Simatic S7 Siemens Operator HIM Panel DP LC Display Op17 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1

Siemens 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1 | SIMATIC OP 17/DP Operator Panel — LCD / LED Backlit / 4×20 or 8×40 / 24 Keys / PROFIBUS DP / 256KB 

Character Display with Full PROFIBUS DP Communication

The 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1 is Siemens' SIMATIC OP 17/DP operator panel — a keypad-operated monochrome LCD operator interface for SIMATIC S7 and M7 PLC systems. Before touchscreen colour HMIs became the standard, the OP 17 served as the practical, rugged operator panel for machine control, process monitoring, and parameter display in industrial environments where a compact, reliable text-based interface was the engineering-driven choice.

The LCD display operates in two selectable character modes. In 4×20 mode, the panel displays four lines of 20 characters at 11mm character height — large enough for clear reading at typical operator viewing distances. In 8×40 mode, the display shows eight lines of 40 characters at 6mm height, allowing more data to be presented simultaneously for dense process monitoring screens. The LED backlighting ensures readable display even in low-ambient-light environments.

Communication with the PLC uses the RS-422/RS-485 port at up to 1.5 Mbaud. The OP 17/DP supports PROFIBUS DP (as the name indicates), MPI (Multi-Point Interface for direct S7 

CPU connections), and PPI (Point-to-Point Interface for smaller S7 systems). This single communication port covers the three main SIMATIC controller interface types — the 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1 works with S7-300, S7-400, S7-200, and M7 systems using the appropriate interface configuration.

Two additional RS-232/TTY ports — one active, one passive — provide programming/configuration connections to a PC running ProTool or ProTool/Lite software, and a printer output for process data printouts.

Key Specifications

Panel Configuration — ProTool Software

The OP 17 is configured using Siemens' ProTool or ProTool/Lite programming software. The configuration defines the screen layouts, process values displayed, alarm text lists, and function key assignments. The compiled project is downloaded to the panel via the RS-232 connection to a PC. For a complete SIMATIC S7 system, the panel configuration can be integrated into the STEP 7 project environment through the ProTool/Lite add-in.

FAQ

Q1: What SIMATIC PLC systems is the 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1 compatible with?

The OP 17/DP supports SIMATIC S7-300, S7-400, S7-200 (via PPI), and M7 systems through its MPI/PPI/PROFIBUS DP interface. S7-300 and S7-400 systems connect via MPI or PROFIBUS DP at up to 1.5 Mbaud. S7-200 systems connect via PPI. The connection type and baud rate are configured in the ProTool panel project.

Q2: What is the difference between 4×20 and 8×40 display modes?

In 4×20 mode, the OP 17 shows 4 lines with 20 characters per line at 11mm character height — suited for displays with a few key values and alarm messages readable at arm's length. In 8×40 mode, 8 lines of 40 characters appear at 6mm height — more data on screen but smaller text. Mode selection is done in the ProTool project configuration; the operator cannot switch modes at runtime without a programmed function key action.

Q3: What software is needed to configure the 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1?

The OP 17 is configured using Siemens ProTool or ProTool/Lite software running on a Windows PC. The ProTool project defines all screen pages, tag references, alarm messages, and key assignments. The compiled project is downloaded to the panel via the RS-232 interface. ProTool is legacy software — it is not supported in TIA Portal. For new HMI projects, Siemens' current panels and WinCC are the recommended path.

Q4: How is the OP 17 panel mounted in a control cabinet?

The OP 17 uses panel-cut mounting — a rectangular cutout is made in the cabinet door or panel, and the OP 17 is inserted from the front and secured with mounting clips that clamp to the rear of the panel sheet. The panel front face provides IP 65 protection when correctly sealed in the cutout. The rear of the panel (inside the cabinet) is IP 20. Confirm the panel cutout dimensions from the OP 17 installation documentation before cutting.

Q5: Where is the 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1 sourced after discontinuation?

Through the established SIMATIC HMI operator panel aftermarket — legacy HMI dealers, SIMATIC system spare parts suppliers, and tested surplus distributors. The OP 17 saw wide deployment in SIMATIC S7-300 and S7-400 machine installations through the 1990s and 2000s, sustaining aftermarket availability. Confirm the 6AV3617-1JC20-0AX1 part number specifically — adjacent OP 17 variants differ in interface and display configuration.