓟ
01/2022 Subject to change
Copyright © Siemens AG 2018 - 2022.
All rights reserved
Legal information
Warning notice system
This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent
damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert
symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are
graded according to the degree of danger.
DANGER
indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.
WARNING
indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.
NOTICE
indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.
If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will
be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to
property damage.
Qualified Personnel
The product/system described in this documentation may be operated only by personnel qualified for the specific
task in accordance with the relevant documentation, in particular its warning notices and safety instructions.
Qualified personnel are those who, based on their training and experience, are capable of identifying risks and
avoiding potential hazards when working with these products/systems.
Proper use of Siemens products
Note the following:
WARNING
Siemens products may only be used for the applications described in the catalog and in the relevant technical
documentation. If products and components from other manufacturers are used, these must be recommended
or approved by Siemens. Proper transport, storage, installation, assembly, commissioning, operation and
maintenance are required to ensure that the products operate safely and without any problems. The permissible
ambient conditions must be complied with. The information in the relevant documentation must be observed.
Trademarks
All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication
may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.
Disclaimer of Liability
We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software
described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the
information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent
editions.

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 3
Table of contents
1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 7
2 Security recommendations.................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Security information .......................................................................................................... 13
3 Description........................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Properties of the communications modules........................................................................ 15
3.2 I/O functions of the CI device versions ................................................................................ 17
3.3 User-specific procedure...................................................................................................... 17
3.4 Design............................................................................................................................... 20
4 Mounting ............................................................................................................................................. 23
4.1 Installation dimensions and position .................................................................................. 23
4.2 Mounting the communications module.............................................................................. 24
4.3 Use at altitudes over 2,000 m ............................................................................................ 27
5 Connection........................................................................................................................................... 29
5.1 Network topology.............................................................................................................. 30
5.2 Operation of the CM on grounded/ungrounded power supply ............................................ 32
5.3 Electrical design of the CM................................................................................................. 35
5.4 Connecting CM to functional ground.................................................................................. 37
5.4.1 Mounting the CM on a conductive base.............................................................................. 37
5.4.2 Mounting the CM on a non-conductive base....................................................................... 39
5.5 Connecting the communications module ........................................................................... 41
5.6 Supply voltage and PROFINET IO loop-through ................................................................... 46
5.7 Effect of cable length on the supply voltage ....................................................................... 47
6 Configuring.......................................................................................................................................... 49
6.1 Assign the IP address / device name ................................................................................... 49
6.1.1 Assigning the IP address / device name with STEP 7 ............................................................ 49
6.1.2 Assigning the IP address / device name with SINEC PNI ....................................................... 52
6.1.3 Assigning an IP address via DHCP ....................................................................................... 53
6.2 Configuration via PROFINET IO (STEP 7).............................................................................. 54
6.3 Configuration via XML ....................................................................................................... 61
6.4 Configuration via OPC UA................................................................................................... 61
6.5 Configuring with Studio 5000 Logix Designer..................................................................... 62

