SIEMENS 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0

What is 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 and where is it used?

The 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 is a Siemens SIMATIC HMI KTP700 Basic colour PN, part of the Basic Panels 2nd Generation range. It is a compact operator panel that combines touch operation with eight function keys, making it suitable for machines where recurring actions can be executed quickly via dedicated keys while variable inputs are handled through the display.

It is typically used in small to medium-sized machines and production systems, for example in packaging, conveyor technology, assembly systems, water treatment, and general factory automation. In these applications, the panel is responsible for visualisation of process states, alarms, setpoints, recipes and operator screens. Siemens positions Basic Panels as cost-effective HMI solutions for standard automation tasks, with the PN version designed for PROFINET / Industrial Ethernet communication.

Overview of key technical data and what it means

For maintenance and procurement, the most relevant specifications are those that affect replacement compatibility and integration into existing TIA Portal projects.

The panel features a 7-inch widescreen TFT display with 800 × 480 resolution and 65,536 colours, providing significantly improved readability compared to older Basic Panels. Power supply is 24 V DC (19.2–28.8 V range).

The device has IP65 front protection and IP20 rear protection, one Industrial Ethernet / PROFINET interface, and one USB interface. It includes approximately 10 MB user memory. Typical power consumption is around 5.5 W, and the LED backlight has a rated lifetime of approximately 20,000 hours MTBF, which is relevant for long-term operation planning.

Product status, life cycle status and obsolescence

From a lifecycle perspective, the 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 is currently a low-risk, active standard product. Siemens lists it as PM300: Active Product within the Standard devices 2nd Generation portfolio.

This means it is not a discontinued or end-of-life product, but an actively manufactured and supported device. No official successor is specified for this exact model in Siemens documentation.

In fact, the perspective is often the opposite: this panel is frequently used as a migration target for older Basic Panels (e.g. first-generation KTP600 series). For existing installations, this improves long-term availability and simplifies procurement and replacement strategies.

Available EICHLER services and when they are relevant in practice

For industrial users managing installed base equipment, the key options are repair, exchange units, refurbished devices, new units, and optional test reports.

A repair is suitable when the existing project, cabinet cut-out and machine logic must remain unchanged and fast restoration of functionality is the priority. An exchange unit is the fastest option when downtime must be minimised immediately.

Refurbished and new units support both strategic spare parts stocking and planned replacements in serial production environments. According to EICHLER, repairs include technical cleaning, preventive maintenance, full functional testing, and a minimum 24-month warranty.

This makes the device particularly relevant for maintenance and procurement teams who need to ensure long-term availability and operational reliability of installed systems.

Is 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 a PROFINET panel or a PROFIBUS panel?

This device is the PROFINET version of the KTP700 Basic. Siemens explicitly designates it as KTP700 Basic colour PN, meaning it is designed for communication via PROFINET (Industrial Ethernet).

For existing installations, this distinction is important because the PROFIBUS (DP) variant uses a different order number. The PN version is intended for Ethernet-based systems such as S7-1200, S7-1500, and other PROFINET-capable controllers.

When replacing or planning a swap, the communication architecture of the plant should always be checked beforehand to avoid installing a PN panel into a purely PROFIBUS-based environment, where it would not be directly compatible.

Which software is required to engineer 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0?

Siemens specifies engineering support from WinCC Basic V13 / STEP 7 Basic V13 onwards. In more detailed product documentation, compatibility is also listed with STEP 7 Professional as well as WinCC Basic, Comfort, Advanced and Professional in the TIA Portal environment.

For procurement, this means the hardware fits into modern TIA ecosystems, but correct operation depends on whether the installed engineering version supports the specific device image. For maintenance teams, it is therefore essential to verify not only the panel, but also the TIA version and available HMI images when replacing or taking over projects.

Can the 6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0 replace an older KTP600 Basic?

Yes, for several first-generation Basic Panels, the KTP700 Basic (6AV2123-2GB03-0AX0) is listed as a successor or migration device, including certain KTP600 Basic PN variants.

However, this should not be treated as a purely mechanical 1:1 replacement. Before conversion, the project data, cabinet cut-out, communication setup, and operator screen logic must always be reviewed. In running series production systems, this pre-check helps avoid unplanned downtime during commissioning.

Can backup, restore or recovery be performed on the KTP700 Basic?

Yes. Siemens supports backup and restore via ProSave, as well as factory reset via WinCC or ProSave. In addition, a USB-based recovery procedure is available, where recovery software is copied to a FAT32-formatted USB stick and executed directly on the panel.

For a stable service process, the panel should be placed into transfer mode before backup or restore. In automated configurations, the device may switch into transfer mode automatically. For critical systems, it is advisable to keep recovery files and the latest approved project version available in advance.

Which operating and language features does the KTP700 Basic offer?

The panel combines touch operation with eight function keys, making it suitable for both fixed operator actions and flexible on-screen navigation or acknowledgements.

Siemens specifies support for up to 10 runtime languages and 32 project languages, which is particularly useful in internationally operated machines, as multiple operator languages can be integrated into a single project without requiring a higher-end HMI system.

When is repair more suitable than replacement or new purchase?

Repair is especially suitable when the existing project, installation footprint, and system approval must remain unchanged, and when the fault is clearly limited to the device itself. Exchange units are preferable when production must be restored in the shortest possible time.

Used units are often chosen for spare part stocking or cost-sensitive maintenance strategies, while new devices are used for standardised procurement without legacy constraints.

For this article, EICHLER offers all three options in parallel. Repair services typically include technical cleaning, preventive maintenance, full functional testing, and a minimum 24-month warranty.