Product Overview

The Siemens 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 SIMATIC HMI Basic Panel is an industrial human-machine interface used for local machine operation, process visualization, and operator interaction with PLC-controlled equipment. This model belongs to the second-generation SIMATIC HMI Basic Panel family and is identified as the KTP700 Basic. It combines a 7-inch TFT widescreen color display with touchscreen input and physical function keys, allowing operators to monitor equipment status and execute configured operating commands through a single interface.

The panel is intended for automation applications where operators need direct access to machine information without using a separate industrial computer. Its display can present numerical process values, equipment states, operating modes, alarm messages, and graphical controls configured for the specific application. Screen content depends on the HMI project, so the interface can be organized around the operating sequence and diagnostic requirements of the machine.

The 7-inch display supports 65,536 colors and an 800 × 480 pixel resolution. This provides a practical viewing area for process screens, status indicators, trend representations where configured, and operator guidance. Eight physical function keys complement the touchscreen, allowing frequently used operations to be assigned to dedicated keys within the application.

A defining feature of the 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 is its PROFINET interface. The panel can exchange configured process data with compatible PLCs and other automation equipment through an industrial Ethernet network. This makes it suitable for machine installations built around compatible SIMATIC controllers and PROFINET communication. The actual data available to the operator depends on the controller program, network configuration, and tag assignments established during engineering.

The KTP700 Basic is configured using WinCC Basic V13 or STEP 7 Basic V13, according to its specified engineering requirements. The project defines screen navigation, displayed variables, input fields, alarm presentation, and the behavior of operator controls. Once commissioned, the panel uses this configuration to present information received from the control system and transmit authorized operator inputs.

In production machinery, the panel may provide access to manual operating modes, automatic sequence status, process settings, fault messages, and maintenance screens. A packaging machine, for example, could use configured screens to display production status and allow an operator to select operating parameters. A material-handling system could present conveyor states and relevant fault information. These functions are application-dependent rather than fixed features of the panel hardware.

The HMI serves as the operator interface, not as a replacement for the PLC. The controller continues to execute the automation program, process field signals, and manage outputs to motors, valves, and other equipment. Control interlocks and essential machine-protection functions should remain implemented within the appropriate control architecture.

Integration therefore requires attention to both hardware and software. The panel’s power supply, PROFINET connection, controller communication settings, and HMI project must be configured correctly. Process tags and command objects should be tested during commissioning to ensure that displayed values are accurate and operator actions produce the intended response.

The Siemens 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 SIMATIC HMI Basic Panel provides a dedicated operator station for compatible industrial automation systems. Its color display, combined key-and-touch operation, and PROFINET communication make it suitable for machine-level monitoring and control where a compact, configurable HMI is required.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• 7-inch TFT color display: Presents machine status, process variables, operating screens, and configured messages at 800 × 480 pixel resolution.
• Combined key and touch operation: Offers touchscreen interaction alongside eight physical function keys for application-specific operating tasks.
• PROFINET connectivity: Exchanges configured process data with compatible controllers through an industrial Ethernet connection.
• 65,536 display colors: Supports visual differentiation of status indicators, graphical controls, and configured alarm conditions.
• Configurable operator interface: Allows screens, navigation paths, input fields, and display objects to be tailored to the machine.
• PLC tag integration: Links HMI objects to controller variables for displaying values and transmitting operator inputs.
• SIMATIC engineering support: Uses the specified WinCC Basic V13 or STEP 7 Basic V13 engineering environment.
• Alarm presentation: Displays configured alarm and fault information to help operators identify abnormal machine conditions.
• Dedicated function keys: Allows frequently used operations to be assigned to physical keys within the HMI project.
• Machine-level visualization: Consolidates operating information and authorized controls into a local interface.

Working Principle

The Siemens 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 functions as an HMI terminal within a PLC-based automation system. It reads configured process data from the connected controller, presents that information through the graphical interface, and transfers operator inputs through PROFINET when the corresponding application functions are configured.

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

The operating sequence begins with the HMI project. Using the appropriate engineering software, the machine designer defines the screens, navigation structure, process tags, graphical objects, and operator commands. These settings determine how the panel presents information and how it responds when a user touches a screen object or presses a physical function key.

During normal operation, the panel communicates with the PLC through its PROFINET interface. HMI tags connect graphical objects to controller variables. A status indicator, for example, can display whether a motor is running, while a numerical field can present a process measurement received from the PLC.

