Siemens es7155-6ar00-0an0

By Abdullah Zahid
12 min read
Siemens 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 IM 155-6 PN BA PROFINET interface module for ET 200SP distributed I/O rack

Siemens 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 IM 155-6 PN BA PROFINET Interface Module with Integrated Server Module — Specs, Applications and Selection Guide

Controls engineers specifying a distributed I/O expansion for a PROFINET-based plant are typically at one decision point: confirming the exact interface module SKU before the purchase order goes out. The Siemens 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 is the IM 155-6 PN BA PROFINET Interface Module with integrated server module for the SIMATIC ET 200SP distributed I/O system. It bridges up to 12 plug-in I/O modules in a field rack to a central S7-1200 or S7-1500 PLC over standard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, using two integrated RJ45 ports with an internal switch — no BusAdapter required. If your system is PROFINET-only, your I/O count is 12 modules or fewer, and your supply is 24V DC, this is almost certainly the right part.

If you have already confirmed this is the correct part for your application, check current pricing and availability for the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 — and Who Shouldn't

The Siemens 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 is the right interface module when all of the following apply to your project:

  • Your plant network runs PROFINET — this module is PROFINET-only; PROFIBUS installations require the IM 155-6 DP BA variant
  • The ET 200SP field station will house 12 or fewer plug-in I/O modules
  • A stable 24V DC supply rated within the permissible range of 19.2–28.8V DC is available at the field location
  • Your engineering environment is STEP 7 TIA Portal v13 SP1 or later (or STEP 7 v5.5 SP4 for legacy S7-300/400)
  • The ambient temperature at the installation site falls within 0–60°C for horizontal mounting or 0–55°C for vertical mounting
  • Hot-swap capability during production is required — this module supports single hot swap without stopping the line

If your facility uses PROFIBUS infrastructure, if you require isochronous mode for synchronized motion control, or if you need more than 12 I/O modules in a single station, this model is not the right fit. The IM 155-6 DP BA handles PROFIBUS, and isochronous or high-channel-count applications require a different variant or multiple stations.

On this page:

What the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 Actually Does in a Running System

The 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 is the communication gateway for an ET 200SP distributed I/O station. Without it, the rack of I/O modules is just hardware — it is the IM 155-6 PN BA that connects those modules to the plant's PROFINET Ethernet backbone and makes them visible to the controller. The module handles the translation between the ET-Connection backplane signals of up to 12 plug-in I/O modules and the PROFINET IO Device protocol understood by the S7-1200 or S7-1500 PLC sitting elsewhere on the network.

The integrated server module — included in this SKU — extends diagnostics and identification capability. The module supports I&M data levels I&M0 through I&M3, allowing asset identification, installation date, and descriptor data to be stored and retrieved through TIA Portal. The dual RJ45 ports with an internal Ethernet switch mean the module can pass PROFINET traffic through to a downstream device or station without requiring an external switch at the field cabinet, which directly reduces wiring complexity and panel footprint.

A 5 ms mains failure buffer protects against brief power glitches without triggering a module reboot — a meaningful operational detail in plants where supply rails are shared with motor drives or other loads that cause transient drops. The 707V DC type-tested electrical isolation between the PROFINET interface and other circuits provides defined separation between the Ethernet network and the field-side power domain.

Where the IM 155-6 PN BA Sits in a Typical PROFINET System Architecture

The 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 occupies the leftmost position of the ET 200SP rack, acting as the head-end that connects the entire field station to the plant Ethernet backbone.

  • Central controller — S7-1500 or S7-1200 PLC configured in TIA Portal as the PROFINET IO Controller
  • Plant Ethernet switch — standard managed or unmanaged 10/100 Mbps switch connecting the controller to the field network
  • 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 — PROFINET IO Device connected via RJ45 to the switch; passes traffic through its second RJ45 port to the next station or device in the segment
  • ET 200SP plug-in I/O modules — up to 12 modules seated in the ET-Connection rack behind the interface module; digital input, digital output, analog input, analog output, or thermocouple types
  • Field devices — sensors, actuators, valves, and drives wired directly to the I/O module terminals at the machine or process point

Industries and Applications Where This Module Earns Its Place

In automotive assembly and paint booth environments, the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 is commonly deployed at individual robot or conveyor stations where sensor and actuator wiring would otherwise run hundreds of meters back to a central I/O panel. The hot-swap capability is particularly valued here: a single I/O module can be replaced during a scheduled maintenance window without stopping the cell or dropping PROFINET communication to adjacent stations.

