DEIF AGI 400 Graphic Interface: Ship and Industrial HMI Solution

DEIF AGI 400 Graphic Interface: Ship and Industrial HMI Solution

Introduction: Redefining the human-machine interaction between ships and industry

In modern ship driving, power positioning, and industrial power generation systems, the information exchange interface (HMI) between operators and equipment has become a key determinant of system availability, safety, and efficiency. Although traditional indicator lights, buttons, and analog instruments are reliable, they can no longer meet the increasingly complex needs of data visualization, alarm management, remote monitoring, and trend analysis. An advanced, intuitive, and robust graphical interface that can integrate dispersed controller data into actionable situational awareness, significantly improving decision-making efficiency and fault response speed.

The DEIF AGI 400 series advanced graphical interface was born for this purpose. As a professional HMI solution designed for maritime and harsh industrial environments, the AGI 400 series not only has excellent hardware reliability and visual performance, but also is equipped with an open software platform based on Linux RT, supporting rich communication protocols and powerful data processing capabilities. Whether used for energy monitoring systems (SEMS), generator set power management (PMS), or as a local operation station for mechanical/electrical systems, AGI 400 offers a comprehensive selection from 7 inches to 21.5 inches. This article will deeply analyze the technical architecture, core functions, and application value of the AGI 400 series, helping engineers make optimal decisions in project selection and system integration.

Hardware Platform: A sturdy touch terminal designed for harsh environments

The AGI 400 series includes four models: AGI 407 (7 inches), AGI 410 (10.1 inches), AGI 415 (15.6 inches), and AGI 421 (21.5 inches). Although the screen sizes vary, the entire series shares a unified high standard hardware design concept, ensuring stable operation under any working conditions.

1. Display and Touch Control

High definition widescreen display: All models use TFT color LCD screens, supporting 24 bit color (16 million colors), and color reproduction is realistic. The resolution ranges from 800 × 480 (AGI 407) to Full HD 1920 × 1080 (AGI 421), presenting delicate vector graphics and dashboard elements.

High brightness and wide viewing angle: AGI 407/410 has a brightness of 500 cd/m ², AGI 415 has 400 cd/m ², and AGI 421 has 300 cd/m ², ensuring clear readability even under direct sunlight or high ambient light conditions. The horizontal/vertical viewing angles are both above 170 °, meeting the needs of observing from different angles.

Projection capacitive multi touch: supports multi touch gestures such as sliding, pinching, and zooming, providing an operating experience comparable to modern mobile devices. The touch screen is sturdy and durable, and can withstand frequent operations.

Flexible dimming and energy saving: The backlight brightness can be continuously adjusted from 0 to 100%, and supports custom timeout shutdown to extend the LED backlight life (typical life>50000 hours). This is particularly important for night navigation or low light environments.

2. Core computing and storage

Processor: AGI 407/410 adopts ARM Cortex-A9 dual core 800MHz; AGI 415/421 upgraded to quad core Cortex-A9 800MHz, ensuring smooth rendering and multitasking of complex images.

Memory and Storage: Equipped with 1GB DDR (407/410) or 2GB DDR (415/421) operating memory, as well as 4GB or 8GB flash memory as user storage space, and integrated 64KB FRAM (ferroelectric memory) for power down retention of critical data, it can be saved persistently without the need for batteries.

Operating System: Adopting Linux RT (real-time) operating system, it ensures the system's deterministic response and long-term stability, away from the license and virus troubles of Windows system.

3. Interface and Expansion Capability

Network: Equipped with 3 independent Ethernet ports (2 × 10/100Mbit+1 × 10/100/1000Mbit), each port has an independent MAC address and supports bridging mode, making it easy to build redundant networks or isolate different network segments.

USB: 2 USB 2.0 host ports that can be connected to keyboards, mice, USB drives, or Wi Fi adapters.

Serial communication: Provides RS-232, RS-485, RS-422 three in one serial port, which can be configured through software and is compatible with various old devices.

Expansion slot: 2 optional plug-in modules, such as CANopen/J1939 communication module (EXM CAN) or digital I/O expansion module (EXM AGIO-06), to meet special protocol or small I/O point requirements.

