PROFINET interface and NTP timing
The 6GK7443-1EX41-0XE0 is a CP 443-1 Advanced communication processor for the S7-400 rack, fitting a single-width slot. It provides a 10/100 Mbit/s PROFINET interface on the first port and supports NTP for time synchronization across the network — critical when coordinating sequence-of-events logs or time-stamped alarms in a distributed control scheme.
Configuration and protocol stack
Configuration requires STEP 7 V5.4 SP1 or higher; for PROFINET CBA setups, SIMATIC iMap V3.0 SP1 or higher is needed. The module supports SNMP v1 for basic network management and includes an IP-based ACL to restrict access to the PROFINET interface — useful when the CP sits on a plant network shared with non-Siemens devices. It can act as an FTP client (up to 20 simultaneous connections) and as an email client (one session). The on-board flash file system provides 30 Mibyte of storage for firmware updates or data logs.
Physical and environmental fit
The module measures 25 mm wide, 290 mm high, and 210 mm deep, matching the standard S7-400 single-width form factor. Rated IP20, so it belongs in a ventilated enclosure — not a washdown or outdoor panel without additional protection. Power draw is 7.25 W from the 5 V backplane supply. The module does not include LLDP or ring redundancy, so if your network relies on Media Redundancy Protocol or topology discovery via LLDP, this CP won't support it.