
Product Description
Siemens 6ES7412-3HJ14-0AB0 CPU 412-3H
High-Availability Redundant CPU for SIMATIC S7-400H Fault-Tolerant Systems
The Siemens 6ES7412-3HJ14-0AB0 is a redundant CPU module designed for mission-critical S7-400H systems requiring zero-downtime operation. This CPU 412-3H delivers fault-tolerant control with automatic failover, ideal for process industries where system availability is paramount.
🛡️ Why Redundant CPUs Matter
In critical infrastructure—power plants, oil refineries, chemical processing—a single CPU failure can cost millions in downtime. The CPU 412-3H solves this with:
- ✅ Hot-Standby Redundancy – Dual CPUs run in parallel, automatic switchover in <100ms
- ✅ Bumpless Transfer – Process continues without interruption during CPU failover
- ✅ Synchronized Operation – Both CPUs execute identical programs, ensuring consistency
- ✅ Online Maintenance – Replace faulty CPU without stopping production
- ✅ Proven Reliability – MTBF >200,000 hours in redundant configuration
📋 Technical Specifications
| Order Number | 6ES7412-3HJ14-0AB0 |
| CPU Type | CPU 412-3H (Redundant H-System) |
| Work Memory | 512 KB (256 KB code + 256 KB data) |
| Load Memory | 8 MB (integrated), expandable to 64 MB with memory card |
| Processing Speed | 0.1 ms per 1000 binary operations |
| I/O Capacity | Max 65,536 digital I/O, 4,096 analog I/O |
| Process Image | 16 KB inputs + 16 KB outputs |
| Timers/Counters | 2,048 S7 timers, 2,048 S7 counters |
| Bit Memory | 16 KB |
| Blocks | Max 6,144 (OB, FC, FB, DB combined) |
| Interfaces | 1× MPI/DP (12 Mbps), 1× Sync module interface |
| Redundancy | H-system with automatic failover |
| Failover Time | <100 ms (bumpless transfer) |
| Power Supply | DC 5V (via backplane), typ. 1.8A |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to +60°C (horizontal mounting) |
| Certifications | CE, UL, cULus, FM, ATEX, IECEx, SIL 3 (IEC 61508) |
| Dimensions | 50mm × 290mm × 219mm (W×H×D) |
| Weight | Approx. 850g |
🔧 H-System Architecture
Redundant Configuration Requirements
- Dual CPUs: Two 6ES7412-3HJ14-0AB0 modules in separate racks
- Sync Modules: 6ES7960-1AA06-0XA0 (fiber optic) for CPU synchronization
- Redundant Power: Dual PS 407 power supplies (10A or 20A)
- Redundant I/O: Dual-channel I/O modules (SM 421/422/431/432 H-variants)
- Fiber Optic Cables: For sync module connection (max 10km distance)
Failover Process
- Normal Operation: Both CPUs execute program in lockstep, outputs controlled by master CPU
- Fault Detection: Sync modules detect CPU failure or communication loss
- Automatic Switchover: Standby CPU takes over control within 100ms
- Alarm Notification: System generates diagnostic message for maintenance
- Hot Replacement: Faulty CPU can be replaced while system continues running
⚡ Performance Comparison
| Feature | CPU 412-3H (This Product) | CPU 414-3H | CPU 416-3H |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Memory | 512 KB | 1.4 MB | 5.6 MB |
| Processing Speed | 0.1 ms/1000 ops | 0.08 ms/1000 ops | 0.05 ms/1000 ops |
| Max I/O Points | 65,536 | 65,536 | 65,536 |
| Max Blocks | 6,144 | 8,192 | 8,192 |
| Redundancy | ✅ H-system | ✅ H-system | ✅ H-system |
| Best For | Medium complexity, cost-sensitive | Large programs, fast cycles | Very large programs, maximum performance |
🏭 Mission-Critical Applications
Power Generation & Distribution
Control turbine governors, boiler systems, and grid synchronization in coal, gas, and nuclear plants. H-system ensures continuous operation during maintenance or component failures.
Oil & Gas Processing
Manage offshore platforms, refineries, and pipeline control systems where downtime can cost $1M+ per hour. Redundant CPUs provide safety-critical control with automatic failover.
Chemical & Pharmaceutical
Batch control and continuous processes in GMP-certified facilities. SIL 3 certification meets safety integrity requirements for hazardous processes.
Water & Wastewater Treatment
Municipal treatment plants serving millions of residents require 24/7 operation. H-system eliminates single points of failure in SCADA infrastructure.
Steel & Metal Production
Continuous casting, rolling mills, and furnace control demand uninterrupted operation. Hot-swap capability enables maintenance without production stops.
