In, out, and about HMI: displays, keyboard, mouse

By Control Engineering Staff September 8, 2005

LED backlighting from CI Displays provides alternatives to cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL) to provide brightness control and other advantages in every day and extreme environmental conditions.

Displays and entry devices take center stage in the HMI field this month. In the spotlight are the addition of LED backlighting to display products from CI Displays, a sealed keyboard and mouse from InduKey North America, and a new book on active matrix LCDs from Elsevier Science & Technology Books. Details and links to more information follow.

LED backlighting has been added to range of display solutions offered by CI Displays . It is intended to meet a reported growing demand for alternatives to cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs). Field-upgradeable, OEM LED backlighting products offer brightness control among other advantages for every day and extreme environmental conditions in a variety of applications. Direct and edge-lit systems are offered for new and retrofit installations. CCFLs can be replaced with LED strips that provide identical form, fit, and function. They enhance control with full brightness at temperatures as low as–40 °C and dimming to 0.5 nits with no flicker. Hours of life are estimated at 100,000.

Keyboard and mouse from InduKey North America are encased in a chemically resistant silicone cover for use in laboratory and food processing applications.

InduProof2 and InduMouse sealed keyboard and mouse from InduKey North America are encased in a chemical resistant silicone cover. Features include non-spiral, smooth, and sealed data cables and mechanical key switches said to have excellent tactile feel and durability. Base made of a sealed metal plate protects against the use of harsh cleaning fluids and disinfectants and other industrial liquids such as solvents and acids. Keyboard and mouse are rated NEMA 6P and IP68 for full immersion. Devices are suited for laboratory and food processing applications that require chemical resistance and equipment disinfection. A new book on active matrix LCDs is available from Newnes/Elsevier. Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays by Willem de Boer, principal scientist at Planar Systems Inc., systematically addresses the fundamentals of LCD operation and the principles of active matrix addressing for engineers who need to incorporate an AMLCD in their designs or design interfacing/driving circuitry for such displays. The rise of AMLCD technology in the last couple of years has led to dominance of the flat panel display. AMLCD manufacturing is a more than $30 billion industry and an important part of the economy of several Asian countries. For more on the book, click here to go to the Elsevier Science and Technology Books Website , or visit the Control Engineering bookstore .

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com