Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500F CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP – 6ES7516-3FN02-0AB0

The Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500F CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP, order number 6ES7516-3FN02-0AB0, is a fail-safe programmable logic controller (PLC) central processing unit designed for industrial automation systems that require standard control and supported safety-related functions.

Belonging to the Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500F family, this CPU combines dedicated program and data memory with three industrial communication interfaces: PROFINET IRT, PROFINET RT, and PROFIBUS. This combination makes it suitable for compatible automation architectures that need to integrate modern industrial Ethernet devices alongside equipment connected through PROFIBUS.

The CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP is intended for industrial engineers, OEM machine manufacturers, system integrators, control-panel builders, and maintenance teams working with compatible Siemens automation systems. It can be considered for properly engineered applications requiring fail-safe control, machine automation, industrial networking, and coordinated system operation.

Key Features and Benefits

• Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500F fail-safe CPU

• Model: CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP

• Exact Siemens order number: 6ES7516-3FN02-0AB0

• 24 V DC rated supply voltage

• 1.5 MB program work memory

• 5 MB data work memory

• First interface: PROFINET IRT with integrated two-port switch

• Second interface: PROFINET RT

• Third interface: PROFIBUS

• Typical bit-operation processing time: 10 ns

• Supports compatible standard and fail-safe automation programs

• Provides industrial Ethernet and PROFIBUS communication options

• SIMATIC Memory Card required

• Engineering through compatible Siemens STEP 7/TIA Portal software

• Suitable for compatible industrial safety-control and automation systems

Actual capabilities depend on the configured hardware, firmware, engineering software, safety program, and complete system design.

Technical Specifications

Manufacturer: Siemens

Product Family: SIMATIC S7-1500F

Product Type: Fail-Safe PLC Central Processing Unit

Model: CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP

Order Number: 6ES7516-3FN02-0AB0

Hardware Functional Status: FS01

Firmware Version: V2.9 for the documented configuration

Rated Supply Voltage: 24 V DC

Permissible Supply Range: Verify the applicable CPU datasheet for the exact electrical specifications.

Program Work Memory: 1.5 MB

Data Work Memory: 5 MB

First Communication Interface: PROFINET IRT with integrated two-port switch

Second Communication Interface: PROFINET RT

Third Communication Interface: PROFIBUS

Typical Bit-Operation Processing Time: 10 ns

SIMATIC Memory Card: Required

Engineering Software: SIMATIC STEP 7 in TIA Portal, subject to firmware compatibility

Product Lifecycle: Cancelled product; spare-part model

Listed Successor: 6ES7516-3FP03-0AB0

Confirm the official Siemens datasheet and manual for the exact hardware revision, firmware, electrical requirements, and safety-related specifications before purchase or installation.

Fail-Safe Automation and Machine Safety

The CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP is designed for compatible fail-safe automation applications. Depending on the system configuration, it can execute standard PLC control programs alongside supported safety-related logic.

Potential applications include machine interlocks, emergency-stop functions, safety-related operating modes, and other risk-reduction functions when the complete installation is appropriately engineered.

A fail-safe CPU alone does not make an entire machine safety-compliant. The system designer must conduct a risk assessment, select compatible safety devices, implement and validate the required safety functions, and comply with applicable standards and regulations.

For safety-critical projects, use the correct Siemens documentation and ensure that the engineering and commissioning work is performed by suitably qualified personnel.

PROFINET IRT Communication

The first communication interface supports PROFINET IRT and includes an integrated two-port switch. It can be used in compatible industrial Ethernet network configurations that require supported PROFINET communication.

This interface may connect the CPU with compatible automation devices such as distributed I/O, HMI equipment, and industrial drives, depending on the system design.

PROFINET IRT is intended for supported real-time communication requirements. The network architecture, supported devices, communication timing, and configuration must be checked during engineering.

PROFINET RT Communication

The second interface supports PROFINET RT, providing another communication option for compatible industrial Ethernet arrangements.

Separate interfaces can help organize communication according to the application's network design. However, the suitability of a particular network arrangement depends on device compatibility, topology, communication requirements, and configuration.

