Product Overview

The SIEMENS 6AV3503-1DB10, also known as the SIMATIC OP3, is a classic text-based operator panel from Siemens designed for simple yet effective human-machine interaction in industrial automation environments . Part of the legacy SIMATIC OP (Operator Panel) product family, the 6AV3503-1DB10 is engineered to provide clear process monitoring and operator control functions for small to medium-sized automation tasks, primarily within the SIMATIC S7 and S5 controller ecosystems . It served as a fundamental interface for displaying process variables, alarms, and allowing setpoint inputs in a wide range of applications before the widespread adoption of full-graphical HMIs.

The SIEMENS 6AV3503-1DB10 features a robust and compact design that is ideal for mounting directly onto machine enclosures or within control cabinets where space is at a premium . Its design philosophy focuses on reliability and ease of use: a backlit liquid crystal display shows textual information, while a sealed membrane keypad with tactile feedback ensures operation is possible even in challenging industrial conditions. Connectivity is a core strength of the 6AV3503-1DB10, as it offers both RS232 and RS485 interfaces supporting the widely used MPI (Multi-Point Interface) and PPI (Point-to-Point Interface) protocols, allowing it to communicate with SIMATIC S7-200, S7-300, and S7-400 PLCs with ease . Although the SIEMENS 6AV3503-1DB10 has been discontinued and is considered an End-of-Life (EOL) product, it remains a vital spare part for maintaining the operational continuity of countless industrial systems worldwide that were built around this dependable operator interface.

 

Technical Specifications

Parameter Name	Value
Product Model	6AV3503-1DB10
Manufacturer	SIEMENS
Product Type	SIMATIC OP3 Operator Interface Panel
Display Type	LCD, Backlit (4 rows × 20 characters)
Backlight Technology	CCFL/EL
Display Resolution	20 characters per line, 4 lines
User Memory	128 kByte
Supply Voltage	24 V DC
Current Consumption	0.07 A
Processor Type	X86
Interfaces	1 × RS232, 1 × RS485 (max. 1.5 Mbit/s)
Communication Protocols	MPI, PPI
Function Keys	8 function keys (plus numeric keypad)
System Keys	18 total, including 5 soft keys
Online Languages	3 languages simultaneously
Protection Class (Front)	IP65
Protection Class (Rear)	IP20
Front Panel Dimensions (W × H)	148 × 76 mm
Cutout Dimensions (W × H × D)	138 × 68 × 25 mm
Weight	Approx. 0.25 kg
Configuration Software	SIMATIC ProTool/Lite V2.51 or higher
Product Status	Discontinued (as of 01.10.2018)

 

Main Features and Advantages

Clear Text Display and Intuitive Operator Interface: The SIEMENS 6AV3503-1DB10 features a backlit LCD that displays 4 lines of 20 alphanumeric characters each, providing a clear, concise view of process data, alarm messages, and operator prompts . This text-based approach, while basic by modern standards, offers a highly reliable and straightforward method for machine status monitoring and control. The 6AV3503-1DB10 can display a wide range of information, including up to 499 event messages (40 characters maximum length) and supports numerical and symbolic actual-value displays, setpoint inputs with limit value checking, and configurable password protection across 10 levels .

Robust and Glove-Friendly Operation: Designed for harsh industrial settings, the SIEMENS 6AV3503-1DB10 is built with a durable plastic housing and a sealed membrane keypad that provides tactile feedback . The IP65 rating on the front ensures protection against dust and low-pressure water jets, making the 6AV3503-1DB10 suitable for environments where spills or washdowns are a concern . The 18 system keys, including 5 freely configurable soft keys and a numeric keypad, allow operators to navigate menus, input data, and trigger commands quickly, even while wearing protective gloves .

Seamless Integration with SIMATIC Controllers: A key strength of the SIEMENS 6AV3503-1DB10 is its native communication capability with the SIMATIC S7 and S5 families. It connects directly via the MPI or PPI protocols over its RS485 interface, allowing it to be integrated into a network with up to 3 OP3 panels connecting to a single S7-300 PLC or 1 connecting to an S7-200 . The 6AV3503-1DB10 also supports the RS232 interface for flexible connectivity . This seamless integration simplifies configuration using the ProTool/Lite software and ensures reliable data exchange for control and monitoring .