Food and beverage bottling and palletizing lines benefit from the dual RJ45 pass-through, which allows multiple ET 200SP stations to be daisy-chained along the line using standard Ethernet cable rather than requiring a cabinet-mounted switch at each drop point. The 10/100 Mbps Ethernet infrastructure also integrates cleanly with HMI panels and MES systems already on the plant network.

In chemical and pharmaceutical batch processing, distributed I/O at tank farms and valve manifolds reduces the cost of long wiring runs. The GSDML v2.31 GSD file supports automatic device discovery, so adding or replacing a station does not require manual IP configuration outside of TIA Portal.

Water treatment facilities with pump and valve control spread across large physical areas find the PROFINET architecture cost-effective compared to running analog signals over long distances, and the 0–60°C horizontal operating range covers most indoor and covered-outdoor enclosure environments.

Application Typical Deployment
Automotive assembly line ET 200SP station at each robot cell; IM 155-6 PN BA daisy-chained along the line via dual RJ45 ports
Food and beverage bottling Multiple ET 200SP stations distributed along the conveyor; single PROFINET cable per station to central S7-1500
Chemical batch processing Remote field stations at tank farms; PROFINET over standard Ethernet back to control room PLC
Water treatment pump control Distributed I/O stations at pump houses; reduces analog wiring runs over large physical distances
PROFIBUS to PROFINET retrofit Replacement of IM 155-6 DP BA with 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 in same ET 200SP rack; network infrastructure upgraded in parallel
Multi-site food plant centralization Central S7-1500 supervising multiple remote ET 200SP stations via plant Ethernet backbone

Purchase-Decision Specs: What the Datasheet Numbers Actually Mean

Parameter Value
Supply Voltage (rated) 24V DC; permissible range 19.2–28.8V DC
Input Current (max / typical) 300 mA max; 100 mA typical
Power Loss (typical) 1.7 W
Mains Failure Buffer 5 ms
PROFINET Ports 2 × integrated RJ45, 10/100 Mbps, internal Ethernet switch
Max I/O Modules per Rack 12
Hot Swap Yes — single hot swap supported
Operating Temperature 0–60°C horizontal; 0–55°C vertical mounting
Electrical Isolation (PROFINET to other circuits) 707V DC type-tested
Engineering Software STEP 7 TIA Portal v13 SP1 or later; STEP 7 v5.5 SP4 for legacy S7-300/400

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

IM 155-6 PN BA vs. IM 155-6 DP BA — Which One Does Your System Need?

Feature IM 155-6 PN BA (6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0) IM 155-6 DP BA
Protocol PROFINET (Ethernet) PROFIBUS (Serial)
Network Speed 10/100 Mbps 12 Mbps (DP)
Topology Switched Ethernet; ring topology optional Master/Slave daisy chain
Max I/O Modules per Rack 12 12
Hot Swap Yes Yes
Server Module Included Yes Yes
Isochronous Mode Not supported Limited
Max Cable Segment Up to 100 m per RJ45 segment Up to 400 m daisy chain
Typical Use Case Modern plants with Ethernet backbone; new installations Legacy plants with existing PROFIBUS infrastructure

If your plant network is standardized on PROFINET Ethernet and you are deploying a new ET 200SP station or upgrading from PROFIBUS, the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 is the correct choice — check current availability and pricing at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Honest Assessment for Engineers Making the Final Call

The 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 is a well-positioned interface module for any mid-scale distributed I/O application on a PROFINET network. The dual RJ45 internal switch eliminates the need for an external switch at the field cabinet in a daisy-chain topology, the 5 ms mains failure buffer handles the kind of power transients common on shared 24V rails, and the inclusion of the server module in this SKU — rather than as a separate purchase — simplifies BOM management. The 300 mA maximum current draw is low enough that most 24V distributed I/O power supplies can support several stations without load planning becoming a problem. For S7-1200 and S7-1500 users, the GSDML v2.31 integration in TIA Portal means the module appears automatically in the hardware catalog with no manual GSD import required.

