
Siemens 6AV3971-1XD03-0AA0 SIMATIC OP3
€ 165,00
The Siemens 6AV3971-1XD03-0AA0 is an operator panel belonging to the SIMATIC OP3 series, manufactured by Siemens as part of the SIMATIC HMI product line. It is a compact, text-based operator panel designed for machine-level human-machine interface applications, providing operators with a straightforward means of monitoring and controlling automated processes. The OP3 is intended for use with Siemens SIMATIC S7 and S5 programmable logic controllers via serial communication.
The SIMATIC OP3 features a two-line LCD text display capable of showing alphanumeric characters, along with a membrane keypad for operator input. It communicates via the MPI (Multi-Point Interface) or PPI (Point-to-Point Interface) protocol, enabling direct connection to S7-200 and S7-300 PLCs without additional hardware. The unit operates on a 24 V DC supply and is designed for panel mounting with an IP65 protection rating on the front face, making it suitable for industrial environments. Configuration is performed using Siemens ProTool or WinCC flexible software.
The OP3 is widely used in manufacturing, machine building, and process automation applications where a cost-effective, compact HMI solution is required. It is commonly found on small to medium-sized machines such as packaging equipment, conveyor systems, and general-purpose industrial machinery. Its compact form factor and simple interface make it appropriate for applications where basic process visualization and parameter entry are the primary requirements.
Technical Specifications
| Display Type | LCD, 2-line text |
|---|---|
| Display Characters | 2 lines x 20 characters |
| Input Voltage | 24 V DC |
| Voltage Tolerance | 20.4 V DC – 28.8 V DC |
| Power Consumption | Max. 3 W |
| Communication Interface | MPI, PPI (RS-485) |
| PLC Compatibility | SIMATIC S7-200, S7-300, S5 |
| Configuration Software | ProTool, WinCC flexible |
| Front Protection Rating | IP65 |
| Rear Protection Rating | IP20 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +50 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 10% to 90%, non-condensing |
| Mounting | Panel mounting |
| Certifications | CE, UL |
Common Error Codes & System Events
- Event ID: 10000
- No connection to PLC – the OP3 cannot establish communication with the configured PLC.
Check MPI/PPI cable connections and termination resistors. Verify PLC address settings match the OP3 configuration. Ensure the PLC is powered and in RUN mode. - Event ID: 10001
- Communication timeout – the connection to the PLC was interrupted during operation.
Inspect the communication cable for damage or loose connectors. Check for electromagnetic interference sources near the cable. Verify MPI/PPI bus termination at both ends. - Event ID: 20000
- Configuration transfer error – an error occurred while downloading the project to the OP3.
Verify the ProTool or WinCC flexible project is compatible with the OP3 firmware version. Retry the transfer and check the PC-to-OP3 cable integrity. - Event ID: 20001
- Incompatible project version – the downloaded project was created with an incompatible software version.
Recompile the project using a compatible version of ProTool or WinCC flexible and re-download to the device. - Event ID: 40000
- Operating voltage out of range – the supply voltage is outside the permissible 20.4–28.8 V DC range.
Measure the supply voltage at the OP3 power connector. Adjust or replace the power supply unit to provide a stable 24 V DC output within tolerance. - Event ID: 40001
- Internal hardware fault – a self-diagnostic check detected an internal hardware error.
Perform a power cycle. If the fault persists, the unit may require repair or replacement. Contact Siemens technical support or a qualified repair facility. - System Error: FLASH
- Flash memory error – the internal flash memory used for project storage has encountered a read/write error.
Attempt to re-download the project. If the error persists, the internal flash memory may be corrupted or failed, requiring unit repair or replacement. - System Error: RAM
- RAM error – a fault has been detected in the device's working memory during startup self-test.
Power cycle the device. If the error recurs, the unit requires hardware-level repair or replacement of the memory component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which PLCs are compatible with the SIMATIC OP3?
The OP3 is compatible with Siemens SIMATIC S7-200 via PPI and S7-300 via MPI. It also supports certain SIMATIC S5 controllers via appropriate adapters.
What software is used to configure the OP3?
The OP3 is configured using Siemens ProTool or WinCC flexible software running on a Windows PC. The project is then downloaded to the panel via the MPI/PPI interface.
What is the supply voltage for the 6AV3971-1XD03-0AA0?
The unit requires a 24 V DC supply with a permissible range of 20.4 V DC to 28.8 V DC.
What is the front panel protection rating of the OP3?
The front face of the OP3 carries an IP65 protection rating, making it resistant to dust ingress and low-pressure water jets when correctly panel-mounted.
Can the OP3 display graphics or only text?
The OP3 is a text-only operator panel capable of displaying alphanumeric characters across two lines of 20 characters each. It does not support graphical display content.
Troubleshooting
Display remains blank after power on
Measure the supply voltage at the power connector to confirm it is within the 20.4–28.8 V DC range. Check the internal fuse if accessible.
Restore the supply voltage to within specification. If voltage is correct and display remains blank, the internal power supply or display unit may have failed and the panel should be sent for repair.
OP3 shows 'No connection to PLC' message
Verify the MPI or PPI cable is correctly connected at both the OP3 and PLC ends. Check that bus termination resistors are active at both ends of the network segment.
Replace or reseat the communication cable. Confirm the PLC node address in the OP3 project matches the actual PLC configuration. Ensure the PLC is powered and in RUN or STOP mode with communications active.
Project download fails from PC to OP3
Check the PC-to-OP3 communication cable and the COM port or USB-to-serial adapter settings. Verify the baud rate and interface settings in ProTool or WinCC flexible match the OP3.
Use a known-good Siemens PC/PPI or MPI cable. Confirm the correct COM port is selected in the configuration software and retry the download. Update the OP3 firmware if a version mismatch is suspected.
Keypad buttons not responding
Inspect the membrane keypad for physical damage, contamination, or deformation. Test each key systematically using a diagnostic screen if available in the project.
Clean the keypad surface with a dry cloth. If individual keys are unresponsive due to membrane damage, the keypad membrane or the entire front panel assembly requires replacement.
Display shows garbled or incorrect characters
Check the project configuration for correct font and character set settings. Verify the communication link to the PLC is stable and data tags are mapped correctly.
Re-download the project to the OP3 to refresh the configuration. If the issue persists without a PLC connection, the LCD or display driver may be faulty and the unit should be inspected for hardware damage.
| Condition | Repair, Used, Refurbished, New in box (sealed) |
|---|
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