Siemens 6AG4114-3HE02-0HX3 — SIMATIC IPC847E Industrial Rack PC

1. Product Overview

The Siemens 6AG4114-3HE02-0HX3 is a SIMATIC IPC847E industrial rack-mounted computer designed for industrial automation, production computing, machine monitoring, and data-processing applications.

The IPC847E is built in a 19-inch, 4U rack format and combines PC-class processing performance with multiple communication interfaces, expansion slots, hardware monitoring, and industrial power input. It is intended for applications where a conventional desktop computer may not offer the required mounting format, connection flexibility, or industrial system integration.

This configuration features an Intel Core i7-8700 processor, 16 GB of DDR4 memory, and a RAID 1 storage arrangement using two 4 TB enterprise SATA hard drives. The mirrored storage configuration is useful for applications that need improved continuity in the event of a single drive failure, although it does not replace independent backups.

The computer can host compatible industrial software for visualization, production data collection, supervisory control, machine inspection, and communication with automation equipment. It is a computing platform rather than a standalone PLC or dedicated touchscreen HMI.

2. Brand and Product Series

The IPC847E series is designed for industrial computing applications that need more flexibility than a compact embedded PC can provide. Its rack format, network connections, expansion options, and storage configuration make it suitable for centralized computing in industrial environments.

3. Detailed Technical Specifications

3.1 Main Hardware Parameters

3.2 Dimensions and Weight

The documented net weight is 17 kg. For cabinet engineering, this should be treated as the computer’s unboxed weight rather than the shipping weight.

The precise chassis width and depth should be taken from the mechanical drawing for the complete order number. The 19-inch designation refers to the rack format and should not be treated as the exact width of every part of the enclosure.

When installing the unit, allow enough space for the power cable, network connections, display cables, ventilation, and maintenance access. The rack and mounting rails must be rated for the load, especially if the computer is installed on sliding rails.

3.3 Processor Performance

The Intel Core i7-8700 processor provides six cores and twelve threads, with a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a maximum Turbo frequency of up to 4.6 GHz under supported conditions.

This processor is suitable for many industrial computing tasks that involve running several applications simultaneously. Examples include HMI runtime software, data collection, local reporting, database services, diagnostic tools, and communication with controllers.

Actual performance depends on the software workload, memory consumption, storage activity, thermal conditions, and the number of concurrent services. The maximum Turbo frequency is not a guarantee of continuous operation at that speed.

3.4 Memory and Storage

The system includes 16 GB of DDR4 memory in a dual-channel configuration. This is suitable for many industrial applications, although memory requirements should be assessed against the software being deployed.

The two 4 TB enterprise SATA hard drives are configured as RAID 1. In a mirrored arrangement, the same data is written to both drives, providing redundancy if one drive fails.

RAID 1 is particularly useful for industrial computers that store production records, local databases, or application data that should remain available after a single drive failure. If one drive fails, the system can generally continue operating in a degraded state, subject to the RAID controller and system configuration.

The failed drive should be replaced promptly, and the array should be monitored until rebuilding is complete. RAID does not protect against accidental deletion, malware, filesystem corruption, fire, or damage affecting both drives. Important data should also be backed up to a separate storage system.

3.5 Communication Interfaces

The three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces offer flexibility when connecting the computer to several devices or network segments. For example, one interface may be assigned to an automation network, another to a supervisory system, and another to a service network, depending on the network design.

Multiple network interfaces do not automatically create secure network separation. Appropriate firewall rules, access controls, and network segmentation should be configured as part of the installation.

The serial interface can support compatible legacy equipment and instruments. If the application requires several serial devices, confirm whether COM2 is fitted or whether an additional interface card is needed.

3.6 Power and Environmental Characteristics

The unit uses an industrial AC power supply with automatic input-range selection. The actual power consumption depends on the processor workload, installed storage, expansion cards, and connected peripherals.

Temperature and fan monitoring can help maintenance personnel detect certain hardware conditions. These features should be used alongside appropriate cabinet ventilation and regular inspection.

The different front and rear protection ratings mean the computer should not be treated as a fully sealed outdoor or washdown-rated device. The surrounding enclosure must provide the protection needed for the installation environment.

4. Product Introduction

The SIMATIC IPC847E is an industrial computer designed for applications that need PC-based processing in a rack-mounted format.

The 6AG4114-3HE02-0HX3 configuration combines an Intel Core i7-8700 processor with 16 GB of DDR4 memory, three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, display outputs, USB and serial connections, and mirrored 4 TB enterprise hard drives.

Its role is to provide a central computing platform for industrial software. Depending on the system design, it can host visualization applications, collect data from PLCs, store production records, process inspection results, or exchange information with higher-level production systems.

