Siemens VERICODE 6GF10 Series Modules – 6GF1018-3BA01

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Siemens VERICODE 6GF10 Series Technical Notes

The Evolution of VERICODE 6GF10 Architecture

The VERICODE product line was introduced by Siemens as part of the broader SIMATIC Ident portfolio, targeting machine-level barcode and 2D code reading tasks that required tight PLC integration rather than standalone scanner solutions. Early generations of the 6GF10 series relied on RS-232 and RS-422 serial interfaces for data transfer to host controllers, with evaluation units acting as the central processing node between optical read heads and the PLC backplane.

As industrial communication standards evolved, the 6GF10 architecture was extended to support PROFIBUS-DP, enabling direct integration into distributed control systems without intermediate serial converters. This transition addressed latency and topology limitations inherent in point-to-point serial architectures. Subsequent hardware revisions introduced improved optical engine sensitivity, expanded 2D symbology support (DataMatrix, QR Code, PDF417), and enhanced environmental protection ratings for use in wash-down and high-particulate environments.

The series entered its maturity phase with the widespread adoption of PROFINET and Industrial Ethernet, at which point Siemens began transitioning customers toward the SIMATIC MV series (MV320, MV340, MV420, MV440) as the strategic successor platform. The 6GF10 series is now classified as a legacy product line. Siemens no longer actively develops new hardware variants, but the installed base remains substantial, and long-term spare parts and evaluation unit availability is a documented operational requirement for facilities running multi-decade asset lifecycles.

VERICODE 6GF10 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent the documented hardware catalog of the Siemens VERICODE 6GF10 series, organized by functional category. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware variant with defined interface, processing, or mounting characteristics.

Evaluation Units & Controllers

• 6GF1018-3BA01: VERICODE evaluation unit; central processing module for optical read head data acquisition and PLC output formatting.
• 6GF1018-3BA00: Earlier revision of the 6GF1018-3BA01 evaluation unit; functionally equivalent with minor firmware differences.
• 6GF1018-4BA00: VERICODE evaluation unit with extended memory buffer; supports higher-throughput read cycle applications.
• 6GF1018-4BA01: Revised evaluation unit variant with updated communication stack for improved PROFIBUS timing compliance.
• 6GF1018-5BA00: High-performance evaluation unit supporting multi-head configurations for parallel read zone applications.

Read Heads & Optical Sensors

• 6GF1001-1AA00: VERICODE read head, standard range; designed for 1D barcode reading at fixed focal distance.
• 6GF1001-1AA01: Updated read head with improved CCD resolution for high-density barcode applications.
• 6GF1002-1AA00: Extended-range read head; suitable for conveyor applications with variable label distance.
• 6GF1003-1AA00: Wide-angle read head for large label formats and low-contrast print applications.
• 6GF1004-1AA00: 2D code read head supporting DataMatrix and QR symbologies; compatible with 6GF1018 evaluation units.

Communication & Interface Modules

• 6GF1010-1AA00: PROFIBUS-DP interface module for 6GF10 evaluation units; enables direct integration into SIMATIC DP networks.
• 6GF1010-2AA00: RS-232/RS-422 serial interface adapter; used in legacy S5 and third-party PLC integration scenarios.
• 6GF1010-3AA00: Industrial Ethernet interface module for 6GF10 series; supports TCP/IP data transfer to SCADA and MES systems.

Power Supply & Mounting Accessories

• 6GF1090-1AA00: 24 VDC power supply module for VERICODE evaluation units; DIN-rail mountable with short-circuit protection.
• 6GF1090-2AA00: Mounting bracket and cable management kit for 6GF10 series panel installation.
• 6GF1090-3AA00: Protective housing for read head deployment in IP65-rated enclosure environments.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete VERICODE 6GF10 Parts

The 6GF10 series has been formally discontinued by Siemens, with standard factory supply channels no longer stocking evaluation units, read heads, or interface modules as active catalog items. For facilities operating VERICODE-based identification systems — particularly in industries with 20–30 year asset lifecycles such as nuclear power generation, petrochemical processing, and heavy rail — replacement procurement through specialist distributors is the primary maintenance pathway.

Quality Control for the VERICODE 6GF10 Range

The 6GF10 evaluation unit architecture presents specific test challenges due to its integrated optical signal processing circuitry, serial communication arbitration logic, and PLC interface timing requirements. DriveKNMS applies a structured verification protocol to all 6GF10 units prior to dispatch:

• Power-on functional test: Unit is powered at rated 24 VDC and monitored for correct initialization sequence, status LED behavior, and absence of fault codes.
• Communication interface verification: RS-232, RS-422, and PROFIBUS-DP ports are tested using protocol-specific test equipment to confirm correct data framing, baud rate compliance, and termination resistance.
• Read head interface continuity: Connector pinout and signal integrity are verified against Siemens 6GF10 wiring documentation to confirm compatibility with standard read head cable assemblies.
• Optical output signal test: Where applicable, evaluation units are connected to a reference read head and tested against known barcode samples to confirm end-to-end decode accuracy.
• Firmware revision logging: Installed firmware version is recorded and cross-referenced against known compatibility matrices for SIMATIC S5 and S7 host systems.
• Visual and mechanical inspection: PCB, connector housings, and enclosure are inspected for corrosion, mechanical damage, and capacitor condition consistent with long-term storage or field removal.