Product Overview
The 6ES5316-8MA12 is a SIMATIC S5 IM 316 interface module manufactured by Siemens, engineered as the dedicated multi-tier coupling element that interconnects the S5-100U central controller with up to three expansion devices of the S5-100U, ET 100U, and ET 200U families. According to Siemens’ original S5-100U system manual, the 6ES5316-8MA12 is officially defined as the “Connection IM 316 for connection of max. 3 expansion devices of the S5-100U/ET 100U/ET 200U” — a compact, power-supply-free interface that draws its operating energy directly from the CPU’s +9 V backplane rail and, in turn, delivers up to 2.5 A of current supply to the connected expansion unit. This elegant power architecture means the 6ES5316-8MA12 adds expansion capability to an S5-100U system without requiring a separate PSU module of its own, simplifying cabinet layout and reducing heat load.
Physically, the 6ES5316-8MA12 is remarkably compact, measuring just 45.4 × 135 × 39 mm and weighing approximately 120 grams (0.155 kg per Siemens spare-part data). It installs into the S5 standard mounting rail as a bus unit, connects to the neighboring bus module via a flat-ribbon cable, and links to the next tier’s IM 316 through a Siemens 712-8 pre-assembled connecting cable. A single S5-100U PLC can host up to 4 IM 316 modules (i.e., the 6ES5316-8MA12), enabling multi-tier configurations where the central controller and its expansion rows are mechanically separated — up to four tiers in total per Siemens S5-95F multi-tier expansion guidelines. The module’s OUT and IN Sub-D connectors (25-pin D-sub) provide the physical link between tiers; for EMC purposes, any unused Sub-D socket on the 6ES5316-8MA12 must be covered with the spare Sub-D connector 6ES5-750-2AA21.
Siemens has officially declared the 6ES5316-8MA12 obsolete effective October 1, 2022, making it a strategically critical MRO spare for the thousands of S5-100U, ET 100U, and ET 200U installations still governing machinery worldwide. Professional automation suppliers now offer the 6ES5316-8MA12 as overhauled, functionally tested stock with up to 25-month warranties — each unit bench-verified for backplane continuity, +9 V current draw (typ. 27 mA), 2.5 A expansion-unit supply capability, and proper 712-8 cable coupling. For plants that have deliberately chosen to extend the life of their S5-100U infrastructure rather than fund an S7 migration, the 6ES5316-8MA12 remains the authentic, drop-in solution for preserving and expanding distributed I/O capacity.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 6ES5316-8MA12 |
| Manufacturer | Siemens AG |
| Product Type | SIMATIC S5 IM 316 Interface Module |
| Product Family | SIMATIC S5 (S5-100U / ET 100U / ET 200U expansion interface) |
| Primary Function | Multi-tier connection of up to 3 expansion devices (S5-100U / ET 100U / ET 200U) |
| Max. Interface Modules per PLC | 4 (IM 316 per CPU) |
| Current Supply to Expansion Unit | Max. 2.5 A |
| Operating Voltage | +9 V DC from CPU backplane |
| Current Consumption from +9 V | Typ. 27 mA |
| Power Supply Included | No (no integrated PSU) |
| Connection Method | 712-8 pre-assembled cable (Sub-D connectors) |
| Compatible Cable Lengths | 0.5 m, 2.5 m, 5.0 m, 10 m (6ES5 712-8AF00 / 8BC50 / 8BF00 / 8CB00) |
| Permissible Potential Difference (IM 316 to CPU ground) | ±1 V |
| Rated Insulation Voltage | 12 V AC, insulation group 1×B (per VDE 0160) |
| Mounting Method | S5 standard mounting rail (DIN-rail norm profile) |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 45.4 × 135 × 39 mm (1.8 × 5.3 × 1.5 in.) |
| Weight | Approx. 120 g (0.155 kg) |
| Protection Rating | IP20 (indoor control cabinet) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +60 °C (horizontal mount); max. 40 °C (vertical mount) |
| Storage Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| EMC Characteristics | ESD per IEC 801-2: 8 kV air, 6 kV contact; EM fields per IEC 801-3: severity 2, 3 V/m |
| Unused Sub-D Cover Requirement | 6ES5-750-2AA21 (spare Sub-D connector) for EMC |
| Lifecycle Status | Discontinued since 01-Oct-2022 (Siemens official) |
| Customs Code | 85389091 |
| EAN | 4025515052913 |
| RoHS Compliance | Not RoHS-compliant (legacy class) |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
