Siemens 6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0 SIMATIC S7-400 IM 460-0 Send Interface Module

New 
3 available within 2 - 3 business days
Refurbished   
10+ available within 4 - 6 business days
Want to exchange a faulty product?
Receive a discount on your purchase when you turn in a faulty product. Upon receipt, we will check the product to determine its eligibility according to the terms and conditions.
Repair  
Available
We can repair this product for you.
 

Product Information

Product Family: SIMATIC S7 | Series: S7-400

The Siemens 6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0 is a SIMATIC S7-400 IM 460-0 send interface module engineered for local hardware expansion in SIMATIC S7 PLC systems. Occupying a single rack slot, this interface module enables a central controller to communicate with up to 8 local expansion racks over a maximum connecting line distance of 5 meters. Operating from the backplane bus with a current consumption of 140 mA at 5 V DC and a low power dissipation of 0.7 W, the module directly transfers parallel peripheral bus (P-bus) communication from the central rack to connected secondary racks.

Integrating the 6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0 into a control architecture requires connecting 6ES7468 cables to a companion IM 461-0 receive module (6ES7461-0AA01-0AA0) installed in each expansion rack. Replacing an existing unit is straightforward because the module requires no individual software parameterization or direct programming; system configuration is stored on the S7-400 CPU and managed via STEP 7 V5.x HW Config or TIA Portal STEP 7 Professional. Because the IM 460-0 does not transmit 5 V DC backplane power or communication bus (C-bus) signals, each expansion rack must have its own power supply module, such as a Siemens PS 405 or PS 407. Maintenance technicians sourcing replacement hardware through ABC Industrial Parts can perform a direct module swap once line wiring and rack power are established.

Diagnostic information is made visible through front-panel status LEDs that indicate operational status and line conditions. The INTF indicator signals an internal hardware error within the module, while the EXTF indicator illuminates for external faults such as an expansion bus line failure, disconnected cable, power loss on a connected rack, or missing terminating resistor. Beyond visual status on the front plate, system-level rack failures trigger OB86 interrupt organization blocks logged within the S7-400 CPU diagnostic buffer and monitored via TIA Portal online diagnostics. Internal hardware failures represented by a solid INTF LED are non-repairable in the field, making a tested replacement module from ABC Industrial Parts the quickest solution to eliminate line interruptions.

Technical Specifications

ManufacturerSiemens
Part Number6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0
Model / TypeIM 460-0 Send Interface Module
Product FamilySIMATIC S7
SeriesS7-400
Component TypeInterface Module
Required Slots1
Backplane Current Consumption (5 V DC)140 mA
Power Dissipation0.7 W
Maximum Cable Distance5 m
Maximum Expansion Racks8
P-Bus TransmissionSupported
C-Bus TransmissionNot Supported
5 V DC Power TransmissionNot Supported

Programming and Configuration

The Siemens 6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0 interface module does not require individual user programming or local parameter download. Module identification and rack expansion parameters are defined within the central S7-400 CPU configuration using standard Siemens engineering software, including STEP 7 V5.x HW Config or TIA Portal STEP 7 Professional.

When replacing a failed unit, no software tools are needed to program the spare module directly. Once inserted into the assigned slot of the central rack, the S7-400 CPU automatically coordinates communication with the connected expansion racks according to the hardware layout defined in the central project.

Communication and System Integration

The IM 460-0 send interface module extends the S7-400 central rack communication infrastructure across multi-rack PLC system topologies within single or adjacent control cabinets. It transmits the parallel peripheral bus (P-bus) signal directly across distances of up to 5 meters using Siemens 6ES7468 connecting cables. Up to 8 expansion racks can be linked from a central rack housing the send module.

To complete the communication topology, each targeted expansion unit must be fitted with a SIMATIC S7-400 IM 461-0 receive module (6ES7461-0AA01-0AA0). System designers and technicians must note that while P-bus lines are extended, the IM 460-0 does not transfer C-bus communication or 5 V DC backplane power. Consequently, every connected expansion rack requires an independent power supply unit, such as a PS 405 or PS 407 module.

Diagnostics and Status Indication

Comprehensive hardware and bus diagnostics are available both visually on the module faceplate and through central software monitoring tools. The module features two LED indicators, INTF and EXTF, providing immediate status assessment during installation and operation.

When system faults occur, the S7-400 CPU captures rack-level communication events in its diagnostic buffer, raising OB86 interrupt events to signal rack failure or bus disconnection. Detailed real-time line state monitoring and error tracking can be accessed online through TIA Portal Online & Diagnostics or STEP 7 diagnostic views.

Status LED Indicators

LEDColor/StatusMeaning
INTFSolidInternal Fault: Module internal hardware fault or internal error requiring module replacement
EXTFSolidExternal Fault: Line fault on expansion bus, cable disconnected, connected expansion rack power failure, or missing terminating resistor

Replacement and Spare Part Considerations

Replacing a 6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0 interface module is a direct mechanical and electrical swap. Because the module holds no local memory or firmware project, no parameter backups or transfer tools are required during replacement.

Before putting a replacement module into service, verify that all 6ES7468 connecting cables are securely latched and that bus termination resistors are correctly positioned. Ensure that all linked expansion racks have functional power supplies (PS 405 or PS 407) and operating IM 461-0 receive modules, as external power loss on connected racks will trigger an EXTF condition on the send module.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does replacing the Siemens 6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0 require memory transfer or software programming?

No, the module requires no individual programming or local parameter store. The S7-400 CPU handles all hardware configuration settings defined in STEP 7 or TIA Portal upon power-up.

How many expansion racks can be connected using the IM 460-0 send interface module?

A single IM 460-0 send module can connect up to 8 local expansion racks over a maximum total cable distance of 5 meters.

Can the 6ES7460-0AA01-0AB0 supply 5 V DC backplane power to connected expansion racks?

No, the module does not transmit 5 V DC backplane power or C-bus communication. Each connected expansion rack requires its own power supply module, such as a PS 405 or PS 407.

What companion receive module and cables are required for this send module?

The IM 460-0 connects to SIMATIC S7-400 IM 461-0 receive modules (6ES7461-0AA01-0AA0) using Siemens 6ES7468 connecting cables.

What do the INTF and EXTF status LEDs indicate?

INTF indicates an internal module hardware error requiring replacement. EXTF indicates external faults such as expansion bus line issues, disconnected cables, missing bus terminators, or power failure on a connected expansion rack.

Take advantage of our exchange formula

A defective product does not have to be worthless. At ABC Industrial Parts, you can hand in defective products and immediately benefit from a discount on your new purchase. This is a smart way to save money while contributing to a circular economy.

Play it safe with our warranty conditions

Industrial plants prefer to keep running invariably, no matter what. Therefore, it is essential that you can rely on high-quality products and/or sustainable repairs. With our warranty conditions, you can count on certainty, whether you choose new, used or repaired products.​​​​​​​

Data backup and recovery

Have you lost valuable parameters or data due to a malfunction while the manufacturer no longer provides support? At ABC Industrial Parts, we help you secure this data, both for common and specific products.

Specific firmware and hardware versions

If you are working with specific hardware or firmware versions that are no longer available from the manufacturer, ABC Industrial Parts is your partner. When making your enquiry, clearly state which versions you need, we will then look at the possibilities of supplying those versions, so that your installations continue to function optimally.


Disclaimer:
We are not an authorised distributor of Siemens.
Product photos are for illustration purposes only and may differ from the actual product delivered.
Some of the content on this page was created with the help of AI. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, errors may occur.