SIEMENS 6AV6645-0BB01-0AX0

What is 6AV6645-0BB01-0AX0 and where is it used?

The SIEMENS 6AV6645-0BB01-0AX0 is a SIMATIC Mobile Panel 177 PN designed for mobile operation and monitoring tasks directly on machines and systems. The device combines a 5.7-inch display with both keypad and touch operation as well as an integrated enabling switch and stop button. This makes it particularly suitable for production environments where operators work close to the machine, support setup procedures or locally enable axis movements and machine functions. The panel is supplied via a connection box; for the PN version, operation with the Connection Box PN and Connecting Cable PN is relevant. Typical applications include packaging machinery, special-purpose machine construction, handling systems, robotic cells and maintenance service operations.

Overview of the key technical data and what they mean

From a technical perspective, the Mobile Panel 177 PN features a 5.7-inch STN colour display with 320 × 240 pixels and 256 colours. For operation, it provides 14 function keys, 8 of which include LEDs, as well as numeric, alphanumeric and hexadecimal input options and an analogue resistive touchscreen. Communication interfaces include 1 × Ethernet RJ45 and 1 × RS485; supported protocols include PROFINET IO, TCP/IP and Modbus. The device runs on Windows CE, is powered via the connection box and is designed for safety functions up to Performance Level d (PL d) according to ISO 13849-1. Additional features important for industrial operation include a maximum drop height of 1.5 m, an operating temperature range of 0 to 40 °C and a backlight with an MTBF of 50,000 hours.

Product status, life-cycle status and obsolescence

The product status is particularly important for procurement. Siemens classifies 6AV6645-0BB01-0AX0 as a spare part, while the EICHLER product page additionally lists the status EOP: 2021-10-01. Siemens published the discontinuation announcement for the Mobile Panel 177/277 family and the associated connection boxes on 25 April 2016 and explicitly recommends the Mobile Panels 2nd Generation as the successor platform for new machines. The available sources do not identify a direct 1:1 successor article number for this specific MLFB, but they do identify the compatible successor platform. For modernisation projects, it is important to note that the Mobile Panel 177 is no longer supported from TIA Portal V16 onwards. Furthermore, when used with connection boxes of the 2nd Generation, only a hard-wired F-system is permitted; PROFIsafe is not supported with the 1st Generation platform.

Available EICHLER services and when they are relevant

For maintenance and purchasing departments, EICHLER’s services are particularly valuable for obsolete HMI devices. Repair, exchange, used equipment and new-unit enquiries cover a wide range of procurement scenarios. If a panel fails, repair is often the fastest way to continue operating existing engineered equipment; EICHLER specifies a turnaround time of 1–3 days and includes technical cleaning, preventive maintenance, comprehensive functional testing and a minimum 24-month warranty. Where downtime costs exceed repair times, exchange units become particularly attractive; at the time of review, exchange and used units were also listed with 1–3 day availability and stock levels. The optional test report supports documentation, acceptance procedures and internal quality assurance. For industrial operators, this combination helps maintain operational capability despite obsolescence and reduces the risk of unplanned downtime.

With which software can 6AV6645-0BB01-0AX0 be configured?

The panel can be configured using WinCC flexible Compact from Version 2005 and with TIA Portal V11 to V14. An important point for procurement planning is that WinCC Basic is not supported for this device, whereas WinCC Comfort, WinCC Advanced and WinCC Professional are supported. For companies operating existing machines, this means that the available engineering environment should always be checked before purchasing or repairing the panel to ensure compatibility.

Is the Mobile Panel 177 PN still supported from TIA Portal V16 onwards?

No. Siemens explicitly lists the Mobile Panel 177 as a device that is no longer supported from TIA Portal V16 onwards. For existing installations, maintaining a compatible legacy project environment and retaining the installed panel is often more economical than carrying out an unplanned full system migration. If a technical upgrade is already planned, migration to a newer Mobile Panel platform should be considered.

Is there a Siemens-recommended successor for 6AV6645-0BB01-0AX0?

Siemens recommends the Mobile Panels 2nd Generation family as the successor platform for new machines and systems. However, the available sources do not identify a specific 1:1 successor MLFB for this exact device. For retrofit and migration projects, it is important to note that older Mobile Panel 177 PN devices can generally be used with 2nd Generation connection boxes, although this comes with specific limitations regarding the safety concept.

Which connection boxes or cables are required for the Mobile Panel 177 PN?

For the PN version, the Connecting Cable PN is intended for connection to the Terminal Box PN. Power is supplied via the connection box. For modernisation projects, Siemens also describes the use of compact, standard and advanced connection boxes from the Mobile Panels 2nd Generation family with the older Mobile Panel 177 PN. This can simplify spare-parts strategies but does not replace a detailed review of safety functions and wiring requirements.

Can 6AV6645-0BB01-0AX0 be operated with an S7-1200 or S7-1500?

Yes, but with limitations. Siemens states that communication with S7-1200 and S7-1500 controllers is generally possible, while also noting certain restrictions. In practice, the communication method, project status and required functionality should be reviewed before purchasing or replacing the panel. With older HMIs, successful operation often depends less on basic connectivity and more on the combination of firmware, engineering version, and the required diagnostic or safety functions.

When is repair more economical than replacement or purchasing a used unit?

Repair is particularly worthwhile when the existing project should remain unchanged, the machine must return to operation quickly and the installed device can still be economically repaired. Exchange units and used equipment are often more procurement-driven solutions when downtime costs exceed repair turnaround times or when immediately available spare units are required. EICHLER offers repair, exchange, used equipment and new-unit enquiries for this device. An optional test report is also available.