The limits are worth stating clearly. The 12-module maximum per rack is sufficient for the majority of single-machine or single-process-cell deployments, but plants planning for future I/O growth need to account for this ceiling early in the design phase. Isochronous mode is not supported — if your application involves synchronized motion axes or high-speed coordinated I/O, this module cannot fulfill that requirement and you should evaluate higher-capability variants. The operating temperature floor of 0°C for both horizontal and vertical mounting (per the primary datasheet values used here) means this module is not rated for outdoor unheated enclosures in cold climates without supplemental heating — a constraint relevant to Canadian and northern European sites.

From a procurement standpoint, the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 is a standard catalog item in the ET 200SP family with consistent availability. Plants running Siemens S7-series controllers are unlikely to face integration friction; non-Siemens PROFINET controllers can use the standard GSD file but fall outside Siemens technical support scope. Volume purchases — common in automotive and food and beverage rollouts — typically attract tiered pricing. If this module matches your system requirements, view current stock and pricing for the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 at LeadTime.ca.

For volume pricing or to confirm lead time before committing to a build, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

Wiring and Installation Overview

  • Seat the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 in the leftmost ET-Connection slot of the ET 200SP rack and verify it clicks fully into position before applying power
  • Connect 24V DC supply within the 19.2–28.8V permissible range to the module terminals; the module includes reverse polarity and short-circuit protection, but supply stability (low ripple) is important for reliable communication
  • Connect one or both RJ45 ports to the PROFINET switch or to the next ET 200SP station in a daisy chain; use shielded Ethernet cables in high-EMI environments and keep cable lengths within 100 m per segment
  • For horizontal mounting, verify ambient temperature does not exceed 60°C; for vertical mounting, the limit is 55°C — orientation affects thermal derating and must match enclosure planning
  • After power-up, confirm the PWR LED (green) illuminates within 1 second and the RUN LED (green) comes on within 5–10 seconds before proceeding to TIA Portal configuration; an ERROR LED (red) at this stage indicates a supply, addressing, or module mismatch condition requiring diagnosis before commissioning continues

Compatible I/O Modules and System Expansion

The 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 supports up to 12 ET 200SP plug-in I/O modules per rack. Compatible module types drawn from the ET 200SP family include:

  • Digital Input modules — discrete signal acquisition from sensors, pushbuttons, and proximity switches
  • Digital Output modules — discrete control of solenoids, contactors, and indicator lights
  • Analog Input modules — 4–20 mA, 0–10V, and thermocouple signal acquisition for process variables
  • Analog Output modules — proportional control signals to drives, valve positioners, and other final elements
  • Thermocouple and RTD modules — direct temperature measurement input without external signal conditioning

For applications requiring more than 12 I/O modules at a single field location, the correct approach is to deploy multiple ET 200SP stations each with their own 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0, linked back to the controller via the PROFINET network. ET 200AL modules are not supported by this interface module.

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist Before You Order

Before submitting a purchase order for the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0, work through every item on this checklist — each item represents a confirmed ordering mistake in distributed I/O projects:

  1. Confirm PROFINET (PN) is specified in the system design — this module is PN-only; PROFIBUS designs need IM 155-6 DP BA
  2. Verify the maximum number of I/O modules required does not exceed 12 operables per documentation
  3. Check that 24V DC supply is available and stable (permissible range 19.2–28.8V per datasheet)
  4. Confirm STEP 7 TIA Portal version is v13 SP1 or later; older STEP 7 v5 requires different compatibility
  5. Verify the field ambient temperature range matches the stated operating conditions (-30 to 60°C horizontal or 0 to 60°C vertical depending on source; clarify with application)
  6. Confirm that a standard Ethernet network (not wireless) will be used; this module requires hardwired RJ45 connections
  7. Check that no isochronous (synchronized) motion control is needed; this model explicitly does not support isochronous mode
  8. Verify the server module inclusion (6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 includes it; some older SKUs do not)

If any item on this checklist raises a flag, contact the LeadTime.ca team before ordering — we can help confirm the correct variant for your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 be used in a system that also has PROFIBUS devices?