💻 Programming & Configuration
Software Requirements
- STEP 7 V5.5 or higher (TIA Portal not supported for S7-400H)
- H-System Configuration Package (included in STEP 7 Professional)
- S7-PLCSIM Advanced (optional, for H-system simulation)
Programming Considerations
- Use OB 70-72 for redundancy error handling
- Implement OB 100 for warm restart after failover
- Avoid time-critical operations during switchover window
- Use SFC 90 (H_CTRL) for manual CPU switchover
- Monitor sync module status via diagnostic addresses
🛠️ Installation Guidelines
Rack Configuration
- Central Rack 1: PS 407 (Slot 1) + CPU 412-3H (Slot 2) + Sync Module (Slot 3)
- Central Rack 2: PS 407 (Slot 1) + CPU 412-3H (Slot 2) + Sync Module (Slot 3)
- Fiber Connection: Connect sync modules with fiber optic cables (redundant ring topology)
- I/O Racks: Dual-channel I/O modules in expansion racks
Commissioning Steps
- Install hardware in both racks, verify proper seating
- Connect sync modules with fiber optic cables
- Power up Rack 1, wait for CPU to reach RUN mode
- Power up Rack 2, CPUs will automatically synchronize
- Download H-system configuration from STEP 7
- Verify redundancy status via CPU diagnostic LEDs
- Test failover by switching off one CPU (standby takes over)
⚖️ H-System vs. Standard CPU
| Feature | CPU 412-3H (H-System) | CPU 412-2 (Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| Redundancy | ✅ Dual CPU hot-standby | ❌ Single CPU |
| Failover Time | <100 ms automatic | N/A (manual restart required) |
| Availability | 99.999% (5-nines) | 99.9% (3-nines) |
| Maintenance | Online (hot-swap CPU) | Offline (system shutdown required) |
| Hardware Cost | 💰💰💰 High (dual CPUs + sync) | 💰 Low (single CPU) |
| Programming Complexity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced | ⭐⭐ Standard |
| Best For | Mission-critical, 24/7 operation | Standard automation, acceptable downtime |
🛡️ Authenticity & Quality
⚠️ Counterfeit CPU Risks
Non-genuine S7-400H CPUs can cause catastrophic failures:
- 🔥 Unreliable failover (defeats redundancy purpose)
- ⚡ Memory corruption during switchover
- 💥 Safety system failures in hazardous processes
- 🚫 Voided SIL 3 certification (regulatory non-compliance)
- ⚖️ Liability exposure in safety-critical applications
✅ Industrial Control Hub Guarantee
- 🔒 100% Genuine Siemens – Factory-sealed with holographic labels
- 📜 SIL 3 Certification – Full safety integrity documentation included
- 🌍 Authorized Distributor – Verify at Siemens Industry Mall
- 🛡️ 24-Month Warranty – Global manufacturer warranty coverage
- 📦 ESD Protection – Anti-static packaging prevents component damage
📦 Package Contents
- 1× Siemens 6ES7412-3HJ14-0AB0 CPU 412-3H module
- Integrated MPI/DP interface
- Product documentation and SIL 3 certificate
Note: Requires second CPU, sync modules, fiber cables, and redundant power supplies for H-system operation (order separately).
🔗 Required Components for H-System
- Second CPU: 6ES7412-3HJ14-0AB0 (this product)
- Sync Modules: 6ES7960-1AA06-0XA0 (fiber optic, 2 required)
- Fiber Cables: 6XV1850-2x (various lengths available)
- Power Supplies: 6ES7407-0KR02-0AA0 (PS 407 20A, 2 required)
- Memory Card: 6ES7952-1KL00-0AA0 (optional, 64 MB expansion)
🤝 Technical Support
- 📧 H-System Design Consultation – Email us your requirements for architecture review
- 📚 Documentation Library – STEP 7 manuals, H-system configuration guides, SIL 3 certificates
- 🎓 Training Resources – Redundancy programming tutorials and failover testing procedures
- 🔧 Commissioning Support – Remote assistance for H-system startup and validation
- 🔄 30-Day Returns – Unused modules in original packaging
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use this CPU in a non-redundant S7-400 system?
A: No, CPU 412-3H is exclusively for H-systems. For standard S7-400, use CPU 412-2 (6ES7412-2XK07-0AB0).
Q: What's the maximum distance between redundant CPUs?
A: Up to 10 km with fiber optic sync modules. For longer distances, use Profibus DP or Profinet for distributed redundancy.
Q: Can I mix CPU 412-3H with CPU 414-3H in an H-system?
A: No, both CPUs must be identical models with matching firmware versions.
Q: How do I test failover without stopping production?
A: Use SFC 90 (H_CTRL) to manually switch master/standby roles. Monitor process during switchover to verify bumpless transfer.
Q: Is TIA Portal supported for S7-400H programming?
A: No, S7-400H requires STEP 7 V5.x (Classic). TIA Portal only supports S7-1500R redundancy.
Q: What happens if both CPUs fail simultaneously?
A: System enters STOP mode. Use redundant power supplies and UPS to minimize dual-failure risk.