Siemens SIMATIC RF186C User manual

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
SIMATIC Ident
RFID systems
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C,
RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions
06/2019
C79000
-G8976-C512-02
Introduction
1
Security recommendations
2
Description
3
Mounting
4
Connection
5
Configuring
6
Configuring with the WBM
7
Programming via SIMATIC
controller
8
Programming via the OPC
UA interface
9
Service and maintenance
10
Technical data
11
Dimension drawings
12
Appendix
A
Syslog messages
B
Service & Support
C

Siemens AG
Digital Industries
Postfach 48 48
90026 NÜRNBERG
GERMANY
Ⓟ
05/2019 Subject to change
Copyright © Siemens AG 2018 - 2019.
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, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 3
Table of contents
1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 7
2 Security recommendations...................................................................................................................... 9
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.....................................................................................................................................19
4 Mounting............................................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 Installation dimensions and position .......................................................................................21
4.2 Mounting the communications module ...................................................................................22
4.3 Use at altitudes over 2,000 m .................................................................................................25
5 Connection ........................................................................................................................................... 27
5.1 Operation of the CM on grounded/ungrounded power supply ...............................................30
5.2 Electrical design of the CM .....................................................................................................33
5.3 Connect CM to functional ground (PE) ...................................................................................35
5.3.1 Mounting the CM on a conductive base .................................................................................35
5.3.2 Mounting the CM on a non-conductive base ..........................................................................37
5.4 Connecting the communications module................................................................................39
5.5 Supply voltage and PROFINET IO loop-through....................................................................44
5.6 Connecting cables for the CMs...............................................................................................45
6 Configuring ........................................................................................................................................... 47
6.1 Assign the IP address / device name .....................................................................................47
6.1.1 Assigning the IP address / device name with STEP 7............................................................47
6.1.2 Assigning the IP address / device name with the PST ...........................................................50
6.2 Configuration via PROFINET IO.............................................................................................52
6.3 Configuration via OPC UA ......................................................................................................55
7 Configuring with the WBM..................................................................................................................... 57
7.1 Starting WBM..........................................................................................................................57
7.2 The WBM ................................................................................................................................59
7.3 The menu items of the WBM ..................................................................................................64
7.3.1 The "Start page" menu item....................................................................................................64
7.3.2 The "Settings - General" menu item .......................................................................................66
7.3.3 The "Settings - Reader Interface" menu item .........................................................................67
7.3.4 The "Settings - Digital outputs" menu item .............................................................................71

Table of contents
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
4Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02
7.3.5 The "Settings - Communication" menu item .......................................................................... 73
7.3.6 The "Diagnostics - Log" menu item........................................................................................ 83
7.3.7 The "Diagnostics - Service Log" menu item .......................................................................... 85
7.3.8 The "Diagnostics - Syslog logbook" menu item ..................................................................... 87
7.3.9 The "Edit transponder" menu item ......................................................................................... 88
7.3.10 The "User management" menu item...................................................................................... 90
7.3.11 The "System" menu item ....................................................................................................... 94
7.3.12 The "Help" menu item ............................................................................................................ 96
8 Programming via SIMATIC controller .................................................................................................... 97
8.1 Digital inputs/outputs.............................................................................................................. 97
9 Programming via the OPC UA interface ................................................................................................ 99
9.1 Supported methods/functions .............................................................................................. 100
9.2 OPC UA variables................................................................................................................ 106
9.2.1 Description of the variables.................................................................................................. 106
9.2.2 ExecuteScan ........................................................................................................................ 106
9.2.3 SimaticIdentModelVersion ................................................................................................... 107
9.2.4 CommonSettings.................................................................................................................. 107
9.2.5 RfidSettings.......................................................................................................................... 108
9.2.6 Diagnosis ............................................................................................................................. 109
9.2.7 DigitalIOPorts ....................................................................................................................... 116
9.3 OPC UA events.................................................................................................................... 118
9.3.1 Description of the events ..................................................................................................... 118
9.3.2 AutoIdPresenceEvent .......................................................................................................... 119
9.3.3 RfidLastAccessEvent ........................................................................................................... 119
9.3.4 AutoIdLastLogEntryEvent .................................................................................................... 124
10 Service and maintenance.....................................................................................................................125
10.1 Diagnostics........................................................................................................................... 125
10.1.1 Diagnostics via the LED display........................................................................................... 126
10.1.2 Diagnostics via SNMP ......................................................................................................... 129
10.1.3 Diagnostics using the WBM ................................................................................................. 130
10.1.4 Diagnostics using the TIA Portal (STEP 7 Basic / Professional) ......................................... 130
10.1.5 Diagnostics over OPC UA.................................................................................................... 132
10.1.6 Parameterization of the diagnostics..................................................................................... 133
10.2 Error messages.................................................................................................................... 135
10.2.1 Error messages of the communications module.................................................................. 135
10.2.2 Reading out error messages using the WBM ...................................................................... 143
10.2.3 OPC UA error messages ..................................................................................................... 143
10.3 Firmware update .................................................................................................................. 146
10.3.1 Updating the firmware via WBM .......................................................................................... 146
10.3.2 Update firmware via TIA Portal (STEP 7 Basic / Professional) ........................................... 147
10.3.3 Updating firmware of the readers using the TIA Portal (STEP 7 Basic / Professional) ....... 148
10.4 Factory defaults.................................................................................................................... 150
10.4.1 Restoring the factory settings via WBM............................................................................... 150
10.4.2 Restoring the factory settings manually............................................................................... 151

