The CP 342-5 communications processor is the communication module of the SIMATIC S7-300 for the PROFIBUS DP bus system.

The CP 342-5 relieves the CPU from communication tasks.

Communication possibilities of the S7-300 using communication modules:

• As DP master or slave for PROFIBUS DP V0 according to IEC 61158/EN 50170
• Communication with programming devices and HMI devices
• Communication with other SIMATIC S7 systems
• Communication with SIMATIC S5 programmable controllers

The number of CPs that can be used is dependent on the performance range of the CPU and on the communications services used.