Product Overview

The Siemens 6AV2124-0GC13-0AX0 is a SIMATIC HMI TP700 Comfort Outdoor Panel developed for operator control and machine visualization in industrial environments exposed to sunlight, changing temperatures, and outdoor conditions. It combines a 7-inch widescreen TFT touchscreen with an outdoor-rated front construction, allowing operators to monitor equipment and interact with control systems without requiring the panel to be installed in a conventional indoor environment.

The TP700 Comfort Outdoor retains the visualization and communication capabilities of the standard 7-inch Comfort Panel while adding features intended for outdoor use. Its bonded, daylight-readable display improves visibility under bright ambient lighting, while the UV-resistant, powder-coated aluminum front helps withstand prolonged environmental exposure. The front also provides IP66 protection when installed according to the applicable requirements.

The panel uses an 800 × 480 pixel display with 16 million colors. Operators can view equipment status, process measurements, alarm messages, and configured control screens through the analog-resistive touchscreen. Automatic or manual backlight adjustment helps maintain readability as lighting conditions change.

Communication is available through PROFINET and MPI/PROFIBUS DP interfaces. This allows the panel to connect to compatible Siemens automation systems using Ethernet-based or fieldbus communication, depending on the controller and project configuration. The panel provides 12 MB of configuration memory and is configured using WinCC Comfort V13 SP1 or a compatible later engineering environment.

A typical application is an outdoor pumping station where operators need to view pressure readings, pump status, fault messages, and maintenance information while working near the equipment. The HMI can display the relevant process data and send configured operator commands to the PLC, which remains responsible for the actual control sequence and interlock logic.

The 6AV2124-0GC13-0AX0 is particularly relevant when a standard indoor HMI would face visibility or environmental limitations. Its outdoor construction and extended operating temperature range make it suitable for appropriately engineered outdoor installations, including utility systems, water treatment facilities, and industrial equipment located in exposed areas.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Daylight-readable display: The bonded TFT screen supports operator visibility in bright outdoor environments.
• 7-inch widescreen format: Provides a dedicated display area for process values, equipment graphics, alarms, and control elements.
• 16-million-color visualization: Allows clear differentiation between operating states, warnings, and process information.
• Analog-resistive touchscreen: Supports touch-based operation through configured HMI screens.
• UV-resistant front construction: The powder-coated aluminum front is intended for exposure to outdoor environmental conditions.
• IP66 front protection: Helps protect the panel front against dust and powerful water jets when properly installed.
• Extended temperature capability: Supports outdoor applications within the specified operating conditions.
• Automatic and manual backlight adjustment: Helps maintain screen readability as ambient lighting changes.
• PROFINET communication: Connects the panel to compatible Ethernet-based automation systems.
• MPI/PROFIBUS DP communication: Supports integration with compatible Siemens fieldbus architectures.
• 12 MB configuration memory: Stores the HMI project and associated configuration data.
• Comfort Panel visualization functions: Supports configured process displays, alarm handling, recipes, and operator interaction.
• Siemens engineering integration: Allows project development through the compatible WinCC Comfort engineering environment.

Working Principle

The 6AV2124-0GC13-0AX0 acts as the operator interface for a compatible automation system. It receives process information from the controller, presents the information through the HMI project, and sends configured operator actions back to the control system.

Field Sensors and Actuators → PLC → PROFINET or MPI/PROFIBUS DP → TP700 Comfort Outdoor → Operator

During engineering, the machine builder creates the HMI screens, links display objects to controller variables, defines alarm messages, and configures the permitted operator actions. The project is then transferred to the panel using the supported engineering connection.

During operation, the HMI reads the configured process values and updates the display. At an outdoor pumping station, for example, the screen may show pump status, discharge pressure, tank level, and active alarms. Operators can navigate between screens and enter permitted commands through the touchscreen.

When an operator requests an action, the HMI communicates the configured command to the PLC. The controller evaluates the machine logic, operating conditions, and interlocks before executing the requested action. The HMI therefore supports operator interaction but does not replace the controller’s responsibility for equipment control.

The outdoor display construction addresses a different requirement from the communication interfaces. Bonded display technology and backlight adjustment support visibility under changing lighting conditions, while the protected front construction helps resist environmental exposure. Correct enclosure mounting, cable routing, and installation remain necessary to achieve the intended protection.

During commissioning, engineers should test both the HMI’s communication and its visual behavior under the expected operating conditions. Process values, alarm messages, command handling, and touchscreen response should all be verified before the panel is released for routine use.

Role in a Siemens Outdoor Automation Architecture

The TP700 Comfort Outdoor occupies the operator-interface layer of an outdoor control installation. It allows personnel to monitor process conditions and issue permitted commands while the PLC and associated control equipment manage the actual machine operation.

Outdoor Field Instruments → SIMATIC PLC → Industrial Communication Network → TP700 Comfort Outdoor → Operator

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the panel model: Confirm that 6AV2124-0GC13-0AX0 matches the intended outdoor HMI application and communication requirements.
2. Prepare the mounting location: Check the panel cutout, mounting arrangement, and enclosure design against the installation requirements.
3. Provide the DC supply: Connect a suitable 24 V DC supply within the specified voltage range and verify polarity before energizing the panel.
4. Establish environmental protection: Ensure that the mounting arrangement and sealing surfaces support the required front protection rating.
5. Plan the communication network: Select PROFINET or MPI/PROFIBUS DP according to the controller and network architecture.
6. Configure device communication: Set the necessary network parameters, controller addresses, and connection settings in the HMI project.
7. Develop the HMI screens: Create the required process displays, alarm views, navigation controls, and operator input fields using compatible WinCC Comfort engineering software.
8. Map controller variables: Link display objects and commands to the correct PLC tags, data types, and communication addresses.
9. Check display visibility: Test the screen under representative lighting conditions and configure the backlight adjustment to suit the installation.
10. Verify touch operation: Check screen navigation, input fields, and configured buttons across the required operating screens.
11. Test communication and commands: Confirm that process values update correctly and that operator actions follow the intended PLC logic and interlocks.
12. Maintain project records: Archive the approved HMI project, network settings, software version, and commissioning results for future maintenance.

Related Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Supports operator visualization in outdoor industrial environments.
• Uses a daylight-readable 7-inch touchscreen.
• Combines a UV-resistant front with IP66 front protection.
• Supports PROFINET and MPI/PROFIBUS DP communication.
• Operates within the specified extended temperature range.
• Integrates with compatible Siemens PLC and HMI engineering systems.

Technical FAQs

What makes the TP700 Comfort Outdoor suitable for outdoor installations?

Its bonded, daylight-readable display supports visibility under bright ambient lighting, while the UV-resistant aluminum front and IP66 front protection address environmental exposure. The panel must still be installed according to the applicable mounting and environmental requirements.

How does the outdoor model differ from the standard TP700 Comfort Panel?

The outdoor model adds features for exposed environments, including a daylight-readable bonded display, UV-resistant front construction, and an extended operating temperature range. It retains the 7-inch visualization format and supports PROFINET and MPI/PROFIBUS DP communication.

What is the operating temperature range of the 6AV2124-0GC13-0AX0?

The specified range for vertical installation is −30 to +60°C, subject to the installation orientation and operating conditions. The permitted upper temperature can differ under other mounting arrangements, so the actual installation must remain within the applicable technical limits.

Which engineering software is used to configure this panel?

The TP700 Comfort Outdoor is configurable using WinCC Comfort V13 SP1 or a compatible later version that supports the device. The project must use the correct HMI device selection, controller connection, tag mapping, and communication settings.