Types of Schneider touch screen HMIs
The Schneider touch screen HMI is a human-machine interface with a touch screen used in industrial settings to monitor and control machines and processes. The touch screen allows operators to control the machines by tapping on the screens instead of using a physical interface. This improves efficiency and ease of use.
Schneider offers a wide family of HMIs, Altivar, and Modicon types of HMIs:
- Altivar: The Altivar ATV320/ ATV340 series come with integrated HMI. They offer different HMI modes: Basic mode with Start/Stop and speed potentiometer in addition to a graphic display, advanced mode with touch screen and customizable menu, and a parallel control mode with digital inputs.
- Modicon: Modicon PLCs have integrated graphical displays with different technical specifications. The Compact Modicon M241, M251, and M9G have basic embedded graphic display functionality. The Modicon M268 comes with an embedded color display, 128 M memory for applications, and embedded web server functionality. The Modicon TM271 and TM274 touch screen PLCs have 5.7'' to 10.4'' TFT color screens with USB and Ethernet ports for data exchange.
- Harmony: The Harmony series of HMIs come in three main series: XBTGT, XBTG5, and XBTGC. The XBTGT series has touch screen panels, and the screens are available in various colors, including monochrome, 256 colors, and 16M colors. The panel sizes range from 3.5 inches to 15 inches. Most models have a USB and Ethernet port for connectivity and data transfer. The XBTG5 series has TFT touchscreens that are sunlight-readable for outdoor use. The panels range from 4 inches to 15 inches. The XBTGC series has budget-friendly graphic touch screens for simple applications. The series supports over 10 languages. The screen sizes range from 4.3 inches to 10.1 inches.
Functions and Features
The features of the Schneider Electric HMI screen are crucial to its optimized performance in industrial and commercial settings. Key features of the screen include the following:
- Connectivity: HMIs must communicate with various devices in an automated system, including PLCs, PACs, controllers, and field devices. The connectivity options on Schneider HMI include Ethernet for communication with other devices and serial ports for direct communication with older equipment. The touch screen can also be connected to RFIDs and barcode scanners for data input and mobile devices for remote monitoring and control.
- Visualization: The main role of the designer HMI is to visualize data from the control system as human-readable information. This is achieved by creating screens that display dynamic data such as pressure, temperature, levels, and process variables. Furthermore, alarms and trends can be visualized, allowing operators to respond quickly to any issues. Data logging is also important, so historical data can be stored for analysis.
- Touchscreen: All HMIs rely heavily on the touchscreen as the primary input interface. The touch screen allows operators to navigate menus, zoom in on important data, and access control buttons. Designing screens with large buttons and easy navigation improves overall user experience.
- Alarm Management: Alarm management is crucial for any HMI system to increase safety and optimize responsive action to critical situations. The HMI displays hundreds of alarms, which are important for the operator to take corrective action. Modern Schneider HMIs have alarm filtering and prioritization features to differentiate between critical and non-urgent alarms.
- Data Logging & Historical Trends: HMI provides real time data about the control system. However, data logging and trend analysis are important for making business decisions. HMIs record data such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates for historical analysis. This data can be used for audits, troubleshooting, and optimizing system performance.
- Programming and Configuration: Functionality can only be added to a human-machine interface after it has been programmed. Therefore, the engineering software tools used to program the HMI have a significant impact on productivity. The system's design, screen creation, and connectivity configuration should be simple and user-friendly to reduce programming time. Additionally, tools for debugging, testing, and emulator programming are required for the efficient configuration of the HMI.
Applications of Schneider touch screen HMIs
Applications for Schneider electric HMIs include monitoring, alarm management, batch management (including operations and product), and machine control. Other applications include mobile or remote access to data, SCADA, machine or part design, and integrated and enhanced operations (which include digital transformation).
Applications for the Harmony series include the following:
- Machine Builder: Schneider's HMIs provide a flexible solution for machine manufacturers to enhance machine operations and functionalities. The different solutions, including Harmony, enable machine manufacturers to optimize their machines' efficiency and productivity.
- Industrial Sector: The Harmony series is applicable in the industrial sector to streamline operations and improve productivity and efficiency. The industrial sector includes different industries, such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and mining.
- Process Industry: Schneider HMIs are essential in the process industry to monitor critical parameters and control essential processes and functions. The process industry includes sectors like pharmaceuticals, chemical, and food processing.
- OEM Partner: HMI Touchscreen Devices are important in the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) market to integrate into machines and provide a user-friendly device for accessing vital data. The HMIs can be customized, thus making them suitable for different machine types.
- Energy and Utilities: Energy and utility companies use Harman series HMIs to monitor and control operations in energy generation, utilities, and other related fields. The HMIs provide a solution for users to access and control operations in energy generation and utility management.
- Marine: The Harmony series HMIs enable monitoring and controlling operations in shipping and other related industries through their application. The products in the Harmony series are suitable for use in the marine industry due to their resistance to high temperatures and humidity. This makes the HMIs ideal for use in marine environments characterized by high temperatures and humidity.
- (Manufacturing Sector: HMIs are crucial in the manufacturing sector as they facilitate machine integration, which results in a significant increase in productivity and efficiency. The manufacturing sector includes several industries, such as automobile production, electronics manufacturing, and textile production.)
How to choose schneider touch screen HMI
When buying a Schneider touch screen HMI for sale, the kind that will be purchased will have an influence on what the application requirements are. The application requirements will assist in determining the criteria that will be used in choosing the appropriate HMI. In this manner, the features of the device can be matched to the needs.
The environment in which the HMI will be utilized or installed should be taken into consideration. Will it be installed in a control room or in the field? Settings in the control room are gentle, and HMIs won't need to fight against dust, sunlight, or moisture. However, HMIs used in the field must have robust characteristics to withstand challenging environment conditions. Because of this, the HMI's design should match the surrounding environment.
When choosing the ideal screen size and resolution, the application requirements will once again be important. While selecting an HMI, its readability and quick screen touch should be considered. Specific screen sizes will have specific qualities, and they will be able to meet particular application needs. This will include performance specifications, including CPU speed, memory, and storage capacity; applications that are more complex will require more resources.
The primary Schneider HMI series offers different types of HMIs. Series selection can also influence the decision on features and specifications. The design of various series varies along with its capabilities. Larger and more advanced series can be suitable for more complex applications. Customers can also compare supplier prices and after-sales service for different series before making a bulk purchase.
Schneider touch screen hmi FAQ
Q1: What is the purpose of the HMI in industrial automation systems?
A1: The purpose of HMI in industrial automation systems is to provide operators with a user-friendly interface to monitor and control machines and processes. It allows easy data interpretation, system control, and decision-making, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
Q2: What is the difference between a PLC and an HMI?
A2: The difference between a PLC and an HMI is in their function. A PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a robust industrial computer used to automate tasks by receiving inputs from sensors and controlling outputs to machines. In contrast, an HMI (Human-Machine Interface) is a touch screen device that allows operators to interact with the PLC or controller, displaying data in a graphical format.
Q3: What are the benefits of using HMIs?
A3: Benefits of using HMIs include enhanced usability, which simplifies the operation of complex machinery; improved productivity, as HMIs enable quick response to changes in system status; effective data visualization, which aids in better understanding of system performance; and increased safety, as HMIs incorporate alarms and guide operators through safe procedures.