Table of contents
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 5
10.5 Module replacement .............................................................................................................152
10.5.1 Backup configuration data ....................................................................................................153
10.5.2 Replacing a module ..............................................................................................................155
11 Technical data .................................................................................................................................... 157
11.1 Technical specifications RF185C, RF186C, RF188C ..........................................................157
11.2 Technical specifications for RF186CI, RF188CI...................................................................159
12 Dimension drawings............................................................................................................................ 161
A Appendix............................................................................................................................................. 163
A.1 System planning ...................................................................................................................163
A.2 Connecting cables ................................................................................................................164
A.2.1 Standard cables ....................................................................................................................164
A.2.2 Custom assembled cables....................................................................................................165
A.3 Compatibility with SIMATIC RF180C....................................................................................166
A.4 Ordering data ........................................................................................................................168
A.5 Certificates & approvals........................................................................................................171
B Syslog messages................................................................................................................................ 173
B.1 Structure of the Syslog messages ........................................................................................173
B.2 Variables in Syslog messages..............................................................................................174
B.3 List of Syslog messages .......................................................................................................175
C Service & Support ............................................................................................................................... 179

Table of contents
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
6Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 7
Introduction
1
Purpose of these operating instructions
The information provided in these operating instructions enables you to commission the
RF18xC and RF18xCI communication modules on a PROFINET IO controller.
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 RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI and
RF188CI communication modules as of product version "01" and delivery date as of
06/2019.
Trademarks
The following and possibly other names not identified by the registered trademark sign ® are
registered trademarks of Siemens AG:
SIMATIC ®, SIMATIC RF ®, MOBY ®, RF MANAGER ®, SIMATIC Sensors ®
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.
If you are using SIMATIC S7, you can find information on programming the module as well
as a complete error description in the description of the FB 45 function block, RFID standard
profile and Ident profile.
You can find information on the readers and optical readers to be connected in the intrinsic
safety 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).
Abbreviations and naming conventions
The following terms/abbreviations are used synonymously in this document:
Reader
Write/read device (SLG)
Transponder, tag
Data medium, mobile data storage (MDS)
Communication module (CM)
Interface module (ASM)

Introduction
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
8Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02
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, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 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 to qualified personnel.
●Lock unused physical ports (e.g. Ethernet ports) on the device. Unused ports can be used
to access the system without authorization.
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 (http://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity).
●Activate only protocols that you actually need to use the device.
●Limit access to the device using a firewall or rules in an access control list (ACL).
●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.

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
10 Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02
Passwords
●Activate 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 using certificates with a key length of at least 2048 bits.
●If protocols support both certificates and keys, you should favor certificates.
●The following certificate formats are supported for the import:
Certificate
Format
HTTPS
OPC UA server
*.p12
*.pfx
HTTPS
OPC UA server
OPC UA client
OPC UA CA
OPC UA issuer
*.pem 1)
HTTPS
OPC UA server
OPC UA client
OPC UA CA
OPC UA issuer
*.cer
*.cert
*.pem
*.der
1) Contains private key.

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 11
●The following algorithms are supported for encryption:
Protocol
Supported
signature algorithms
Supported key
and size
Web browser SHA1
SHA224 with DSA
SHA256 with DSA
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
ECDHE-RSA-AES128-CBC-SHA256
0x27
Internet Explorer 11
ECDHE-RSA-AES256-CBC-SHA384
0x28
Internet Explorer 11
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
●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 unrestricted access is not
necessary, limit access via SNMP.
●Use secure protocols if access to the device is not protected by means of physical
safeguards.
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.

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
12 Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02
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 configura-
ble
Port number
configurable
Authentication
Encryption
DHCP
UDP/68
Open
✓
--
No
No
PROFINET UDP/34964
UDP/49152-
65535
Open ✓-- No No
HTTP
TCP/80
Open
--
--
No
No
HTTPS
TCP/443
Open
--
--
Yes
Yes
NTP
UDP/123
Closed
✓
--
No
No
SNMP
UDP/161
Closed
✓
--
No
No
OPC UA TCP/4840 Open ✓✓Yes (when
configured)
Yes (when
configured)
Syslog
UDP/514
Open
✓
--
No
No
Explanation of the table:
●Authentication
Specifies whether authentication of the communication partner takes place.
●Encryption
Specifies whether the transfer is encrypted.

