Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 6ES5188-3UA22 |
| Manufacturer | Siemens AG |
| Product Type | SIMATIC S5-135U/155U Central Controller Rack |
| Product Family | SIMATIC S5 (S5-188U / S5-135U / S5-155U series) |
| Module Slots | 21 slots for CPUs, I/O, communication, and function modules |
| Power Supply Input | 120 / 230 V AC |
| Power Supply Output | 5 V DC, 40 A (integrated PSU) |
| CPU Included | No (user-supplied, 135U/155U compatible) |
| Backup Battery Included | No |
| Cooling Method | Forced air via integrated fan assembly |
| Mounting Method | Cabinet mounting via rear mounting brackets |
| Protection Rating | IP20 (indoor control cabinet) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C (ambient, with adequate ventilation) |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 310 × 430 × 470 mm |
| Net Weight | Approx. 11 kg (bare chassis) |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 19.4 kg |
| Compatible Modules | Full SIMATIC S5-135U/155U module range |
| Backplane Bus | Integrated S5 system bus for data, address, and power distribution |
| Lifecycle Status | Discontinued since 01-Oct-2022, support concluded; repairable |
| Commodity Code | 85371091 |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
Main Features and Advantages
High-capacity 40 A backplane power: The defining strength of the 6ES5188-3UA22 is its integrated 120/230 V AC to 5 V DC 40 A power supply — the most powerful variant in the 6ES5188-3UAxx family. This 40 A rail comfortably drives a fully populated 21-slot configuration with multiple high-density digital I/O cards, analog input/output modules, communication processors, and function modules simultaneously. The wide-range AC input (120 V or 230 V) eliminates the need for a separate AC/DC conversion stage, while the 6ES5188-3UA22‘s integrated PSU is purpose-built for the sustained current draw profiles typical of large S5-135U/155U installations.
Twenty-one module slots for maximum scalability: With 21 available slots, the 6ES5188-3UA22 provides exceptional architectural flexibility. Slot 1 is reserved for the power supply interface, Slot 2 hosts the CPU (such as 6ES5175 or 6ES5176 series), and Slots 3–21 are open for a tailored combination of digital I/O, analog I/O, communication processors (CP), interface modules (IM), and function modules (FM). This generous capacity makes the 6ES5188-3UA22 ideal for complex machine control, large process automation skids, and centralized I/O hubs that would require multiple smaller racks in competing platforms.
Industrial-grade mechanical design: The 6ES5188-3UA22 features a rigid metal housing with a cable duct, sectional rails for individually locking modules, a locking bar, and an optional filter sub-drawer — details that reflect Siemens’ decades of industrial enclosure engineering. The integrated fan assembly actively cools the installed modules, while the accessible battery compartment (though no battery is shipped) allows field technicians to add a rechargeable backup cell for CPU memory retention. The 6ES5188-3UA22 mounts securely to the rear of a control cabinet via robust mounting brackets, and its IP20 rating ensures safe operation in standard industrial enclosures.
Seamless compatibility with the S5-135U/155U ecosystem: Every module designed for the SIMATIC S5-135U/155U family plugs directly into the 6ES5188-3UA22 backplane without adapters or jumpers. Digital I/O modules (6ES532x, 6ES542x, 6ES543x, 6ES544x, 6ES545x, 6ES546x, 6ES547x, 6ES548x, 6ES549x series), analog I/O modules (6ES546x, 6ES547x, 6ES548x, 6ES549x, 6ES598x series), communication processors (6ES551x, 6ES552x, 6ES553x series), and interface modules (6ES554x, 6ES556x series) all seat natively in the 6ES5188-3UA22. This universal compatibility protects the client’s existing module inventory and dramatically simplifies system expansion or reconfiguration.
End-of-life but fully repairable: While Siemens has concluded official support for the 6ES5188-3UA22 as of October 2022, the unit’s straightforward electromechanical architecture means it remains eminently repairable. Specialized automation service providers can refurbish the 6ES5188-3UA22 — replacing capacitors, servicing the fan assembly, verifying backplane bus integrity, and load-testing the 5 V DC 40 A power supply — and return it to like-new performance with a 12- to 24-month warranty. This repairability, combined with the availability of new-surplus stock, makes the 6ES5188-3UA22 a sustainable and cost-effective choice for extending the life of mission-critical S5 installations far beyond the original manufacturer’s support horizon.