Table of contents
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
4Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
7 Configuring with the WBM .................................................................................................................. 63
7.1 Starting WBM .................................................................................................................... 63
7.2 The WBM........................................................................................................................... 66
7.3 The menu items of the WBM .............................................................................................. 70
7.3.1 The "Start page" menu item ............................................................................................... 70
7.3.2 The "Settings - General" menu item.................................................................................... 73
7.3.3 The "Settings - Reader Interface" menu item ....................................................................... 74
7.3.4 The "Settings - Digital inputs/outputs" menu item............................................................... 82
7.3.5 The "Settings - Communication" menu item ....................................................................... 84
7.3.6 The menu command "Diagnostics - Hardware diagnostics" ................................................. 94
7.3.7 The "Diagnostics - Log" menu item ..................................................................................... 98
7.3.8 The "Diagnostics - Service Log" menu item ....................................................................... 100
7.3.9 The "Diagnostics - Syslog logbook" menu item.................................................................. 102
7.3.10 The "Edit transponder" menu item.................................................................................... 102
7.3.11 The "User management" menu item................................................................................. 104
7.3.12 The "Homepage" menu item ............................................................................................ 107
7.3.13 The "System - Device settings" menu item ........................................................................ 110
7.3.14 The menu command "System - Reader firmware".............................................................. 112
7.3.15 The "Help" menu item...................................................................................................... 113
8 Programming..................................................................................................................................... 115
8.1 Programming via SIMATIC controller ................................................................................ 115
8.2 Programming via XML...................................................................................................... 116
8.3 Programming via OPC UA................................................................................................. 116
8.4 Programming via Rockwell controller ............................................................................... 116
9 Service and maintenance .................................................................................................................. 119
9.1 Diagnostics...................................................................................................................... 119
9.1.1 Diagnostics via the LED display......................................................................................... 120
9.1.2 Diagnostics via SNMP....................................................................................................... 123
9.1.3 Diagnostics using the WBM .............................................................................................. 124
9.1.4 Diagnostics using the TIA Portal (STEP 7 Basic / Professional) ............................................ 124
9.1.5 Diagnostics via XML......................................................................................................... 126
9.1.6 Diagnostics over OPC UA.................................................................................................. 126
9.1.7 Diagnostics using Studio 5000 Logix Designer.................................................................. 127
9.1.8 Parameterization of the diagnostics ................................................................................. 127
9.2 Error messages ................................................................................................................ 129
9.2.1 Error messages of the communications module ............................................................... 129
9.2.2 Reading out error messages using the WBM ..................................................................... 136
9.2.3 XML error messages......................................................................................................... 136
9.2.4 OPC UA error messages.................................................................................................... 137
9.3 Firmware update ............................................................................................................. 140
9.3.1 Updating the firmware via WBM....................................................................................... 140
9.3.2 Update firmware via TIA Portal (STEP 7 Basic / Professional).............................................. 141
9.3.3 Updating the firmware of the reader via WBM.................................................................. 141
9.3.4 Updating firmware of the readers using the TIA Portal (STEP 7 Basic / Professional) ........... 143

Table of contents
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 5
9.4 Factory defaults............................................................................................................... 144
9.4.1 Restoring the factory settings via WBM............................................................................. 144
9.4.2 Reset the factory setting with SINEC PNI ........................................................................... 145
9.4.3 Restoring the factory settings via the XML........................................................................ 145
9.4.4 Restoring the factory settings for the hardware ................................................................ 146
9.5 Module replacement........................................................................................................ 147
9.5.1 Backup configuration data ............................................................................................... 148
9.5.2 Replacing a module ......................................................................................................... 149
10 Technical data.................................................................................................................................... 153
10.1 Technical specifications RF185C, RF186C, RF188C............................................................ 153
10.2 Technical specifications for RF186CI, RF188CI .................................................................. 155
11 Dimension drawings .......................................................................................................................... 157
A Appendix............................................................................................................................................ 159
A.1 System planning .............................................................................................................. 159
A.2 Connecting cables ........................................................................................................... 160
A.2.1 Standard cables ............................................................................................................... 160
A.2.2 Custom assembled connecting cables .............................................................................. 160
A.3 Operation of optical handheld readers, access control readers or serial devices................. 162
A.3.1 Compatible Ident devices................................................................................................. 162
A.3.2 Connecting handheld readers / access control readers / serial devices ............................... 162
A.3.3 Hardware configuration ................................................................................................... 163
A.3.4 Functions and commands ................................................................................................ 165
A.3.5 Block-specific error messages........................................................................................... 167
A.4 Compatibility with SIMATIC RF180C ................................................................................. 168
A.5 Ordering data .................................................................................................................. 170
A.6 Certificates & approvals.................................................................................................... 173
B Syslog messages ................................................................................................................................ 177
B.1 Structure of the Syslog messages ..................................................................................... 177
B.2 Variables in Syslog messages ........................................................................................... 178
B.3 List of Syslog messages.................................................................................................... 179
C Service & Support .............................................................................................................................. 183

