As many as 8 ASM 475 communication modules can be plugged into one SIMATIC S7-300 rack and operated. For a multi-rack installation (maximum of 4), the ASM 475 communication modules can be plugged in and operated in each rack. This means that as many as 32 ASM 475s can be operated in the maximum configuration of a SIMATIC S7-300. The electrical isolation between the reader and SIMATIC S7-300 bus ensures a noise-resistant setup.

Error messages and operating states (transponder in field, command active, etc.) are indicated using LEDs.

Communication between the ASM 475 and S7-CPU takes place by means of acyclic P-bus message frames so that the useful data is transmitted very quickly and effectively. The ASM 475 is fully integrated into the diagnostics of the SIMATIC via a hardware support package (HSP). Depending on the PROFIBUS master, as many as 126 ET 200M modules can be operated on one PROFIBUS line.

The data in the transponder or Data Matrix Code is accessed direct by means of physical addresses using the ASM 475. The data is transferred between FB/FC45, FB/FC55 and ASM 475 at high speed and without placing a great load on the CPU.