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 13
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
Link: (http://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 customers’ exposure
to cyber threats.
To stay informed about product updates, subscribe to the Siemens Industrial Security RSS
Feed under
Link: (http://www.siemens.com/industrialsecurity)

Security recommendations
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
14 Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02

SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 15
Description
3
3.1 Properties of the communications modules
Area of application
The SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI and RF188CI communication modules
are designed for use in all areas of automation. It covers all areas in which SIMATIC Ident
RFID readers and optical readers are operated. The application can run at the field level on
a controller, on a PC or at the IT level. For example, RFID data can be transmitted via the
standardized OPC UA interface to higher-level systems - even parallel to communication
with a controller if required.
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 connectors each for Ethernet and power supply allow configuration in a line structure in
addition to a star structure. The innovative 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 the status of the connected
readers and the data of the recorded transponders.

Description
3.1 Properties of the communications modules
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
16 Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02
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 features characterize the RF18xC and RF18xCI communication modules:
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, MV400, MV500
Reader interfaces RS422
Transfer speed: 19.2 ... 115.2 kBd
I/O interface -- ✓
Transmission speed: 4.8 ...
230.4 kBd
Ethernet interface 2x M12, switch integrated
Transmission speed: 100 Mbps
Degree of protection
IP67
Application protocols
PROFINET IO, OPC UA
Configuration/
diagnostic options
STEP 7 (TIA Portal), GSDML, WBM (Web browser)
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
and IEC61131 programming are supported.
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, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 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, be used as an alternative to the digital inputs/outputs of
the controller. One classic 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
100 - 200 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 the module. Only DI/DO modules with a maximum of 16 bits of cyclic
process data are supported (input and output data).
3.3 User-specific procedure
As described in the previous section, 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. If you operate the
communication modules in an OPC UA environment, they are configured and programmed
from the perspective of an OPC UA user.
If you want to adapt the communication modules to your requirements, we recommend the
following user-specific procedure:
Procedure as S7 user
1. Connect the hardware
You can find information on this in the section "Connection (Page 27)".
2. Assign the IP address / device name
You can find information on this in the section "Assign the IP address / device name
(Page 47)".
3. Configure communication module
You will find information on this in the section "Configuration via PROFINET IO
(Page 52)" or "Configuring with the WBM (Page 57)".
4. Program reader commands
You can find information on this in the section "Programming via SIMATIC controller
(Page 97)".

Description
3.3 User-specific procedure
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
18 Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02
Procedure as an OPC UA user
1. Connect the hardware
You can find information on this in the section "Connection (Page 27)".
2. Assign the IP address / device name
You can find information on this in the section "Assigning the IP address / device name
with the PST (Page 50)".
3. Configure the communication module
You can find information on this in the section "Configuring with the WBM (Page 57)".
4. Program reader commands
You can find information on this in the section "Programming via the OPC UA interface
(Page 99)".
Note
Synchronize device time
Note that the time of the device clock corresponds to UTC time and cannot be adjusted to
time zones. Clicking the button transfers the local time stored in your operating system to the
communication module. Because the time synchronized with the PC is lost when the power
supply is terminated, we recommend synchronizing the time with an NTP server.
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 tool/interface-specific, contain these symbols. Sections without these
symbols are general and relevant for both areas of application.

Description
3.4 Design
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02 19
3.4 Design
The following figure shows the basic design of the RF18xC/RF18xCI.
①
Status LEDs
⑥
Interface for PROFINET IO
(M12, 4-pin, D-coded)
②
Reader interfaces
(M12, 8-pin, A-coded)
⑦
Mounting holes and functional ground (PE)
③
Reader LEDs
⑧
I/O interface 1)
(M12, 5-pin, A-coded)
④
PROFINET/Ethernet LEDs
⑨
IO LEDs
1)
⑤
Interface 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.

Description
3.4 Design
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
20 Operating Instructions, 06/2019, C79000-G8976-C512-02
Integration
The following figure shows an example of an RF188C connection to an automation system.
Figure 3-3 Configuration graphic RF188C
As of STEP 7 Basic / Professional V15.1, the RF18xC communication modules are
integrated in the TIA Portal; as of STEP 7 Basic / Professional V16, the RF18xCI
communication modules are integrated in the TIA Portal. Integration into 3rd-party systems is
performed via a GSDML file. The communication module can then be configured via the TIA
Portal or another engineering system. The GSDML file is stored on the communication
module and can be downloaded from it using a Web browser.