SIEMENS SIMATIC HMI Touch Panel TP 170A, TP 170B Operator Panel OP 170B

The SIMATIC HMI TP 170A, TP 170B Touch Screen, and OP 170B Operation Panel User Manual (Order Number 6AV6591-1DC11-2AB0) is a full process guide for three low-level industrial human-machine interface devices. The core covers four modules: installation configuration, functional operation, system settings, and maintenance upgrades. It supports ProTool CS configuration software (V5.2 and above versions), adapts to multiple brands of PLCs such as SIMATIC S5/S7, has 320-768 kByte configuration memory, a 320 × 240 resolution display screen, supports ASCII/RTU transmission, password protection, formula management, trend view, and other core functions. The protection level reaches IP65 (front), and is suitable for machine monitoring and operation in industrial sites.

Comparison of core characteristics of equipment

Equipment model core parameter differentiation function

TP 170A (touch screen) with 320 kByte of memory, 4-color display (320 × 240 resolution), single RS232/RS422 interface basic functions: input/output, status button, bar graph, no recipe/trend function

TP 170B (touch screen) with 768 kByte of memory, 4/16 color display, dual communication interfaces and CF card expansion enhancement features: recipe management, trend view, print output, and multiple languages (5 types)

OP 170B (operation panel) configuration memory 768 kByte, 4-color display, integrated membrane keyboard (35 keys)+CF card expansion enhancement functions: soft key customization, batch message confirmation, keyboard shortcut operation

Key hardware specifications

Category specific parameter notes

Display feature resolution 320 × 240, effective display area 116 × 87 mm, CCFL backlight (lifespan 50000 hours) TP 170B/OP 170B supports 16 color display

Communication interface RS232 (9-pin), RS422/RS485 (MPI/PROFIBUS-DP) TP 170A only has a single interface, TP 170B/OP 170B supports dual interface redundancy

Storage expansion TP 170B/OP 170B supports CF card (Compact Flash) for recipe backup and configuration storage

Protection level: IP65 on the front and IP20 on the back, in compliance with NEMA 4 standard (with protective cover)

The power requirement is 24 V DC (18.0-30.0 V DC), with a typical power consumption of 0.24-0.29 A and reverse polarity protection

Environmental adaptation working temperature 0-60 ℃, humidity 5% -95% (no condensation), anti vibration/electrostatic interference in accordance with EN 61000 electromagnetic compatibility standard

​Core operating procedures

1. Installation and connection

Mechanical installation

Panel opening size: TP 170A/TP 170B is 198 × 142 mm, OP 170B is 229 × 241 mm

Installation requirements: Panel thickness ≤ 6mm, reserved heat dissipation space (up and down 50mm, left and right 15-70mm)

Fixing method: TP 170A/TP 170B is fastened with side screws, OP 170B supports replacement of function key label strips

Electrical connection:

Power connection: 2-core terminal (+24 V DC/GND), wire cross-section ≤ 2.5 mm ²

PLC connection: Supports RS232 (point-to-point), MPI/PROFIBUS-DP (bus), requires shielded cable

Peripheral Connection: TP 170B/OP 170B can be connected to a serial printer (RS232 9600-57600 bps)

2. Configuration and Debugging

Project configuration:

Software requirements: ProTool CS (V5.2+SP2 and above, TP 170B/OP 170B requires V6.0+)

Configuration process: Create project → Design screen object → Set communication parameters → Download to device

Support functions: multilingual (up to 5 types), password protection (levels 0-9), message alarm (up to 2000 messages)

Download and Upload:

Download methods: manual trigger (startup phase), automatic trigger (runtime phase), supports RS232/SPI interface

Upload restriction: Only TP 170B/OP 170B supports project upload, “Upload option” needs to be enabled

Test modes: offline testing (without PLC connection), online testing (PLC communication verification)

3. Core Function Operations

Key points for operating functional modules and equipment support status

Formula Management (TP 170B/OP 170B) supports 200 formulas/200 data records, can import/export CSV files. TP 170A does not support this

Trend View (TP 170B/OP 170B) can display up to 50 trend curves simultaneously, supporting reading lines and limit value markers. TP 170A does not support this feature

Message alarm supports event messages/alarm messages, 16 confirmation groups, and message buffer storage. All three devices support this feature

Password protection for up to 50 passwords, 0-9 level permissions, automatic logout upon timeout supported by all three devices

Print output (TP 170B/OP 170B) supports screen hard copy and message log printing, but is compatible with EPSON/HP printers. TP 170A does not support it

4. System setup and maintenance

System parameter settings:

Display settings: contrast adjustment, screen calibration (TP series), screen saver (5-minute – permanently turned off)

Language settings: Supports German/English/French/Italian/Spanish, etc., with up to 5 language switches available

Date and Time: Supports synchronization with PLC (S7_CATE-AND_TIME format)

Maintenance and Upgrade:

Daily maintenance: screen cleaning (wet cloth+neutral cleaner), scratch protection (optional protective film)

Backup and recovery: ProSave tool supports Flash memory/CF card backup and batch recovery of configurations

System upgrade: Use PTUpdate tool to update the operating system through RS232 interface (resolve compatibility conflicts)

Fault handling and technical specifications

1. Common faults and solutions

Core causes of fault phenomena and solutions

Project download failed due to communication parameter mismatch and compatibility conflict. Check baud rate/interface settings and upgrade operating system (Chapter 13)

Touch screen unresponsive, uncalibrated, electrostatic interference, screen calibration (Windows CE control panel), grounding treatment

PLC communication interruption cable fault, interface configuration error check shielded cable connection, reconfigure MPI/PROFIBUS-DP parameters

The formula cannot be saved when the storage medium is full. Write protection is required to clear the CF card space and turn off the write protection switch

System message error: Illegal parameters and insufficient memory. Refer to Appendix C System Message Table (error codes 10000-320014) for troubleshooting

2. Key technical specifications

Configuration restrictions:

Number of tags: TP 170A up to 500, TP 170B/OP 170B up to 1000

Number of messages: Up to 2000 event and alarm messages, message buffering supports 64 events

Formula capacity: Up to 200 data records per formula, with a maximum of 60 entries per record

Communication parameters:

Transmission rate: 19200-57600 bps (printer), 1.5-12 MBaud (MPI/PROFIBUS-DP)

Data format: 8-bit data bit, 1-bit stop bit, no checksum (default)

Safety regulations:

Only qualified personnel are allowed to operate, and the power supply must comply with SELV safety ultra-low voltage standards

When used in hazardous areas, turn off the power and then plug and unplug the connector