Product Overview

The Siemens 6AV2123-2DB03-0AX0 SIMATIC HMI Basic Panel is a compact operator interface designed for monitoring and operating industrial automation equipment. Identified as the KTP400 Basic, this panel combines a 4-inch TFT color display with key and touch operation, allowing operators to interact with machine functions, view process information, and respond to operating conditions from a local station.

In an automated production system, the human-machine interface provides the connection between the control program and the person operating the equipment. Instead of relying exclusively on indicator lamps, pushbuttons, and separate instruments, operators can use configured screens to view machine status, access operating commands, and identify faults reported by the controller. The information displayed depends on the HMI project and the data exchanged with the connected automation system.

The 6AV2123-2DB03-0AX0 supports 65,536 display colors and uses a combination of physical function keys and touchscreen input. The physical keys provide direct access to assigned functions, while the touchscreen supports interaction with graphical objects, operating screens, and configured controls. This arrangement is useful on machines where operators need both direct physical input and visual access to process information.

Communication with the automation system is provided through a PROFINET interface. In a compatible configuration, the panel exchanges process data with a PLC, allowing screen objects to display controller values and send authorized operator commands. The communication setup, tag assignments, alarm behavior, and screen navigation are established in the engineering project rather than being determined by the panel alone.

The panel belongs to the second-generation SIMATIC HMI Basic Panel family. Siemens specifies configuration using WinCC Basic V13 or STEP 7 Basic V13 for this model. The engineering project defines the application-specific interface, including screen layouts, displayed variables, alarm messages, and operator permissions where supported by the configured system.

Its compact operator-panel format makes it suitable for machine-mounted control stations, local equipment interfaces, and smaller automation systems where a dedicated industrial display is required without the footprint of a larger HMI. Typical uses include viewing machine states, entering operating values, acknowledging alarms, and navigating between configured screens.

Successful integration depends on more than physical installation. The engineering software version, PLC communication settings, network addressing, tag configuration, and control logic must work together. The panel should be selected and configured for the intended automation architecture, with particular attention to the available communication interface and the functions required by the machine.

The Siemens 6AV2123-2DB03-0AX0 SIMATIC HMI Basic Panel provides a local operating and visualization interface for compatible automation applications. When properly engineered and installed, it helps operators interact with the control system through a combination of graphical information, touchscreen input, and physical function keys.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Combined key and touch operation: Supports physical function-key input and touchscreen interaction within one operator interface.
• 4-inch color display: Presents configured machine states, operating values, messages, and graphical controls.
• 65,536 display colors: Allows visual differentiation of interface elements, operating states, and alarm indications.
• PROFINET communication: Exchanges configured process data with compatible automation equipment over an industrial Ethernet network.
• Configurable screen interface: Supports application-specific screen layouts, navigation, and operating controls through the engineering project.
• Four physical function keys: Allows frequently used commands to be assigned to dedicated keys in the configured application.
• SIMATIC engineering integration: Supports configuration using the specified WinCC Basic V13 or STEP 7 Basic V13 environment.
• Local machine operation: Provides an operator station for monitoring and controlling compatible machines and equipment.
• PLC data visualization: Displays configured variables received from the connected controller.
• Alarm and status presentation: Supports the presentation of configured alarms and machine-state information according to the HMI project.

Working Principle

The Siemens 6AV2123-2DB03-0AX0 operates as an HMI client within an industrial automation system. Its main tasks are to present information supplied by the controller and transmit operator inputs to the automation program through the configured communication connection.

Operator Input → HMI Application → PROFINET Communication → PLC Logic → Machine Response

The process begins with an engineering project created for the intended machine. The project defines the available screens, navigation paths, process tags, graphical objects, and operating functions. Once transferred to the panel, this project determines how the operator interacts with the equipment.

During normal operation, the HMI communicates with the connected controller through PROFINET. Configured tags link display objects to PLC variables. For example, a screen indicator can display the state of a motor-control variable, while a numerical field can show a process value supplied by the PLC.

When an operator touches a configured screen object or presses an assigned function key, the HMI processes the input according to the project configuration. If the operation is associated with a PLC tag or command, the panel sends the corresponding data through the communication connection. The PLC program then evaluates the command and determines whether the requested machine action is permitted.

This distinction is important: the HMI does not replace the PLC’s control logic. It provides the operator interface, while the controller executes the automation program and manages the associated equipment. Interlocks, operating limits, and machine-protection functions should remain implemented in the appropriate control system.