PROFIBUS Communication

The CPU includes a PROFIBUS interface for compatible PROFIBUS equipment. This can be useful in industrial installations where existing distributed I/O, drives, or other supported devices communicate through PROFIBUS.

The interface may help system integrators maintain communication with compatible equipment in established automation environments. Check the device configuration, supported PROFIBUS communication functions, cabling, addressing, and network requirements before commissioning.

Program and Data Memory

The CPU provides 1.5 MB of program work memory and 5 MB of data work memory. These resources support the configured PLC application and associated data handling.

Actual memory use depends on the standard program, safety logic, data structures, communication configuration, and application complexity. Engineers should confirm that the CPU meets the processing and memory requirements of the intended project.

A compatible SIMATIC Memory Card is required. Follow Siemens instructions for memory-card selection, program transfer, firmware management, and commissioning.

Programming and System Integration

The CPU can be engineered using compatible Siemens STEP 7/TIA Portal software. The supported software version must match the CPU firmware and the requirements of the safety project.

System integration may involve compatible SIMATIC S7-1500 modules, distributed I/O, HMI devices, industrial drives, and networked automation components. Verify hardware compatibility, firmware requirements, communication settings, and engineering-software support before modifying or expanding an existing installation.

When replacing an installed CPU, ensure that the original project, safety configuration, connected modules, and required documentation are available and compatible with the replacement.

Typical Industrial Applications

The Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500F CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP may be suitable for properly engineered applications such as:

• Industrial machine automation

• Fail-safe machine control

• Manufacturing and production-line automation

• Packaging and processing machinery

• Conveyor and material-handling systems

• Industrial equipment interlocking

• Safety-related operating-mode control

• Emergency-stop system integration

• Industrial monitoring and control

• PROFINET-connected automation systems

• PROFIBUS-connected equipment integration

• OEM machinery requiring supported fail-safe PLC functions

• Maintenance of compatible Siemens S7-1500F installations

Final suitability depends on the required safety performance, application risk assessment, I/O configuration, communication architecture, and connected equipment.

Why Choose the Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500F CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP?

The Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500F platform is designed for industrial applications that require supported fail-safe control functions. The CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP combines program and data memory with PROFINET IRT, PROFINET RT, and PROFIBUS communication.

This combination can be valuable in compatible industrial installations that integrate multiple network types. For OEM manufacturers and system integrators, it provides a platform for implementing standard and safety-related logic within a properly designed and validated automation system.

For maintenance teams, identifying the exact part number is important when sourcing spare parts or assessing a replacement for an existing controller.

Product Lifecycle and Successor Information

Siemens lists 6ES7516-3FN02-0AB0 as a cancelled product effective 1 October 2024 and identifies it as a spare-part model. The official successor is 6ES7516-3FP03-0AB0.

The successor is also a SIMATIC S7-1500F CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP and has 3 MB program work memory, 7.5 MB data work memory, and a typical bit-operation processing time of 6 ns. These specifications differ from those of the older CPU.

Do not assume that the successor is a direct, drop-in replacement in every installation. Before substitution, verify hardware compatibility, firmware, TIA Portal project configuration, connected modules, safety-program requirements, and applicable approvals.

For website listings, identify the older model as a discontinued/spare-part product and confirm current stock, product condition, and delivery time before accepting an order.

Product Summary

Brand: Siemens

Series: SIMATIC S7-1500F

Model: CPU 1516F-3 PN/DP

Part Number: 6ES7516-3FN02-0AB0

Product Category: Fail-Safe Industrial PLC Controller

Program Work Memory: 1.5 MB

Data Work Memory: 5 MB

Communication: PROFINET IRT, PROFINET RT, and PROFIBUS

Typical Bit-Operation Processing Time: 10 ns

Memory Card: SIMATIC Memory Card required

Applications: Industrial Automation, Fail-Safe Machine Control, and Safety-Related Automation

Product Status: Cancelled/spare-part model

Successor: 6ES7516-3FP03-0AB0

Availability: Confirm current stock, condition, and delivery lead time before purchase.