Table of contents
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
6Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 7
Introduction
1
Purpose of these operating instructions
The information provided in these operating instructions enables you to commission the
SIMATIC RF18xC and RF18xCI communication modules.
Basic knowledge required
These operating instructions assume general knowledge of automation engineering and
identification systems.
Scope of validity of this documentation
These operating instructions are valid for the SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI,
and RF188CI communications modules as of product version "01", delivery date as of 03/2022
and firmware version V2.0.
Trademarks
The following and possibly other names not identified by the registered trademark sign ® are
registered trademarks of Siemens AG:
SIMATIC ®, SIMATIC RF ® and MOBY ®
Orientation in the documentation
In addition to these operating instructions, you require the operating instructions for the S7-
300, S7-400, S7-1200 or S7-1500 controller used. When using an S7 controller, you can find
information on programming the module and a complete error description in the description
of the "Ident profile and Ident blocks" function blocks, the RFID standard profile and the
FB 45.
You can find all relevant information for XML configuration and programming in the "XML
Programming for SIMATIC Ident" manual. You can find detailed information on configuring
and programming over OPC UA in the "OPC UA for SIMATIC Ident" manual. You can find the
information on configuring and programming over EtherNet/IP in the "Ident profile, Add-on
instruction for Rockwell systems" manual.
You can find information on the readers and optical readers to be connected in the manual of
the respective product family (RF200, RF300, MV400, and MV500).
You can find the current versions of the various manuals on the pages of the Siemens
Industry Online Support (https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/ps/14970/man).

Introduction
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
8Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
Abbreviations and naming conventions
The following terms/abbreviations are used synonymously in this document:
Transponder
Tag, data carrier, mobile data storage (MDS)
Communication module (CM)
Interface module (ASM)
Decommissioning
Decommission the device properly to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing
confidential data in the device memory.
To do this, reset the device to the factory settings.
Recycling and disposal
The products are low in harmful substances, can be recycled and meet the requirements of
the Directive 2012/19/EU for disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
Do not dispose of the products at public disposal sites.
For environmentally compliant recycling and disposal of your electronic waste, please contact
a company certified for the disposal of electronic waste or your Siemens representative.
Adhere to the various country-specific regulations.

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 9
Security recommendations
2
To prevent unauthorized access, observe the following security recommendations when
working with the communication module and WBM (Web Based Management).
General
•Check regularly that the device complies with these recommendations and/or other
internal security policies.
•Evaluate your plant as a whole in terms of security. Use a cell protection concept with
suitable products.
•Do not connect the device directly to the Internet. Operate the device within a protected
network area.
Physical access
•Restrict physical access to the device.
•Make sure that only adequately qualified personnel have access to the device.
•Lock unused physical ports (e.g. Ethernet ports) on the device. Unused ports can be used
to access the system without authorization.
•The devices have "Low-level service access" that can only be enabled via additional
hardware interconnection. The access is used to enable Siemens personnel to perform
advanced examination for servicing. The access may only be used by qualified service
personnel. Any other use results in the loss of the warranty.
Software (security functions)
•Keep the software up to date. Keep yourself informed regularly about safety updates for
the product.
You can find information about this at Link: (https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity).
•Activate only protocols that you actually need to use the device. Note that, in the factory
setting, all protocols can be used. However, while the device has established a connection
via a protocol, all other protocols are disabled.
•Disable Ethernet/IP-CIP if you do not need it. Only enable EtherNet/IP-CIP if you require a
connection to EtherNet/IP-CIP.
•The XML protocols are sent unencrypted. Take suitable measures to ensure that the XML
communication is tap-proof.
•Limit access to the device using an external device through a firewall or rules in an access
control list (ACL). The firewall and access list can only be configured via an external
device.

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
10 Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
•The configuration files are available in XML format for simple use. Make sure that the
configuration files outside the device are suitably protected. You can, for example, encrypt
the files, store them at a safe location and transfer them only via secure communication
channels.
•The device provides options for backing up and restoring the configuration. For security
reasons, neither the IP address of the network interface nor data of the local user
administration are backed up. We recommend that you use the network management
system "SINEC NMS" to manage this data.
Passwords
•Always use the user management and create new user profiles.
•Change all default passwords for users before operating the device.
•Only use passwords with high password strength. Avoid weak passwords, e.g. password1,
123456789, abcdefgh.
•Define rules for using devices and assigning passwords.
•Make sure that all passwords are protected and inaccessible to unauthorized personnel.
•Do not use the same password for different users and systems.
•Update passwords and keys regularly to improve security.
Keys and certificates
This section deals with the security keys and certificates that you need to set up SSL.
•We urgently recommend creating your own SSL certificates and making them available.
Preset certificates and keys are present in the device.
The preset and automatically created SSL certificates are self-signed. We recommend
using certificates signed either by a reliable external certification authority or an internal
certification authority.
The device has an interface via which you can import certificates and keys.
•We recommend that you use certificates with a key length of at least 4096 bits.
•If protocols support both certificates and keys, you should favor certificates.
•With operation via OPC UA, always use the "Sign and encrypt" security method.

