What it is and what it does
The Siemens 6GT2821-5AC32 is a SIMATIC RF250R RFID reader from the RF200 family, designed to read and write ISO 15693 and ISO 18000-3 transponders at 13.56 MHz. It connects to an IO-Link master via an M12, 4-pin communications interface, and supports one external antenna through an M8, 4-pin connector. The housing is rated IP65, making it suitable for washdown environments on a production line.
Key ratings and what they mean for fit
Operating on a 24 V DC supply (20.4 to 28.8 V range), the reader draws 0.05 A typical at 24 V. The 13.56 MHz HF band gives a read range up to 60 mm, but that range depends on the specific transponder type — check the Siemens support note for your tag. Read and write access per byte both run 40 ms typical, with a maximum transfer rate of 26.5 kbit/s over the air. The IO-Link interface supports cable runs up to 20 m between the reader and the IO-Link master.
Mounting and environmental limits
The reader measures 50 x 50 x 30 mm and is fastened with two M5 screws. It operates from -20 to +70 °C and stores or transports from -25 to +80 °C. The housing is PA6.6 plastic in anthracite, and the part is silicon-free. Shock resistance is rated to EN 60721-3-7 Class 7 M2 at 500 m/s², with vibration resistance at 200 m/s².