SIEMENS 6AV6642-0DC01-1AX1

What is the 6AV6642-0DC01-1AX1 (OP 177B 6" DP)?

The 6AV6642-0DC01-1AX1 is a SIEMENS SIMATIC OP 177B 6" DP in Blue Mode – an operator panel with both touch and key operation for use in existing industrial installations. It is designed to provide reliable operator and alarm dialogues where a retrofit is not immediately feasible or economically justified. In practice, it is often used as a 1:1 replacement, as the original operating concept (touch and key logic) and the traditional PROFIBUS DP integration can be retained. The panel is designed for configuration with WinCC flexible 2005.

Technical highlights at a glance

The device features a 5.7" STN display (Blue Mode, 4 blue-scale shades) with a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. The backlight is specified with an MTBF of approximately 50,000 hours at 25 °C. Operator input is provided via both touchscreen and keys, with the touchscreen using analogue resistive technology. The panel operates from 24 V DC and has a nominal current consumption of 0.24 A. For data and runtime functions, 2,048 KB of usable memory (Flash/RAM) is available.

Display: 5.7" STN Blue Mode (320 × 240) and backlight

The OP 177B uses an STN display with 4 blue-scale shades (Blue Mode) and a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. This is particularly relevant in existing installations because screen layouts, font sizes and operating sequences are often designed specifically around this pixel structure. A common ageing issue is the backlight: Siemens specifies approximately 50,000 hours MTBF at 25 °C. If the display becomes dim or contrast gradually deteriorates, backlight wear is often the first suspected cause.

Operation: touch and key concept with 32 function keys

A key distinguishing feature is the combination of touchscreen and keypad operation. The panel includes a membrane keypad with 32 programmable function keys, 26 of which are equipped with LEDs. Additional system keys are also available, and the device supports numeric, alphabetic and hexadecimal input. This is particularly important for applications where operating procedures depend on dedicated keys for functions such as Start, Stop and Acknowledge, while touch functionality is used for navigation. When selecting a replacement, the key and LED arrangement is therefore just as important as the display itself.

Communication: MPI/PROFIBUS DP via RS485/RS422

PLC communication is provided through MPI/PROFIBUS DP. Siemens specifies 1 × RS485 (up to 12 Mbit/s) and 1 × RS422, with RS232 available as an option. This makes the panel suitable for traditional SIMATIC PROFIBUS topologies where addresses, baud rates and termination settings must be configured correctly. In practice, this is often the most important compatibility check: if the machine is PROFIBUS-based, replacement is usually straightforward mechanically and electrically, with most challenges arising from bus parameter configuration.

Interfaces and media: USB, printer interface and MMC/SD support

For service and peripheral connectivity, the panel provides 1 × USB and a printer interface. An MM Card slot is also specified. Siemens further notes that a combined Multimedia Card/SD slot may be available depending on the hardware version and the use of WinCC flexible 2008 SP1. A key practical consideration is that the panel does not include Industrial Ethernet, so transfer and diagnostic functions are normally carried out using the available serial or USB interfaces.

Engineering: WinCC flexible 2005 (continued use of existing projects)

For maintenance teams, engineering compatibility is often the critical factor. According to the product and technical documentation, this model is designed for use with WinCC flexible 2005. This can be a decisive purchasing criterion when existing projects are only available in that software environment or when validation and approval processes are tied to the original engineering platform. In practice, it is advisable to verify that the project archive is available, the transfer method is defined and the target hardware (OP 177B 6" DP Blue Mode) matches exactly before planning a replacement.

Lifecycle: securing existing installations rather than immediate retrofit

Many OP 177B variants carry lifecycle notices, including “blocked for delivery” status for new devices from 2015 onwards. As a result, spare-part availability, repair capability and reliable transfer procedures become more important than feature upgrades. For operators of existing installations, maintaining a dependable spare-parts and service strategy is often more valuable than migrating immediately to a newer HMI platform.

Identification and ordering: MPN, EICHLER number, EAN and UPC

For purchasing and accurate identification, the key references are MPN 6AV6642-0DC01-1AX1, EICHLER article number K0219217, EAN 4025515076483 and UPC 662643396874. As there are numerous closely related OP/TP 177 variants (DP/PN, touch/key, Blue Mode, etc.), ordering should always be based on the complete MPN together with the EAN/UPC to minimise ordering errors and accelerate recommissioning.

What is the 6AV6642-0DC01-1AX1 particularly suitable for?

For existing installations that require an OP 177B 6" DP Blue Mode as a 1:1 replacement with touch and key operation.

Which display specifications are important for replacement purposes?

5.7" STN display, 4 blue-scale shades, 320 × 240 resolution and a backlight MTBF of approximately 50,000 hours.

Which bus systems and interfaces are supported?

MPI/PROFIBUS DP (RS485/RS422), optional RS232, plus USB and a printer interface; no Industrial Ethernet.

Which engineering software is required?

The panel is designed for configuration with WinCC flexible 2005.

How quickly are repair or replacement services available?

At EICHLER, repair, replacement, used and new units are each available within 1–3 days; an optional chargeable test report, including warranty extension to 36 months, is also available.