When an operator selects a configured command, the HMI processes the input according to the project configuration. If the action is linked to a controller variable, the panel transmits the associated data to the PLC. The control program evaluates the request and determines the appropriate machine response according to its logic, operating conditions, and implemented interlocks.

The display then presents updated information from the controller. This feedback allows operators to observe changes in machine state after a command is issued. Alarm messages and status indicators can also be configured to communicate faults or abnormal conditions identified by the automation program.

The eight physical function keys provide an additional input method. Their assignments are defined by the application, so they can be used for selected operating functions or screen navigation where appropriate. The key assignments should be reviewed carefully during engineering to ensure that they correspond to the intended machine workflow.

PROFINET communication must be configured consistently across the panel, controller, and network. Device addressing, connection settings, cabling, and tag assignments all influence whether the HMI can exchange the required information. A successful network connection alone does not guarantee correct application behavior if the project references incorrect PLC variables.

The panel also depends on the controller for the underlying control decisions. It does not independently execute the machine’s PLC program or replace safety-related control equipment. Commands, limits, permissives, and interlocks must be handled by the appropriate control logic.

Once the HMI project and communication connection have been commissioned, the KTP700 Basic provides the operator with a local view of machine operation and a configured method for interacting with the control system. Its effectiveness depends on correct project engineering, reliable data exchange, and clear screen design.

Role in the Industrial Control Architecture

The 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 occupies the operator-interface layer of a compatible SIMATIC automation system. It connects the operator with the PLC application by presenting process information and transmitting configured commands over PROFINET.

Operator → KTP700 Basic HMI → PROFINET Network → SIMATIC PLC → Field Devices

The HMI provides the visual interface and operator-input mechanism. The PLC and field devices perform the underlying control tasks, while the configured communication connection transfers the information needed for coordinated operation.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Confirm application compatibility: Ensure that the KTP700 Basic provides the required visualization functions and that PROFINET is suitable for the intended automation network.
2. Prepare the mounting location: Check the enclosure opening, mounting arrangement, and installation environment against the equipment documentation.
3. Inspect mounting hardware: Ensure that the panel can be secured correctly and that the required mounting components are available.
4. Verify the power supply: Confirm that the installation provides the specified 24 V DC supply within the permitted operating range.
5. Connect the PROFINET network: Use suitable industrial Ethernet cabling and connect the panel according to the system’s network design.
6. Prepare the HMI project: Configure the required screens, navigation paths, tags, alarms, and operator functions in the applicable engineering environment.
7. Establish PLC communication: Check device addressing and connection settings, then confirm that the panel can exchange data with the intended controller.
8. Validate process tags: Compare displayed values and input fields with the corresponding PLC variables to identify incorrect assignments.
9. Test physical function keys: Verify that all eight keys perform their configured functions and do not initiate unintended machine operations.
10. Check alarms and screen navigation: Test operating pages, status indicators, configured alarm messages, and command objects under representative operating conditions.
11. Inspect the installed panel: Keep the front operating surface clean using an appropriate method and check the mounting and connections for signs of damage.
12. Maintain configuration records: Preserve the approved HMI project, communication settings, and relevant backup information for future troubleshooting and maintenance.

If communication faults occur, inspect the network cabling, device configuration, controller status, and PROFINET connection settings. If displayed process values are incorrect, review the tag mapping and PLC program before assuming that the panel itself is faulty.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Combines touchscreen interaction and physical function keys in one operator interface.
• Presents PLC process values and configured machine states on a color display.
• Supports integration into compatible PROFINET-based automation networks.
• Allows application-specific screen layouts and operating workflows.
• Provides a local interface for configured alarms and diagnostic messages.
• Supports maintenance and troubleshooting through access to relevant machine information.

Technical FAQs

What communication interface does the 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 use?

The panel uses PROFINET for communication with compatible automation equipment. Its network configuration and HMI project determine how process data is exchanged with the connected PLC.

How can the physical function keys be used alongside touchscreen controls?

The eight function keys can be assigned to specific operations through the HMI project, while the touchscreen supports interaction with graphical controls and screen navigation. The appropriate assignments depend on the machine’s operating workflow.

Which engineering software is specified for this Basic Panel?

The specified engineering environment is WinCC Basic V13 or STEP 7 Basic V13. The project defines screen layouts, tag assignments, communication settings, alarm presentation, and configured operator actions.

What should be checked if the HMI displays incorrect process values?

Check the PLC tag assignments, controller data, communication configuration, and HMI project. Incorrect variable mapping or application logic can produce misleading values even when the display hardware and network connection are operating normally.