SIEMENS 6AV3688-3ED13-0AX0

What is 6AV3688-3ED13-0AX0 and where is it used?

The SIEMENS 6AV3688-3ED13-0AX0 is a SIMATIC HMI Push Button Panel PP17-II designed for industrial operator control tasks without graphical visualisation. The device combines 32 short-stroke pushbuttons, 32 directly assigned LEDs, as well as 16 digital inputs and 16 digital outputs in a compact front panel. This makes the PP17-II particularly suitable for machines and systems where robust, clearly defined operating and signalling functions are required. Thanks to its support for MPI and PROFIBUS-DP communication, it is primarily used in existing installations, retrofit projects and traditional SIMATIC environments where the existing operating concept is to be retained with minimal modification.

Overview of the key technical data and what it means

Technically, the PP17-II is designed for control cabinet and front-panel installation in industrial environments. Key specifications include an 18 to 30 V DC supply voltage, IP65 protection at the front, IP20 protection at the rear, an operating temperature range of 0 to 55 °C, front dimensions of 240 x 204 mm, a panel cut-out of 226 x 190 mm and an installation depth of 53 mm. The 32 LEDs support three colour modes, and integrated lamp and key testing functions are also provided. For maintenance personnel, this means robust machine-level operation, clear status feedback via LEDs rather than display diagnostics and straightforward integration into existing I/O and bus structures. For purchasing and engineering departments, supply voltage, installation dimensions and communication interfaces are particularly important to ensure that a replacement unit can be integrated mechanically and electrically without additional complications.

Product status, life-cycle status and obsolescence

The life-cycle status of this panel is a key consideration for procurement. Based on the evaluated data, product status EOP (End of Production) with an effective date of 01 July 2017 is assigned to 6AV3688-3ED13-0AX0. This indicates that the device is no longer part of the active product portfolio and is generally sourced through service providers, exchange programmes or existing stock. No clearly verified manufacturer-designated successor could be identified in the reviewed Siemens and product documentation. Therefore, any replacement should always be evaluated against the actual machine environment: communication interface, panel cut-out, I/O structure, LED control functions and PLC concept must remain compatible. Especially on older production lines, repair services, exchange units and strategic spare-parts stocking are often the safest ways to reduce downtime risks associated with obsolescence.

Available EICHLER services and when they are relevant

For operators of older machines, not only the part number but also the right support strategy is important. EICHLER offers repair, exchange, used equipment and new units on request for this assembly. Repair services include technical cleaning, preventive maintenance, comprehensive functional testing and a minimum 24-month warranty. This is particularly relevant when the original unit must fit mechanically without modification or when machine redesign is to be avoided. An exchange unit is advantageous when rapid machine restart is the priority. Tested used equipment is a practical option when an obsolete component must be sourced economically. These options help ensure the continued operation of existing systems, even when standard manufacturer availability is no longer the primary source of supply.

Is 6AV3688-3ED13-0AX0 still available or only available through service?

The researched status clearly indicates an obsolete or discontinued product, as the product page lists EOP (End of Production) as of 01 July 2017. At the same time, EICHLER continues to offer repair, exchange, used equipment and new units on request. In practice, this means that supply is often no longer based on standard manufacturer deliveries but rather on service and stock-based solutions, which are significantly more relevant for operators of existing installations.

Which controllers can the PP17-II be used with?

According to Siemens, the PP17-II can be operated via MPI with SIMATIC S7-200, S7-300 and S7-400 controllers. Via PROFIBUS-DP, it is intended for use with SIMATIC S5 and SIMATIC S7 systems. Siemens also describes operation as a standard DP slave on a DP master from other manufacturers, although configuration-related limitations may apply. For procurement purposes, it is therefore important to consider not only the part number but also the existing bus architecture of the machine.

What panel cut-out and power supply does the PP17-II require?

For mechanical installation, the device requires a panel cut-out of 226 x 190 mm. Electrically, the panel operates on a nominal 24 V DC supply within a permissible range of 18 to 30 V DC. These two factors are often the first considerations during retrofit projects, replacements and spare-parts approvals: whether the device fits into the existing enclosure without sheet-metal modifications and whether the available power supply matches the requirements without additional effort.

Can I continue operating an existing PP17-II without rebuilding the entire operator interface?

In many cases, yes, provided that the same part number or a genuinely compatible replacement is used and the existing machine logic remains unchanged. This is one of the reasons why repair and exchange services for Push Button Panels remain economically attractive in existing installations. Siemens also states that the communication parameters are stored in the memory module and can be transferred when replacing the electronics or the complete device. This significantly reduces the effort involved as long as the mechanical installation, bus connection and control concept remain unchanged.

Is there an official successor for 6AV3688-3ED13-0AX0?

No clearly verified manufacturer-designated successor for this exact order number was identified in the reviewed Siemens and product documentation. Therefore, any proposed replacement should not be evaluated solely based on product family or appearance. The decisive factors are communication interface, installation dimensions, I/O assignment, LED function logic and whether the existing machine operating concept can be retained without modification.

Can I create the labelling strips for the PP17-II myself?

Yes. Siemens states that the labelling strips can be produced using standard transparent film or plain paper up to 0.25 mm thick. The strips are inserted from the rear into the designated slots. This is particularly useful when button functions need to be relabelled quickly during a retrofit, machine modification or replacement device installation without making mechanical changes to the front panel.