The 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 communicates exclusively via PROFINET. It cannot connect directly to a PROFIBUS network. If your facility has both protocols, the ET 200SP station with this interface module connects to the PROFINET side of the architecture; PROFIBUS devices connect through a separate gateway or a PROFIBUS-capable controller interface. The protocol is determined by the interface module, not the I/O modules behind it.

What happens to the running process when a single I/O module is hot-swapped?

The 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 supports single hot swap, which means one I/O module can be removed and replaced while the rest of the ET 200SP station continues operating. The affected slot pauses I/O exchange for that module only. TIA Portal must be configured to allow hot swap for the specific slot; if the slot is not configured for it, the module swap will generate a diagnostic fault and may affect the wider station.

Does this module require a PROFINET-specific managed switch, or will a standard unmanaged switch work?

The 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 operates on standard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and does not require a managed switch for basic PROFINET IO operation. However, managed switches with PROFINET conformance (supporting LLDP and prioritization) are recommended for production environments where deterministic communication timing matters. The module's network loading class is 2, which should be considered when planning switch port capacity in larger PROFINET segments.

Is isochronous mode available if I update the firmware on the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0?

No. Isochronous mode is not a firmware-enabled feature on this module — it is a hardware capability that the IM 155-6 PN BA variant does not support. Firmware updates address bug fixes and TIA Portal compatibility but do not add isochronous functionality. For synchronized motion control applications requiring isochronous PROFINET, a different interface module variant is required.

Can a non-Siemens PLC act as the PROFINET IO Controller for this module?

Yes, in principle. PROFINET is an open standard and the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 provides a GSDML v2.31 GSD file that can be imported into any PROFINET IO Controller tool that supports GSD imports. However, this configuration falls outside Siemens technical support scope. Diagnostic features such as I&M data and TIA Portal-native hardware detection will not be available through a non-Siemens controller.

How do I confirm the firmware version on a 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 unit before installation?

The firmware version is readable through TIA Portal diagnostics once the module is connected and powered. It is also printed on the module's label on the hardware itself. Siemens recommends verifying that the installed firmware version is compatible with your TIA Portal version before downloading the hardware configuration, particularly when using units from older stock or after a long storage period.

Why Source the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 Through LeadTime.ca

  • LeadTime.ca ships the 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 worldwide — no geographic restriction on orders
  • Sourcing support for hard-to-find or longer lead-time Siemens catalog items, including older SKUs and current production variants
  • Volume pricing available for multi-unit plant rollouts — contact the team with your project quantity for a tailored quote
  • Fast response to RFQ requests — useful when a failed module creates an unplanned production stop
  • Product page includes current stock status and pricing updated in real time

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Module: Siemens 6ES7155-6AR00-0AN0 — IM 155-6 PN BA PROFINET Interface Module with integrated server module for SIMATIC ET 200SP
  • Protocol: PROFINET IO Device only; 10/100 Mbps via 2 × integrated RJ45 ports with internal Ethernet switch
  • I/O capacity: Maximum 12 ET 200SP plug-in modules per rack; ET 200AL modules not supported
  • Supply voltage: 24V DC rated; 19.2–28.8V DC permissible range; 300 mA max current draw; 1.7 W typical power loss
  • Mains buffer: 5 ms ride-through protects against brief supply transients without reboot
  • Isolation: 707V DC type-tested between PROFINET and other circuits
  • Operating temperature: 0–60°C horizontal mounting; 0–55°C vertical mounting
  • Hot swap: Single hot swap supported — one I/O module replaceable without stopping the station
  • Engineering software: STEP 7 TIA Portal v13 SP1 or later; STEP 7 v5.5 SP4 for legacy S7-300/400
  • Isochronous mode: Not supported — choose a different variant for synchronized motion control applications
  • Server module: Included in this SKU — I&M0 to I&M3 data support for asset identification and diagnostics