Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2024 - 30

ble graphical HMIs, developers and end users alike benefitted
from the expanded potential.
Although PLCs and HMIs fulfill important and independent
automation roles, they must interact closely to deliver
a complete solution. Recognizing this close relationship,
some manufacturers brought combined PLC+HMI devices
to market, targeting applications with smaller input/output
(I/O) counts and physical space constraints. However, many
examples were based primarily on a PLC or an HMI, a compromise
limiting designers with respect to some of the control,
visualization, and performance features available with
separate components.
Today, new PLC+HMI solutions are available to address
these and other issues. As the size of monitored and automated
manufacturing, test, and other equipment continues
to shrink, designers are turning to updated PLC+HMI devices
to develop comprehensive systems.
An all-in-on PLC+HMI device, especially when consolidated
into a single door-mount unit, provides the best
way to minimize space requirements and installation effort
(Figure 1).
PLCs demand rapid real-time I/O scanning and logic
solving, while HMIs need processing optimized for graphical
displays. Older PLC+HMI designs sometimes attempted
to use a single central processing unit (CPU) to perform
these unique tasks, but modern versions provide a
far better experience by using two CPUs, each optimized for
its role, with both designed to natively communicate with
each other.
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Figure 2: Smartphone-like PCAP touchscreen technology, hardened for industrial
use, provides the IDEC FT2J PLC+HMI with user-friendly operation and
environmental resistance. (Image: IDEC Corporation)
The PLC portion can include a full instruction set, PID analog
loop control, and a variety of on-board I/O, including the
most common signal types, along with high-speed inputs and
RTD temperature inputs. Expansion I/O modules support
larger applications and I/O combinations.
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HMI displays and older membrane and infrared touchscreens
have historically been a potential weak point, exposed
to environmental and user conditions that could cause improper
operation, or even damage. Modern HMIs have now overcome
this challenge by using projected capacitive touch panel
(PCAP) technology, similar to the touchscreens on smartphones
and tablets (Figure 2).
PCAP offers a glass surface resistant to false signals from
dirt and water droplets. Users can use the display while wearing
thin gloves, and the technology provides clear and bright
images that maximize the display area while minimizing the
device thickness, so space-saving shallow mounting depths
are possible.
Users should confirm that any PLC+HMI solution uses a convenient
single programming/configuration development environment,
simplified with a drag-and-drop interface, built-in libraries,
and no-cost product updates. Connectivity via Ethernet,
RS232C/422/485 serial, and USB-A (supporting speakers, WiFi,
and Bluetooth) - along with support for popular industrial
and IT communication protocols - ensures maximum usability.
Trend charts, data logs, alarm logs, and other advanced objects
are other key features to look for in the HMI.
Careful designers are right to question if a PLC+HMI represents
a compromise. However, the most modern architectures
and devices provide top performance in a space-optimized
form factor, making them ideal for automating test
equipment, OEM machines, and many other control and visualization
applications.
This article was written by Linda Htay, Automation Product
Marketing Manager, IDEC Corporation (Sunnyvale, CA). For
more information, visit us.idec.com.
30
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Tech Briefs, June 2024
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Tech Briefs Magazine - June 2024

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