Compact HMIs display more information

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 1, 2004

The PanelView Plus 400 and 600 comprise a range of compact human machine interfaces (HMIs) offering performance normally offered only by larger, more costly operator terminals.

The PanelView Plus 400 and 600 comprise a range of compact human machine interfaces (HMIs) offering performance normally offered only by larger, more costly operator terminals.

OEMs and end users are forever striving to pack maximum functionality into the smallest amount of space, and now they can easily and cost-effectively achieve this balance with two new compact operator interfaces from Rockwell Automation.

The Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus 400 and PanelView Plus 600 terminals offer all of the standard preconfigured elements available with larger PanelView Plus models, but in a smaller size.

In addition to their space-saving and cost-effective features, the terminals provide advanced functionality including animation, trending, data logging and logic expressions - all helping to improve operator efficiency, optimise processes and diagnose problems almost anywhere on the plant floor.

"Many small graphic terminal users sacrifice functionality for size", says Paul Herron, Product Marketing Manager, Rockwell Automation.

"With these new PanelView Plus terminals, choosing a smaller operator interface doesn't have to mean fewer features".

"While keeping costs low, we're able to offer the full functionality users have come to expect from models with larger screen sizes".

A unique feature of the PanelView Plus 400 and 600 ranges is the quick-fit mounting system.

Requiring just a single panel cutout and no tools, the new units can be installed in minutes using the integral twist-lock securing mechanism.

A removable terminal block also makes it easy to change or upgrade parts.

The 4in PanelView Plus 400 has an FSTN high contrast LCD screen to display high quality grey-scale graphics at 320 x 240 QVGA resolution.

The 6in PanelView Plus 600 offers a choice of grayscale FSTN or brilliant colour TFT screens, both offering 320 x 240 QVGA resolution.

The superior presentation of process and diagnostic information and graphical control made possible by these high resolution screens has until now only been available on HMIs with 7in displays or larger.

To further improve the efficiency of machine operators using the new HMIs, a choice of operator inputs is available.

Both PanelView Plus 400 and 600 are available with integral keypads offering numeric entry, screen navigation and function keys, while the PanelVew Plus 600 also offers the options of touch screen control or a combination of touch screen with keypad.

Both models include a USB port to enable connection of peripheral equipment such as a keyboard, mouse or printer and a CompactFlash card slot for data storage and file transfer.

With animated graphics, trending and data logging, this advanced yet easy to use HMI software provides all the information and control needed to maximise the efficiency of a machine or process.

Applications for PanelView Plus 400 and 600 are developed using RSView Studio and can be shared across a range of other PC and PanelView Plus platforms.

A choice of networking options enables the PanelView Plus 400 and 600 to communicate with a wide range of PLCs from Rockwell Automation and other vendors.

For basic applications, RS232 only terminals are available, while for more complex distributed systems options include RS232, Ethernet, DH485, DH+ and RIO.

With features normally found only in larger, higher cost HMIs, including rapid installation, high-resolution graphical display and advanced software, the PanelView Plus 400 and 600 ranges offer high performance and superb value for money.