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 11
•The following certificate formats are supported for the import:
Certificate
Supported formats
HTTPS
OPC UA server
*.p12
*.pfx
*.pem 1)
*.cer
*.cert
*.der
OPC UA client
OPC UA CA
OPC UA issuer
*.pem 1)
*.cer
*.cert
*.der
1)
May contain a private key.
•The following algorithms are supported for encryption:
Protocol Supported
signature algorithms
Supported key
and size
Web browser
SHA1
SHA256 with RSA
SHA384 with RSA
SHA512 with RSA
RSA 2048 bit
RSA 4096 bit
OPC UA
SHA256 with RSA
SHA384 with RSA
SHA512 with RSA
RSA 2048 bit
RSA 4096 bit
•The following cipher suites are supported for HTTPS:
OpenSSL name
Value
Browser
ECDHE-RSA-AES128-GCM-SHA256
0x2F
Chrome, Firefox
ECDHE-RSA-AES256-GCM-SHA384
0x30
Chrome, Firefox
Firmware encryption
The firmware itself is signed and encrypted. This ensures that only authentic firmware can be
downloaded to the device.
Secure/non-secure protocols
•SNMPv1 is enabled in the factory setting in order to facilitate operation of the device in a
PROFINET environment. Check whether it is necessary to use SNMPv1. SNMPv1 is
classified as non-secure. Make use of the possibility to prevent write access. The product
offers corresponding settings for this.
•If SNMP is activated, change the community names. If no unrestricted access is necessary,
restrict access over SNMP.

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
12 Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
•Use only secure protocols when access to the device is not secured by physical protection
measures.
The following protocols provide secure alternatives:
HTTP → HTTPS
•To prevent unauthorized access to the device or network, set up appropriate safeguards
against non-secure protocols.
•Enable only the services (protocols) that will actually be used on the device. The same
applies to the installed interfaces/ports. Unused ports could be used to access the network
downstream from the device.
•When using OPC UA, only use profiles with secure encryption and authentication.
List of available protocols
All available protocols and their ports that are used with SIMATIC RF18xC, RF18xCI are listed
below.
Table 2- 1 List of available protocols
Service/
Protocol
Protocol/
Port number
Preset port
status
Port status
configurable
Port number
configurable
Authenticatio
n
Encryption
DHCP
UDP/68
Open
✓
--
--
--
PROFINET
UDP/34964
UDP/49152-
65535
Open
✓
--
--
--
HTTP
TCP/80
Closed
✓
--
--
--
HTTPS
TCP/443
Open
✓
--
✓
✓
NTP
UDP/123
Closed
✓
--
--
--
SNMP
UDP/161
Open
✓
--
--
--
OPC UA
TCP/4840
Open
✓
✓
✓(when
configured)
✓(when
configured)
EtherNet/IP
TCP/44818
UDP/44818
UDP/2222
Open
✓
--
--
--
XML
TCP/10001-10004
Open
1)
✓
✓
--
--
Syslog
UDP/49152-
65535
Closed
✓
2)
--
--
--
1)
Applies to protocol number 10001, all others are closed.
2) Only outgoing, when configured.
Explanation of the table:
•Authentication
Specifies whether authentication of the communication partner takes place.
•Encryption
Specifies whether the transfer is encrypted.

Security recommendations
2.1 Security information
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 13
2.1 Security information
Siemens provides products and solutions with industrial security functions that support the
secure operation of plants, systems, machines and networks.
In order to protect plants, systems, machines and networks against cyber threats, it is
necessary to implement – and continuously maintain – a holistic, state-of-the-art industrial
security concept. Siemens’ products and solutions constitute one element of such a concept.
Customers are responsible for preventing unauthorized access to their plants, systems,
machines and networks. Such systems, machines and components should only be connected
to an enterprise network or the internet if and to the extent such a connection is necessary
and only when appropriate security measures (e.g. firewalls and/or network segmentation)
are in place.
For additional information on industrial security measures that may be implemented, please
visit
https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity (https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity).
Siemens’ products and solutions undergo continuous development to make them more
secure. Siemens strongly recommends that product updates are applied as soon as they are
available and that the latest product versions are used. Use of product versions that are no
longer supported, and failure to apply the latest updates may increase customer’s exposure to
cyber threats.
To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS
Feed under
https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity (https://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity).
Note on firmware/software support
Siemens only provides bug and security fixes for the last released firmware/software version.
This means that Siemens only monitors the current firmware/software version for security
vulnerabilities.

