Siemens 6ES5246-4UA31 Positioning Module

Technical Specifications and Motion Control Features

The Siemens 6ES5246-4UA31 positioning module belongs to the SIMATIC S5 IP246 family, representing the incremental version designed for ventilated operation . This module performs closed-loop position control for up to two independent drives . It receives signals from incremental position encoders with A, /A, B, /B, Z, and /Z channels . The module supports both 5V DC TTL (RS-422) and 24V DC HTL encoder inputs for flexible integration . It features a 32-bit counter with quadrature evaluation for precise position tracking . This module occupies a single slot in the S5 rack and measures approximately 25.4 cm x 2.5 cm x 20.3 cm .

Parameter	Specification
Manufacturer	Siemens
Model Number	6ES5246-4UA31
Product Family	SIMATIC S5 IP246
Module Type	Incremental positioning module (ventilated)
Control Axes	1 to 2 independent drives
Encoder Input	Incremental: A, /A, B, /B, Z, /Z (5V TTL or 24V HTL)
Counter Resolution	32-bit with quadrature evaluation
Control Output	1 to 2 x ±10V DC analog outputs
Digital I/O	Limit switches (+L/-L), homing inputs per axis
Dimensions	25.4 x 2.5 x 20.3 cm
Weight	0.38 kg to 0.5 kg
Backplane Power	5V DC, typical 5–8 W
Operating Temperature	0 to +60°C
Product Status	Obsolete

Functional Capabilities and Programming

The 6ES5246-4UA31 module supports critical motion functions including homing, point-to-point positioning, and software cam operations . Users can interrupt and resume travel programs during automatic operation using external stop commands . The module also provides hardware comparison outputs and latch functions for capturing instantaneous position values . Programming this module requires STEP 5 software and the dedicated system function blocks FB164 and FB165 . The COM246 communication software further simplifies parameter assignment and program generation for the IP246 .

Application Scenarios and System Compatibility

This positioning module suits auxiliary axes in metal processing, paper and textile machinery, and material handling systems . The 6ES5246-4UA31 integrates into S5-115U (CPU 941-944), S5-135U (CPU 922-928), S5-150U, and S5-155U (CPU 946-947) systems . Users can install it in CP slots of expansion units like EU 185 and EU 186 . This legacy module remains a vital component for preserving and servicing existing S5-based automation infrastructure.