Do You Really Understand Human Machine Interface (HMI) - HMI Q&A
Computers & Technology → Technology
- Author Jane Yu
- Published May 2, 2021
- Word count 766
Q1: Is HMI only used to connect to PLC?
That's not true. HMI products are originally produced to solve the problem of PLC human-computer interaction. But with the development of computer technology and digital circuit technology, much industrial control equipment has a serial communication interface ability. So as long as there is a serial communication interface ability of the industrial control equipment, such as VFD (variable frequency drive), DC speed regulator, temperature control instrument, and data acquisition module, they can be connected to HMI products to realize the human-computer interaction function.
Q2: What is the difference between HMI and "touch screen"?
Strictly speaking, there is an essential difference between them. Because "touch screen" is only the hardware part that may be used in HMI products, which is an input device installed in the front of the display screen to replace some functions of mouse and keyboard. HMI products are a type of human-machine interaction device that includes hardware and software. In the industry, it is not scientific that people often call the HMI products with touch input function "touch screen".
Q3: Is there an operating system in HMI products?
HMI products have a system software component. The system software runs in the HMI processor, supporting multitasking. The processor needs a small management system software to run. In the high-performance HMI products based on the tablet computer, WinCE, Linux, and other general embedded operating systems are commonly used.
Q4: What's the difference between HMI and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)?
HMI products are often called a "touch screen", contain HMI hardware and corresponding special SCADA software. In general, HMI hardware of different manufacturers use different SCADA software, and the main type of equipment connected is PLC.
SCADA software is a general tool software running on the PC hardware platform and Windows operating system, and it can also constitute HMI products together with PC or Industrial computer.
General SCADA software supports different types of equipment, including PLC, PC board cards, instruments, VFD, modules. Moreover, due to the strong performance of the PC hardware platform (mainly reflected in the speed and storage capacity), the SCADA software has many strong functions, which are suitable for large monitoring systems.
Q5: Can the device with a communication function be connected to the HMI product?
It's true normally. Because the universal HMI products provide a large number of commonly used device communication drivers to choose from. Generally, the communication connection between HMI and the device can be completed as long as the communication driver corresponding to the connected device is selected in the SCADA software of the HMI products.
If there is no communication driver to be connected with the device in the SCADA software of the HMI product, the user can inform the HMI product manufacturer of the communication port type and protocol content of the device to be connected, and ask the manufacturer to compile the communication driver of the device.
Q6: Is HMI connected to devices only by a standard serial communication interface?
Most of the time. With the development of computer technology and digital circuit technology, the interface capability of HMI products is getting stronger and stronger. In addition to the traditional serial (RS232, RS422/RS485) communication interfaces, some HMI products with data interfaces such as network interface, parallel interface, and USB interface which can be connected to industrial control devices with the same interfaces to realize human-machine interaction of devices.
Q7: Can a PC with a touch screen communicate directly with PLC to complete the HMI function?
Sure. It is of importance that the corresponding HMI software should be compiled to make the PC a real HMI product.
Q8: What is the trend of HMI?
With the development of digital circuit technology and computer technology, the functional gradation of future HMI products will be less and less necessary, and the functions of HMI will be more and more abundant. The screen of HMI products which is more than 5.7 inches will be all colour display, whose service life will be longer.
Due to the reduced cost of computer hardware, tablet PC will be taken as the high-end products of HMI hardware. It's because such products have great advantages in processor speed, storage capacity, types and quantity of communication interfaces, networking ability and software resource sharing, which is the development direction of HMI products in the future.
Of course, functions of small-sized HMI products with display size less than 5.7 inches are further enhanced (such as adding IO functions), as well as their size and price, so that they will be widely used in HMI applications of small mechanical devices.
OKmarts is the one-stop online industrial parts provider for refrigeration compressors, servo drive, amplifier, hydraulic pumps and more.
We Supply
We stock and sell Compressors, Servo Motors and Drives, HMIs, Encoders, Light Curtains, Sensors, VFDs, Soft Starters, Thyristors, Solenoid Valves and Coils, Air Cylinders, Gearboxes, Linear Guideways, Actuators, Transmitters, Flowmeters, Power Supplies, Transformers, Expansion Valves, Circuit Breakers, etc.
Website URL: https://www.okmarts.com/
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Why You Need DRaaS: The Case for MedOne’s Disaster Recovery as a Service
- Top 10 Ways Maintenance Manager for Business Central Saves Asset Headaches
- IBM: A company that does remarkable things!
- Top Emerging Trends in Quantum Computing for 2024 and Beyond
- How Much Does a Gaming Computer Cost? A Comprehensive Guide for Gamers
- The Future of IT Support: Empowering Businesses in a Digital World
- 10 Ways to Transform Production Scheduling in Business Central
- Grow Your Taxi Business with a Modern Taxi Dispatch System
- Master the Art of Gamification with Our Engaging App
- 10 Reasons Business Central Users Leverage Advanced Inventory Count
- The Ultimate Guide to 3D Animation: From Basics to Advanced Techniques
- Are Computer Towers Better Than Laptops? The Ultimate Comparison Guide for 2025
- Top 10 Software Company in Bangladesh
- Mitsubishi Electric proves heat pump compatibility with microbore pipework
- The Role of AI Services in Customer Experience and Satisfaction
- Google DeepMind Launches Gemma 2: A New AI Model Revolutionizing Research and Development
- How Do AI Solutions Drive Productivity And ROI In Business?
- Is Verizon Total the same as Verizon Prepaid?
- What is the best prepaid phone company?
- Why Small to Large Companies Continue to Use Dated/Dinosaur Technology
- 10 Ways Business Central’s Quality Inspector App Streamlines Quality Assurance
- 10 Ways Business Central’s Quality Inspector App Streamlines Quality Assurance
- The Rise of Sustainable Technology: Shaping a Greener Future
- Why Bullseye Engagement Offers the Best OKR Software for Businesses
- Web Development Companies in Canada
- How EasyPDF™ Forms Save Time & Money at Home and in the Workplace
- The One and Only 15-Second Digital Lien Waiver to Complete and Submit in Record Time Using the Free Adobe Reader
- The Impact of Employer Branding on Leadership Recruitment
- Augmented Reality (AR) in Business: Why Your Company Needs It
- Top 10 Reasons to Use Business Central’s License Plating App