The display also provides feedback from the controller. Updated process values, operating modes, equipment states, and configured alarm messages help the operator understand what the machine is doing. If a communication fault occurs, the availability and freshness of displayed data depend on the application configuration and the panel’s communication status.

Engineering and commissioning therefore require verification of both directions of data exchange. Displayed variables must correspond to the intended PLC addresses, and operator commands must be mapped to the correct control logic. Incorrect tag assignments can produce misleading displays or unintended commands even when the panel itself is functioning normally.

The physical function keys provide an alternative input method for assigned operations. Their behavior is defined by the configured HMI application, so the same key can serve different purposes in different machine projects. Screen navigation, confirmation steps, and operator permissions should be designed around the actual workflow.

Once configured and tested, the KTP400 Basic serves as the local interface through which operators monitor the process, issue authorized commands, and respond to machine events. Its effectiveness depends on accurate engineering, appropriate communication settings, and a clear relationship between the HMI project and the PLC program.

Role in the Industrial Control Architecture

The 6AV2123-2DB03-0AX0 occupies the operator-interface layer of a compatible SIMATIC automation system. It connects the machine operator to the PLC application by presenting process information and forwarding configured inputs through PROFINET.

Operator → KTP400 Basic HMI → PROFINET Network → PLC → Field Devices

The HMI displays and transmits information according to its configured project. The PLC remains responsible for executing control logic and managing machine behavior.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the application requirements: Confirm that the KTP400 Basic provides the display, input, and communication functions required by the machine.
2. Prepare the installation location: Ensure that the panel mounting arrangement, enclosure opening, and surrounding space meet the equipment installation requirements.
3. Check the mounting arrangement: Confirm that the mounting hardware and panel support are suitable for the intended installation.
4. Inspect the electrical connections: Check the specified power connection and PROFINET cabling before applying power.
5. Establish the network connection: Connect the panel to the intended industrial network and confirm the required network addressing.
6. Verify the engineering environment: Prepare the HMI project using the applicable WinCC Basic V13 or STEP 7 Basic V13 configuration environment.
7. Configure PLC communication: Set up the communication connection and verify that the panel can access the intended controller data.
8. Check tag assignments: Confirm that displayed values, operating fields, and command objects are linked to the correct PLC variables.
9. Test physical function keys: Verify that each configured key performs its intended function and does not trigger an unintended operation.
10. Validate screens and alarms: Check screen navigation, status indicators, numerical fields, and configured alarm messages under representative operating conditions.
11. Inspect the installed panel: Keep the display and front operating surface clean using an appropriate method, and check for signs of damage or loose connections.
12. Maintain project records: Retain the approved HMI project, configuration details, and relevant backup information to support troubleshooting and future maintenance.

If communication problems occur, inspect the network connection, device addressing, controller availability, and project communication settings. If displayed values appear incorrect, check the PLC tag mapping and application logic before assuming that the HMI hardware is defective.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Combines touchscreen interaction with physical function keys in one HMI.
• Supports local visualization of PLC variables and configured machine states.
• Provides PROFINET communication for integration into compatible industrial networks.
• Allows application-specific screen design and operator workflows.
• Supports alarm and status presentation through the configured HMI project.
• Provides a dedicated operator interface for compact machines and control stations.

Technical FAQs

How does the KTP400 Basic exchange operating data with a SIMATIC PLC?

The panel uses its PROFINET interface to exchange configured process data with a compatible controller. The HMI project’s communication settings and tag assignments determine which PLC variables are displayed and which operator inputs are transmitted.

What is the purpose of combining physical keys with touchscreen operation?

The physical keys provide direct access to assigned functions, while the touchscreen allows operators to interact with graphical controls and navigate configured screens. This combination gives the application designer more than one method for implementing the operator workflow.

Which engineering environment is specified for the 6AV2123-2DB03-0AX0?

Siemens specifies WinCC Basic V13 or STEP 7 Basic V13 for configuring this model. The project should be prepared and tested in an appropriate engineering environment for the intended application.

Does the HMI execute the machine’s control logic?

No. The panel provides visualization and operator input, while the PLC executes the automation program and controls the machine. Safety-related functions and essential machine interlocks must be implemented in the appropriate control architecture rather than relying solely on HMI screens or operator commands.