The rack format is useful when the computer must be installed alongside network equipment, control hardware, or other industrial computing devices. The expansion capability also allows the platform to be adapted for applications that need additional communication interfaces or specialized hardware.

The RAID 1 storage arrangement is a notable feature of this configuration. Mirrored storage helps maintain access to data if a single drive fails, which can be valuable for systems that store local production records or run applications where recovery time matters.

The IPC847E is not a replacement for every PLC or dedicated HMI. A PLC is generally responsible for machine control logic, while a dedicated HMI provides an operator-facing interface. The IPC847E is more appropriate when the application needs a conventional computing environment capable of running compatible industrial software.

5. Main Applications

5.1 Industrial Automation and Supervisory Systems

The computer can run supervisory applications that communicate with PLCs, drives, sensors, and other automation equipment.

It may collect operating values, display system status, record alarms, and forward selected data to other systems. The exact functions depend on the installed software and supported communication protocols.

5.2 Production Data Collection

Manufacturing operations often need to record production counts, machine states, operating hours, downtime, and fault events.

The IPC847E can act as a local data-collection computer, storing records and transferring information to compatible databases or production systems. The 4 TB usable RAID capacity can provide substantial local storage for many applications, although actual retention time depends on the volume and format of the data.

5.3 Machine Visualization

Compatible visualization software can use the IPC847E to present machine diagrams, alarm lists, process values, production statistics, and trends.

A separate compatible monitor and input device may be required because this is a rack PC rather than a dedicated touchscreen panel. The number of screens and the required graphics performance should be considered during system design.

5.4 Industrial Inspection and Machine Vision

Inspection systems may require a PC to communicate with cameras, process images, store results, and report defects.

The IPC847E can be considered for these applications when the required software and hardware are compatible with the processor, operating system, expansion slots, and available cooling. High-throughput vision workloads may require additional specialized hardware.

5.5 Test Benches and Measurement Systems

Industrial test equipment often combines instruments, sensors, measurement software, data logging, and report generation.

The IPC847E can serve as the central computer for compatible test applications. Ethernet, serial communication, USB, and expansion cards can be used to connect supported equipment.

5.6 Local Databases and Production Records

The mirrored hard drives are useful when the computer needs to retain local records while reducing the risk of interruption caused by a single disk failure.

Possible applications include production logs, inspection records, alarm histories, maintenance data, and local databases. Backup and recovery procedures are still required to protect against data loss from other causes.

5.7 Industrial Communication Gateways

The computer can run software that gathers information from different automation devices and transfers selected data to other systems.

For example, it may collect information from several PLCs and pass production records to a supervisory application. The communication software, network design, and data-handling strategy must be configured for the intended use.

5.8 Legacy System Modernization

The IPC847E may be considered when upgrading an existing rack-mounted industrial computer while retaining compatible expansion hardware or serial connections.

Before replacement, check software compatibility, operating-system requirements, expansion-card availability, storage migration, and the physical installation. Similar chassis formats do not guarantee that all components can be transferred directly.

6. Product Advantages

6.1 Strong Multi-Core Processing

The Intel Core i7-8700 processor provides six cores and twelve threads, allowing the computer to handle many concurrent industrial computing tasks.

This is useful when an application combines visualization, data collection, reporting, and communication services on the same system.

6.2 Mirrored Enterprise Storage

The two 4 TB enterprise SATA hard drives are configured as RAID 1. This gives the system approximately 4 TB of usable mirrored capacity before formatting and filesystem overhead.

The main benefit is continued operation after a single drive failure, subject to the storage controller and system configuration. It is not a substitute for a separate backup.

6.3 Multiple Ethernet Interfaces

Three Gigabit Ethernet ports make it easier to connect the computer to several compatible industrial devices or network segments.

This can simplify system integration where the PC needs to communicate with controllers, supervisory systems, and service equipment. Security and traffic separation still depend on network configuration.

6.4 Flexible Expansion

The platform’s expansion slots allow compatible additional hardware to be installed for specialized applications.

This is useful when standard network and USB connections are not sufficient. The exact slot arrangement, card length, power requirements, and cooling needs must be confirmed before choosing expansion hardware.

6.5 Rack-Mounted Industrial Format

The 19-inch, 4U chassis is designed for rack installation and can be placed alongside other compatible equipment.

This can help organize industrial computing hardware in a centralized cabinet or equipment room. Proper mechanical support, airflow, and cable clearance are essential.

6.6 Hardware Monitoring

Temperature and fan monitoring, together with watchdog functionality, can assist with maintenance and fault investigation.

These features help identify some hardware conditions that may affect reliability. They should be combined with preventive maintenance and an appropriate recovery plan.

6.7 Broad Connectivity

The combination of Gigabit Ethernet, USB, serial communication, and display interfaces supports a range of industrial and conventional PC devices.

This is particularly useful in mixed-generation installations where newer network-based equipment must work alongside older serial devices.

