When it comes to selecting the right touch screen interface for industrial controls, the choice can be confusing. The three main options are touch screen industrial monitors used with a separate industrial PC, industrial panel PCs that typically run Windows and programmable HMIs (human-machine interfaces) made by PLC manufacturers. Each has different strengths, depending on application.
In this article, we explore these three categories and the products available from ESIS Industrial Electronics, including the Renu Electronics FlexiPanels series FP4070TN-E, CyberVisuell Panel PCs like the PPC-DS150 and CyberVisuell industrial monitors such as the CM-P215A-CT.
1. Touch screen industrial monitors with separate PCs
Considerations
Using a PC-based solution involves several design considerations for the engineer. These include selecting the appropriate CPU, RAM, and storage specifications, deciding which operating system will offer the most reliability over time, and configuring the system to limit access to unauthorised users.
Other considerations are environmental factors such as dust and ambient temperatures, choosing suitable antivirus or security software, managing operating system updates, ensuring a streamlined startup process without navigating through the Windows interface and troubleshooting software issues. These factors require careful planning to ensure a robust and secure system. It’s important to think about where the PC will be located, whether it also needs to be ruggedised and how long the cabling from PC to screen will need to be.
Ideal applications
This solution is suitable for:
- Situations where there is a need for regular upgrades or changes to the computing hardware without replacing the entire system.
- Applications requiring extra features or add-on cards in the industrial PC, which are not available in all-in-one Panel PCs.
- Environments that require a highly durable and rugged display but where the computer itself can be housed in a protected area.
An example of an industrial touch screen LCD monitor is the CyberVisuell Industrial Monitor CM-P215A-CT.
Key features of the CM-P215A:
- High-quality display: The CM-P215A-CT features a 21.5” TFT LCD with full HD resolution (1920×1080) and a multi-point capacitive touchscreen, providing excellent clarity and responsiveness.
- Durability: Built with an aluminum-magnesium alloy frame and featuring IP65 front panel protection, this monitor is designed to withstand harsh industrial environments, including exposure to dust and moisture.
- Range of screen options: CyberVisuell’s industrial LCD monitor range covers a wide range of sizes and multiple touch screen types. Plus specialised models are available with options such as sunlight readability or wide temperature tolerance.
- Flexibility: This setup allows for the use of a powerful PC which can be replaced or upgraded independently of the monitor, providing a flexible solution for applications that may require more computing power over time or need to integrate with other systems.
Check out the details of this monitor here: CyberVisuell CM-P215A-CT Datasheet (PDF)
2. Industrial panel PCs
Considerations
Panel PCs are easy to install as they combine both display and processing capabilities into a single unit, making them ideal for compact spaces. Industrial panel PCs are built to withstand harsh environments. They offer durability and protection, featuring IP65-rated front panel protection and a fanless design that reduces the risk of dust ingress, while tolerating a wider range of temperatures.
However, this is still a PC-based platform. Engineers will need to consider factors such as how much CPU, RAM and storage are appropriate, decide on the most suitable operating system, and select the right application software to run. The system will need security software installed and operating system updates, and the operating system settings will need to be configured to provide the required functionality without exposing the system to unintended changes or malicious activity.
Ideal applications
Industrial panel PCs are ideal for:
- Environments where space is limited, and a compact all-in-one solution is preferred.
- Applications that require a stable and consistent computing platform, such as machine control, where the PC and display need to be replaced together.
- Systems needing specific Windows or Linux based software to integrate with other enterprise systems.
An example is the CyberVisuell Panel PC PPC-DS150-T
Key features:
- Integrated solution: The PPC-DS150-T features a 15.0” TFT LCD with an XGA resolution (1024×768), integrated with an Intel Tiger Lake UP3 processor, providing both the display and computing power in a single unit.
- Performance and versatility: With support for up to 32GB of DDR4 memory and various storage options, including NVMe SSDs, these devices are ideal for applications requiring high performance.
- Industrial grade quality and durability: With a high quality screen, robust all metal construction and industrial rated componentry, the PPC-DS150-T is designed to excel in tough environments under 24×7 usage.
- Industry standard connectivity: The PPC-DS150-T series comes with 2x Ethernet ports, 6x USB 3.0 ports, 2x RS232 serial ports (one can also do RS485), plus audio and HDMI outputs. In addition it can be supplied with WiFi, Bluetooth or cellular networking modules, meeting the requirements of most industrial use cases.
- Compatibility: Being an industry standard PC, the PPC-DS range runs all modern versions of Windows and Linux, and you can install your software of choice to easily meet your project requirements.
Check out the details of this panel PC here: CyberVisuell PPC-DS150-T Datasheet (PDF)
3. Programmable HMIs
Considerations
One of the significant advantages of using programmable HMIs is the ease of deployment. Engineers can program these systems at a high level using the manufacturer’s software, focusing on screen designs and logical functionality rather than getting bogged down with the specifics of PC hardware, operating system configurations or third-party software compatibility. This streamlines the development process, and reduces the potential for errors or loopholes in configuring a traditional PC-based system.
However, programmable HMIs tend to be part of a proprietary ecosystem under each manufacturer, so when screens and logic have been designed, it’s often not easy to move to a different brand of HMI or PLC. This tendency to stay with one HMI manufacturer limits the range of products available. For example there may only be three or four screen sizes. There could also be limited options when the time comes to replace or upgrade an HMI.
Ideal applications
Programmable HMIs can be used in:
- Factory automation systems where there is a need for tight integration between the HMI and PLC.
- Machine control panels where a low cost touch screen HMI/PLC can serve as the heart of the control system while also presenting the user interface.
- Small monitoring and control projects where a simple, easy to configure user interface is needed to visualise measurements and control processes.
An example is the Renu Electronics FlexiPanels Series FP4070TN-E.
Key features:
- All-in-one HMI and PLC solution: The FlexiPanels FP4070TN-E offers a 7” colour TFT display. It’s designed to operate as a stand-alone HMI+PLC control system, thanks to its IEC61131-3 programmability and expandable I/O capabilities.
- Functions as a regular HMI with external PLCs: FlexiPanels HMIs have built -n compatibility to easily connect to a wide range of industry standard PLCs, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens and Delta. Along with support for industry standard protocols such as Modbus RTU/TCP, these versatile touch screens can be used in a wide variety of use cases.
- IoT and remote management: The FP4 series includes support for IoT protocols such as MQTT, and remote control via VNC, making it suitable as part of a cloud-connected and remotely managed distributed system.
Check out the details of this programmable HMI here: Renu FlexiPanels FP4xxx-E HMI with IO Datasheet (PDF)
Choosing the right solution for your needs
The choice between a touch screen industrial monitor, an industrial panel PC and a programmable HMI depends largely on the application requirements:
- Touch screen industrial monitors are ideal if you need flexibility and the ability to upgrade computing power independently.
- Industrial panel PCs provide a compact, integrated PC-based solution suitable for tough environments with limited space and where an all-in-one device is advantageous.
- Programmable HMIs are a good choice for applications that require direct integration with PLCs and custom control interfaces, offering a simpler and quicker deployment process, without the complexities associated with a PC-based system.
At ESIS Industrial Electronics, we offer a range of solutions to meet your industrial user interface needs. Whether you require a rugged, high-quality display, a powerful integrated computing platform or a programmable interface for direct PLC integration, we have the right equipment to ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently.
For more information, visit www.esis.com.au or contact our team to discuss your specific requirements.
