HMIs: Kontron delivers new thin clients for industry

Cost-optimized thin clients for high volume projects, incorporate a range of configurations, processors.

By Control Engineering Staff December 11, 2008

Kontron announced its second generation Micro Client industrial HMI: the new Kontron Micro Client II . Beginning with its intended use as an industrial thin client, including touch functionality for operating and monitoring, Kontron says Micro Client II provides features required for thin client oriented HMI applications in a cost-optimized design that includes a modular IP65 protected front panel with touch screen.

The new design can be implemented with SATA, CompactFlash, or Ethernet boot functionality, providing suitability for all common server-orientated HMI client technologies. To extend scalability, units can be equipped with embedded processors ranging from the AMD LX 800 with 500 MHz, up to the 1.0 GHz Intel Celeron. To suit the requirements of numerous control and monitoring applications in machine and plant engineering as well as the building automation, automotive, medical and transport sectors, Micro Client II HMIs are available with a resistive touch screen in four common display formats: 7, 10.4, 12.1, and 15 in. As a cost effective, turnkey solution for high volume projects or applications with several decentralized HMIs, Micro Client II can reportedly help OEMs and application engineers improve operational safety, user friendliness and overall application usability with intuitive touch menus and Web-based visualization while remaining cost competitive.

Communication capabilities include two x 10/100 Ethernet, two external USB 2.0 ports, one RS-232 port with optional RS-422/RS-485, as well as an optional CAN bus interface. They also feature embedded graphics for intuitive GUIs, as well as touch-beep and optional AC97 sound for multi-media oriented operating and monitoring applications, including acoustic feedback. Kontron says the fanless design enables silent operation, reduced maintenance costs and lower total-cost-of-ownership with an MTBF of over 40,000 hours.

The compact housing offers IP65 protection on the front, or the front panel can be omitted, enabling a unit to be integrated into custom enclosures, including vandal protected systems for public use. The company says that all the designs in this series feature shock and vibration resistance, thermal stability, compliance with the strictest EMC standards, and availability of at least five years.

The new Kontron Micro Client II series is certified in accordance with CE and cULus and is available now with support for Microsoft Windows CE.net, Windows XP embedded, and embedded Linux as standard along with numerous protocols, including http, XML and Remote Desktop Protocol.

– Edited by Peter Welander, senior editor Control Engineering News Desk Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free .