6.8 Practical Local Storage Capacity

The mirrored 4 TB usable capacity provides room for many local production and diagnostic records.

Applications with high data volumes should still estimate their storage growth, retention period, and backup requirements before commissioning.

7. Five Related Models in the Same Series

The following models are related SIMATIC IPC847E configurations or nearby rack-PC alternatives. Exact hardware options vary by complete order number, so compare the full configuration before selecting a replacement.

Choosing a Related Model

– For mirrored hard-drive storage: The target model is relevant when the application needs redundancy against a single drive failure.

– For faster storage response: An SSD-equipped configuration may be worth considering, particularly when the software performs frequent random reads and writes.

– For specialized computing: A Xeon-based configuration may be useful when the required application or hardware platform benefits from that processor family.

– For a direct replacement: Match the complete order code, installed hardware, operating-system configuration, storage arrangement, and expansion-card requirements.

– For new projects: Compare the platform’s lifecycle, software compatibility, available accessories, and long-term maintenance requirements before finalizing the design.

These models are related candidates rather than guaranteed drop-in replacements. The precise dimensions, weight, storage configuration, and processor options should be verified for each full order number.

8. Five Other Popular Products from the Same Brand

The following products are commonly used in industrial automation systems. They perform different roles from the IPC847E but can complement an industrial computer in a larger control architecture.

How These Products Complement the IPC847E

SIMATIC S7-1200 and S7-1500 PLCs execute control logic, read sensors, and control actuators. The IPC847E can run supervisory software, collect data, and process information from these controllers.

SIMATIC HMI panels provide a dedicated operator interface. They may be more appropriate than a rack PC when a machine needs a directly mounted touchscreen.

SINAMICS drives control motor speed and related operating functions within their supported configuration. The IPC847E can display selected drive data through compatible software and a correctly designed control system.

ET 200SP distributed I/O provides a modular way to place I/O closer to the machinery. This can simplify wiring and help organize the automation system.

These products should be selected according to the control architecture, communications, I/O requirements, software environment, and machine safety design.

9. Installation and Maintenance Considerations

9.1 Rack Installation

The computer’s 19-inch, 4U format allows it to be installed in a compatible equipment rack. Confirm the exact chassis dimensions and mounting arrangement before preparing the cabinet.

Because the net weight is 17 kg, the rack rails and supporting structure must be suitable for the load. Allow enough clearance for connectors, cable routing, airflow, and service access.

9.2 Cooling and Ventilation

Ensure that ventilation openings are not obstructed and that the cabinet maintains an acceptable operating temperature.

Fan condition, dust accumulation, and nearby heat sources can affect system stability. Include cooling checks in the maintenance schedule.

9.3 RAID Monitoring

The RAID 1 arrangement should be monitored for drive health and array status. If a drive fails, replace it with a compatible drive and confirm that the rebuild completes successfully.

Do not rely on RAID as the only data-protection measure. Maintain independent backups of important records, configurations, and application data.

9.4 Operating-System and Application Compatibility

Before commissioning, confirm the supplied operating-system configuration and the requirements of the intended industrial software.

For replacement projects, verify drivers, software licensing, expansion-card compatibility, and recovery procedures. If the existing installation relies on older software, test the migrated system before putting it into production.

9.5 Network Security

Document how each Ethernet interface is used and apply appropriate access controls. Where the computer connects to operational and enterprise networks, configure suitable network segmentation and firewall policies.

Security updates should follow the site’s maintenance policy and be tested against critical industrial applications before deployment.

9.6 Long-Term Maintenance

For systems expected to remain in service for many years, plan for spare drives, compatible replacement hardware, software recovery, and data migration.

When considering a newer rack PC, compare the full hardware configuration and lifecycle rather than relying solely on the IPC847E family name.

10. Final Summary

The Siemens 6AG4114-3HE02-0HX3 SIMATIC IPC847E is an industrial rack-mounted computer designed for PC-based automation and production applications.

Its principal features include an Intel Core i7-8700 processor, 16 GB DDR4 memory, two 4 TB enterprise SATA hard drives in RAID 1, three Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, multiple display and USB connections, serial communication, expansion capability, and hardware monitoring.

The mirrored storage arrangement provides approximately 4 TB of usable capacity before formatting and can tolerate a single drive failure under normal RAID 1 operation. Independent backups remain necessary to protect against other causes of data loss.

The documented net weight is 17 kg. The unit uses a 19-inch, 4U rack format; final chassis dimensions and installation clearances should be confirmed from the exact mechanical drawing before cabinet design.

The IPC847E is a suitable candidate for compatible industrial visualization, data collection, supervisory software, test systems, inspection applications, and local production databases. The best configuration depends on processing needs, storage requirements, expansion hardware, software compatibility, and the long-term maintenance plan.