SD card slot: used for data recording, project backup, or firmware upgrade.

4. Power supply and environmental adaptability

Wide voltage DC power supply: supports 10~32V DC, suitable for common 24V power systems in ships and industrial sites, and has automatic self recovery insurance.

Wide temperature range: When installed vertically, the working temperature is -20 ℃~+60 ℃ (-20 ℃~+50 ℃ with expansion module or USB device), and the storage temperature is -30 ℃~+70 ℃, fully meeting the requirements of marine and outdoor cabinets.

High protection level: front panel IP66 (dustproof, anti strong water spray), rear panel IP20, suitable for installation in cabin or console openings.

Anti vibration and impact: Passed IEC 60068-2-6 vibration test (2~13.2Hz ± 1mm, 13.2~100Hz 0.7g) and IEC 60068-2-27 impact test (50g 11ms), in compliance with IACS UR E10 (bridge and deck areas) requirements.

5. Classification society certification

The AGI 400 series has been recognized by multiple mainstream classification societies, including DNV GL (type approval) Lloyd‘s Register、EU RO Mutual Recognition， And comply with the EN 60945 (Maritime Navigation and Radio Communication Equipment) standard. In addition, it has also passed UL 508, CSA C22.2, and ATEX Class 2 (hazardous locations) certifications, and has undergone testing in accordance with the IEC 62443 series (cybersecurity) draft to ensure information security in digital ship networks.

Software platform: AGI Creator and rich functional ecosystem

If hardware is the body of AGI 400, then the software platform based on Linux RT and the AGI Creator development tool give it its soul. DEIF has invested a lot of effort at the software level, making AGI 400 not only a display terminal, but also a fully functional industrial SCADA node.

1. Graphic development environment - AGI Creator

AGI Creator is an integrated development environment designed specifically for AGI 400, featuring the following outstanding features:

Comprehensive vector graphics support: Native support for SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), undistorted image enlargement, support for transparency and alpha blending, and the ability to create beautiful dynamic dashboards.

Object dynamic control: It can dynamically control the visibility, transparency, position, size, and rotation of any graphic object, responding to changes in variables or user operations.

TrueType fonts and multilingual: Supports TrueType fonts and built-in multilingual management tools, making it easy to create applications in 24 languages to meet the needs of international ships. Language translation can be exported to third parties to reduce maintenance costs.

Rich display components: providing multiple data display modes such as numerical values, text, bar charts, analog instruments, trend curves, etc., and built-in industrial standard control library, while supporting user-defined component library to accelerate project development.

Offline simulation: Supports completely offline simulation running on PC, without the need to connect hardware to verify interface logic, greatly reducing debugging cycle.

Open extension interface: Supports Codesys PLC runtime, allowing direct execution of PLC logic within HMI, combining visualization and control into one, saving additional PLC costs.

2. Powerful runtime functionality

AGI 400 is equipped with comprehensive runtime services to meet various complex monitoring needs:

Data collection and alarm management: supports real-time data collection, historical trend recording (can be exported to SD card/USB), alarm confirmation and logging, and the alarm buffer can record 10000 events.

Task scheduling and scheduled actions: Support daily/weekly scheduled tasks and exception date settings to achieve automated operations (such as timed device startup and report generation).

User and permission management: Supports multi-level users and passwords, and can control permissions for remote clients to ensure operational security.

Embedded Web Server: Built in Web Server, supports mobile (tablet/phone) access, and remote monitoring can be achieved without the need to develop a separate app. Simultaneously supporting VNC servers, allowing remote desktop operations on the PC end.

Data recording and reporting: Supports exporting trend data as PDF reports, and can be set to automatically generate at regular intervals. Built in PDF reader, allowing direct viewing of operation manuals or drawings on the screen.

Email and RSS push: Supports sending alarm notifications through SSL encrypted email and receiving RSS news sources to achieve active information push.

Communication Protocol: A Bridge Connecting Everything

The AGI 400 series supports a wide range of communication protocols, enabling seamless integration into existing control systems, whether it's DEIF's own Multi line controllers, third-party PLCs, transmitters, etc.