Security recommendations
2.1 Security information
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
14 Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 15
Description
3
3.1 Properties of the communications modules
Area of application
The SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI and RF188CI communications modules are
designed for use in all areas of automation within an access-protected area. It covers all areas
in which SIMATIC Ident RFID readers and optical readers are operated. Due to the large variety
of interfaces - PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and XML - the application can run at the field
level on an S7 or Rockwell controller, on a PC or at the IT level. This means diagnostic data,
such as processed transponder data or logbook entries, can be transferred to higher-level
systems via OPC UA or XML parallel to regular operation.
Figure 3-1 Communication modules SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C as well as RF186CI and
RF188CI
Due to the high degree of protection, mounting without a protective enclosure is possible
directly near the RFID read points. The small mounting surface of the communication module
facilitates installation in confined spaces.
Two connections each for Ethernet and power supply allow configuration in a line structure
in addition to a star structure. The L-coded M12 connectors for the power supply allow a high
feed-through current in a line structure. The SIMATIC RF18xCI communication modules have
an additional I/O interface over which up to 8 inputs or outputs can be connected. In addition
to the familiar configuration types via TIA Portal and GSDML, these communication modules
also feature integrated Web Based Management (WBM), which enables devices to be set via a
standard browser. The WBM supports you during commissioning, diagnostics and servicing. It
also displays information about the connected readers and enables the reading/writing of
transponder data.

Description
3.1 Properties of the communications modules
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
16 Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
For security reasons, you should only operate the device within a protected network area and
not connect it directly to the Internet.
You can find additional information on the various RFID devices and optical readers on the
Internet on the "Siemens Industry Online Support
(https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/ww/en/ps/14970/man)" page.
Features
The following table provides an overview of the characteristics of the communications
modules RF18xC and RF18xCI:
Table 3- 1 Features of the communication modules
Features
RF185C
RF186C
RF188C
RF186CI
RF188CI
Number of connectable
devices
1
2
4
2
4
Supported product
families
RF200, RF300, RF1000,
MV300, MV400, MV500
Reader interfaces
RS422
Transfer speed: 19.2 ... 921.6 Kbaud
I/O interface
--
✓
Ethernet interface
2x M12, switch integrated
Transmission speed: 100 Mbps
Degree of protection
IP67
Configuration/
diagnostic options
STEP 7 (TIA Portal), GSDML, WBM (Web browser)
Application protocols
PROFINET IO, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, XML
Function blocks
Ident profile, FB 45, faceplate for PCS 7
Supported SIMATIC
controllers
S7-300, S7-400, S7-1200, S7-1500
Supported third-party
controllers
Source code of the Ident profile available. All controllers with
PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and IEC 61131 programming are supported.
NOTICE
IRT is not supported
Note that the communication modules do not support IRT (Isochronous Real Time). The
communication modules can also not function as IRT conductors (e.g. in a bus structure).
The communication modules can be configured as clients in MRP rings. Network diagnostics
via SNMP is supported by the communication modules.
NOTICE
Operation in VLANs
Note that the communication modules cannot be operated in VLANs whose ID is ≠ 0.

