Miniaturization isn‚’t just desirable in the
silicon chip and computing markets. Any automation engineer will
happily tell you that the most precious commodity in an industrial
environment is space. But there are limits to how small you can make a
piece of equipment and still have it perform adequately.
Siemens
Energy & Automation has introduced a new HMI touch screen that, at
6 inches, has an extremely low footprint on the plant floor.
With
built-in Profinet/Ethernet and Profibus/MPI communication ports, the
new Simatic MP 177B is capable of running control logic, WinAC MP,
and providing HMI screens for an automation system, doing away with the
need for a separate logic controller and thus helps companies lower
costs by reducing the need for additional hardware.
Designed on
the Windows CE operating system, the new device can run several
standard PC applications, including HTML and JAVA, within its
preinstalled Microsoft CE Internet Explorer application enabling remote monitoring and control
for quick troubleshooting or program changes. What‚’s more, the new
screen works without a hard disk and fan, making it especially suitable
for use in close proximity to shop floor machinery. It boasts an
integrated data retentivity system that stores critical process data
even if the power is cut off.
According to Siemens spokesperson
Alan Cone, the new screen is suitable for use across the breadth of
manufacturing industries but is specifically targeted at automation
OEMs, systems Integrators, and end users that require a small operator
interface panel that is capable of both logic control and HMI
visualization and can be installed in a confined space, such as
discrete machine control, small process control/skids, hybrid control
operator stations, etc. ‚“Its potential impact is inversely
proportional to its size,‚†says Alan Cone, Siemens spokesperson. ‚“By
delivering logic control, monitoring and networking in one small
operator interface product, the MP177 delivers big power in a small package.‚â€Â
::Design World::
Filed Under: Factory automation, Electronics • electrical, HMIs • operator interfaces • monitors, PLCs + PACs
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