Protocol Category Specific Protocol Applicable Devices/Scenarios

Standard Serial/Ethernet Modbus RTU (master/slave), Modbus TCP (master/slave), OPC UA (client/server) for general industrial equipment, SCADA systems

Fieldbus/dedicated CANopen (requires expansion module), J1939 (read-only), NMEA 0183 (marine navigation), ship engines, sensors GPS

Siemens S7 ETH (S7-300/400/1200/1500), S7 MPI, S7 PPI Siemens PLC full series

Rockwell Ethernet/IP (CIP), DF1, DH485, SLC500, MicroLogix, PowerFlex AB series PLCs and drives

Mitsubishi FX ETH (FX1N/2N/3G/3U), FX Serial, Q/L ETH Mitsubishi FX, Q series PLC

Omron FINS ETH, FINS SER CJ/CS/CP series PLC

Beckhoff ADS BC/BX/PC/CX series

Other CODESYS V3 (requiring DEIF authorization), ISaGRAF, GE Fanuc, Moeller, SAM GPM500, and other universal controllers

In addition, AGI 400 supports simultaneous operation of multiple protocols and can exchange data between different protocols, serving as a protocol gateway. The number of data tags can support large projects, and performance indicators such as trend tables can print 10000 rows. There are 4 event buffers with 10000 entries each.

Typical application scenarios and engineering value

The AGI 400 series has broad application prospects in the fields of shipbuilding and industry. The following are several core scenarios:

1. Ship Energy Monitoring System (SEMS)

By connecting the DEIF generator set controller (AGC series) and the energy meter, the AGI 400 can display real-time data on the ship's power generation, distribution, and consumption, generate energy consumption trend charts, help ship owners optimize their operational strategies, and meet the regulatory requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for ship energy efficiency.

2. Power Management System (PMS) Operating Station

On ships or platforms with multiple generators running in parallel, AGI 400 can serve as the main monitoring interface for PMS, centrally displaying the status of each unit, load distribution, bus tie switch status, and allowing operators to issue commands such as start/stop and circuit breaker closing, achieving "one click" management.

3. Alarm monitoring and fault diagnosis

By utilizing its powerful alarm management and historical recording functions, AGI 400 can replace traditional alarm light columns, providing priority grouped alarm lists, sound and light prompts, confirmation, and traceability functions. By combining trend curves, engineers can quickly locate the root cause of faults (such as abnormal increase in cooling water temperature) and shorten maintenance time.

4. Local mechanical/electrical operation station

For key equipment such as marine side thrusters, servos, and fire pumps, AGI 400 can provide a dedicated graphical operation panel that intuitively displays parameters such as pressure, temperature, and speed, and communicates directly with the controller, eliminating a large number of intermediate relays and indicator lights and simplifying wiring.

Selection guide and installation and maintenance suggestions

1. Selection reference

Choose the appropriate size based on installation space and visible distance:

AGI 407 (7 ″): Used for compact spaces or as an auxiliary operating station, with a resolution of 800 × 480.

AGI 410 (10.1 "): Standard size, resolution 1280 × 800, suitable for most consoles.

AGI 415 (15.6 "): Large screen requirement, resolution 1366 × 768, suitable for displaying complex flowcharts.

AGI 421 (21.5 "): Large screen, full HD 1920 × 1080, suitable for centralized monitoring centers or large bridges.

At the same time, select expansion modules (such as CANopen) according to communication needs, and choose wall mounted boxes (optional accessories) or meter racks based on installation methods.

2. Installation points

Hole size: It is necessary to make the hole according to the precise size in the data manual. The front panel IP66 depends on the sealing between the panel and the hole.

Grounding and power supply: Use the recommended 24V DC power supply and ensure stable power supply and reliable grounding. The power supply limit for USB devices is 500mA, please note that high-power peripherals need to come with their own power supply.

Cable management: All connecting wires are led out from the back, paying attention to the bending radius and routing space to avoid signal interference.

3. Maintenance and Backup

Regular backup project: Export project files regularly through SD card or USB flash drive to prevent accidental loss.

Screen cleaning: Use a soft cloth and neutral cleaner to avoid organic solvents.

Firmware upgrade: Follow the updates released on the DEIF official website to enhance functionality and security.