CPU 313C with 8 FM blocks and 248 I/O
The Siemens 6ES7313-6BG04-0AB0 is a CPU 313C for the S7-300 rack, rated for 0 °C to 60 °C ambient — suited for unheated control cabinets in production halls where the panel stays above freezing. It supports 8 FM (function module) blocks, which means the CPU can handle up to 8 technology or communication function modules in the same rack without a separate external processor. Digital I/O capacity reaches 248 inputs and 248 outputs, with forcing supported for commissioning and fault-finding. The backplane is isolated, so the CPU and I/O modules share a common reference but the field-side circuits are separated from the rack logic.
Programming and communication constraints
This CPU runs STEP 7 V5.5 + SP1 or higher (or V5.3 + SP2 with HSP 203) — it does not support TIA Portal natively. Programming languages include LAD, FBD, STL, SCL, GRAPH, HiGraph, and CFC, covering both IEC 61131-3 and Siemens-specific high-level blocks. Point-to-point communication uses RS 485 (RS 422/485 X.27) with ASCII, 3964(R), and RK 512 protocols. MPI is not supported, so the CPU cannot participate in an MPI network — use the integrated PtP or add a CP for PROFIBUS or Ethernet. PROFIsafe is not supported, so this CPU is not suitable for fail-safe safety applications.
Rack layout and memory sizing
The CPU occupies one slot in an 8-module rack (overall 8 modules including the CPU). Dimensions are 80 mm wide, 125 mm high, 130 mm deep — standard S7-300 form factor that fits the 80 mm DIN-rail footprint. The I2t rating of 0.7 A²·s limits the inrush current from the backplane bus; ensure the power supply can handle the module load without exceeding this threshold. Retentive data is configurable from 10 to 499 DBs, but must be restarted at each restart — the CPU does not retain the last retentive state across a power cycle without a battery backup or an MMC. The retentive variables cover inputs, outputs, memory bits, DBs, timers, and counters.
The 6ES7313-6BG04-0AB0 is an active-production CPU within the S7-300 family. No successor or phase-out notice has been issued.