Description
3.2 I/O functions of the CI device versions
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 17
3.2 I/O functions of the CI device versions
Unlike the C device versions, the CI device versions SIMATIC RF186CI and RF188CI have an I/O
interface. You can use this interface either as a single digital input or output or for the
connection of an IO-Link module (e.g. IO-Link module K20).
The I/O interface can, for example, also be used as an alternative to the digital inputs/outputs
of the controller. One such application example is the configuration of automatisms that are
triggered by an event or changed status, for example, by a transponder that was recognized.
Unlike with the digital inputs/outputs of the S7 controller, the status is changed by the event
that occurs and remains in this status until a new event occurs. Note that the reaction time of
the digital outputs (and inputs) of the communication module depends on the CM load and is
50 - 100 ms on average.
If the I/O interface is used for connecting an IO-Link module, the CM can use up to 8 digital
inputs/outputs of each of the modules. Only DI/DO modules with a maximum of 16 bits of
cyclic process data are supported (input and output data). Note that the SIMATIC RF200 IO-
Link Ident readers cannot be operated via SIMATIC RF186CI/RF188CI.
Note that connected IO-Link modules retain the set parameter assignment even in a de-
energized state. As a consequence, an IO-Link master that was previously configured on a
different IO-Link master and then used with an RF18xCI can demonstrate unexpected
behavior. In this case, you may need to re-assign the module parameters via the Port
Configuration Tool (PCT) using a standard IO-Link master.
3.3 User-specific procedure
As described above, the communication modules are designed for different environments
and requirements.
If you operate the communication modules in an automation environment, they are
configured and programmed from the perspective of an S7 user. Integration in third-party
controllers (e.g. Rockwell controllers) is, of course, also possible. In this case, the
configuration, engineering, and programming is performed from the point of view of a
Rockwell user. If you operate the communication modules in an OPC UA or XML environment,
the configuration and programming are made from the perspective of an OPC UA or XML
user.
If you want to adapt the communication modules to your requirements, we recommend the
following user-specific procedure:

Description
3.3 User-specific procedure
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
18 Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
Procedure as S7 user
1. Connect the hardware
You can find information on this in the section "Connection (Page 29)".
2. Assign the IP address / device name
You can find information on this in the section "Assign the IP address / device name
(Page 49)".
3. Configure communication module
You will find information on this in the section "Configuration via PROFINET IO (STEP 7)
(Page 54)" or "Configuring with the WBM (Page 63)".
4. Program reader commands
You can find information on this in the section "Programming via SIMATIC controller
(Page 115)".
Procedure as XML user
1. Connect the hardware
You can find information on this in the section "Connection (Page 29)".
2. Assign the IP address / device name
You can find information on this in the section "Assigning the IP address / device name
with SINEC PNI (Page 52)".
3. Configure the communication module
You can find information on this in the section "Configuration via XML (Page 61)" or
"Configuring with the WBM (Page 63)".
4. Program reader commands
You can find information on this in the section "Programming via XML (Page 116)".
Procedure as an OPC UA user
1. Connect the hardware
You can find information on this in the section "Connection (Page 29)".
2. Assign the IP address / device name
You can find information on this in the section "Assigning the IP address / device name
with SINEC PNI (Page 52)".
3. Configure the communication module
You can find information on this in the section "Configuration via OPC UA (Page 61)" or
"Configuring with the WBM (Page 63)".
4. Program reader commands
You can find information on this in the section "Programming via OPC UA (Page 116)".

Description
3.3 User-specific procedure
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04 19
Procedure as Rockwell user
1. Connect the hardware
You can find information on this in the section "Connection (Page 29)".
2. Assign the IP address / device name
You can find information on this in the section "Assigning the IP address / device name
with SINEC PNI (Page 52)" or "Assigning an IP address via DHCP (Page 53)".
3. Configure the communication module
You can find information on this in the sections "Configuring with Studio 5000 Logix
Designer (Page 62)" and "Configuring with the WBM (Page 63)".
4. Configure / program the reader commands
You can find information on this in the section "Programming via Rockwell controller
(Page 116)".
Orientation in the document
Later in the document, these symbols will help your orientation and will show you whether
the section is of interest to you or not. Only the sections with user-specific content, in other
words, content that is interface-specific, contain these symbols. Sections without these
symbols are general and relevant for all areas of application.

Description
3.4 Design
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
20 Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
3.4 Design
The following figure shows the basic design of the RF18xC/RF18xCI.
①Status LEDs ⑥2x interfaces for PROFINET IO
(M12, 4-pin, D-coded)
②Reader interfaces
(M12, 8-pin, A-coded)
⑦Mounting holes and functional ground
③Reader LEDs ⑧I/O interface 1)
(M12, 5-pin, A-coded)
④
PROFINET/Ethernet LEDs
⑨
IO LEDs
1)
⑤2x interfaces for the power supply
(M12, 4-pin, L-coded)
Figure 3-2 Design of the communication module
1) The I/O interface and I/O-LEDs are only a feature of the CI devices.