The Siemens 3RK1100-1CQ20-0AA3 is an AS-Interface field I/O module in the K45 compact form factor, delivering four PNP digital outputs rated at 3 A each — enough to drive small solenoid valves, indicator banks, or contactor coils directly from the fieldbus node. It requires an external 24 VDC auxiliary supply (20 to 30 V DC, PELV per VDE 0106) to power the output circuits; the AS-Interface bus cable carries only the module logic and communication. The IP67 rating means this module mounts directly on the machine frame or conveyor line — no control cabinet needed — and withstands washdown environments.
Each output is rated at 3 A maximum, but that's the absolute limit at 25 °C. At an ambient of 40 °C the continuous current per channel derates to 200 mA — the real-world figure for a panel in a warm enclosure or near process heat. Built-in short-circuit protection and an integrated watchdog (AS-i slave timeout) mean the module drops outputs safely if the bus communication fails — no need for an external safety relay on the output side for basic fault reaction. The four M12 sockets are pinned per the standard: pin 3 = 0 V, pin 4 = switched output, pin 5 = ground terminal. The ground terminal routes through a 2.8 x 0.8 mm flat-tab sleeve, so you can daisy-chain shield or common references without extra terminal blocks.
The 45 x 80 x 30 mm footprint fits tight junction boxes or cable trays. Addressing is done via the front socket; the ID/ID2 code is set to 0/F, which is the default for a standard AS-i slave with four digital outputs. The black AS-Interface flat cable carries both the bus signal and the external 24 VDC for the outputs — one cable, one connection to the module.