HMIs: New Panel PCs expand options for industrial automation and control

Maple Systems' Gold Industrial HMIs/panel PCs include a 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system.

By Renee Robbins February 4, 2010

Maple Systems is introducing a new line of Gold Industrial Panel PCs that offer much greater latitude in the creation and facilitation of the automation and control process. These HMIs/panel PCs have the 64-bit Intel Core 2 Duo processor at their core, and the power of the processor is augmented by the flexibility of the operating system, Microsoft Windows XP Professional.

The processor delivers enough computing speed, power, and flexibility to handle a wide array of industrial-grade projects. The new models offer endless configuration options for applications at all levels of complexity -from simple single panel operator interthat best accommodates space considerations.

Unlike conventional HMIs, graphic capabilities include a bright, high-contrast SXGA TFT display that supports 16 million colors (with a resolution of 1,280 by 1,024 pixels). For storage, these units are fortified with an 80 GB "anti-shock" hard drive (upgradable to 160 GB). Also, they include 1 GB of DDR2 DRAM, upgradable to 3 GB.

Gold Industrial Panel PCs are operational in temperatures ranging from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius and in humidity ranging from 5 to 95 percent. All models have a thick 10mm anodized aluminum bezel and electro-galvanized steel chassis, and have a NEMA4/12 (IP65) rating. They are RoHS compliant, and CE and FCC certified.

As an enhancement to the hardware, Maple Systems also offers optional WebStudio HMI/SCADA software. This easy-to-understand Web-based interface provides a media-rich operating environment that communicates system conditions clearly to operators, while allowing supervisors and engineers to view and append data remotely.

– Edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor
Control Engineering News Desk
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