SIGMATEK ETT Series HMI Replacement and Selection Guide

All mobile terminals are equipped with a three-level confirmation button, an emergency stop button, and a key switch for use by robots, machines, or systems without security restrictions. Considering the comfort of on-site operation, through reasonable ergonomic design, all human-machine interface mobile terminals can perfectly fit the palm of the human body, even a left-handed person can operate smoothly and comfortably like a right-handed person.

Collaboration between HMI Link Remote Solution and Configuration Software

In scenarios where the layout of large factories or equipment is scattered, replacing HMI often faces the problem of the distance between the control cabinet and the operation console being too far. Traditional display cables are prone to interference and have high costs during long-distance transmission. SIGMATEK's HMI-LINK remote solution perfectly solves this pain point.

1. HMI Link: Remote deployment within 100 meters

Single cable, high power, and long distance are the core advantages of HMI-LINK remote solutions. Paired with a standard Cat5e or Category 6 cable, the full HD LCD screen, audio, and USB signals can achieve lossless communication between the operating terminal and the 400 series industrial computer within a distance of 100 meters.

HMI Link is a pure hardware solution and independent operating system. There is no processor inside the HMI Link panel, so it is more mechanical and economical. As the front-end panel does not include a processor, the computing power of the control unit can be fully released for logical control. This is a highly innovative replacement strategy for projects that wish to upgrade old industrial computers to high-performance central control units while retaining on-site operation panels. In the selection of modular operation panels, the TAE series (such as TAE 1044, TAE 1244, etc.) is a widescreen multi touch operation panel that integrates HMI-LINK, supports IP65 protection, and is suitable for rocker arm installation or embedded installation.

2. LASAL SCREEN and VISUDesigner configuration tools

The ultimate implementation of hardware replacement relies on software support. SIGMATEK provides powerful visual interface design software Screen and a new web-based visualization software VISUDesigner, which are important components of the engineering environment LASAL.

Efficient visualization programming: In software editors, existing functional blocks can be directly created and pulled to complete visualization view programming without the need for programming basics. Pre constructed templates and universal operation blocks, graphics, and design elements can facilitate engineers in designing and creating visual programs.

Web based modern technology: LASAL VISUDesigner software is based on current web technologies: HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. For engineers, the advantage is that the display of visual views is largely hardware independent and can run on a large number of HMIs. Logical control and visual configuration are independent of each other. In VISUDesigner, the perfect presentation of scalable vector graphics (. svg) can be achieved.

Complete management functions: alarm and event management, trend display, text and recipe management, as well as language and unit conversion functions are integrated into these two HMI development software. Support for all languages and ASCII and Uni Code text input in one project, which is particularly important for HMI replacement in export equipment or multinational factories.

Implementation suggestions and precautions for upgrading and replacing projects

When carrying out the replacement and upgrade project of SIGMATEK HMI, engineers need to pay attention to the following key technical details:

Protection level matching: Select the appropriate front panel protection level based on the on-site environment. For example, in the food and beverage industry, frequent washing is required. It is recommended to choose the ETT series with a front panel protection level of IP65 (such as ETT 0833, ETT 1033, ETT 1233, etc.), which uses 4mm glass and black frame, and is sturdy and durable. In general industrial environments, IP54 or IP30 plastic panels or anodized aluminum panels (such as ETV 0552, ETT 731, etc.) can meet the demand.

Interface compatibility assessment: When replacing, it is necessary to verify the communication interface of the existing PLC or controller. The SIGMATEK panel provides a wide range of communication interfaces, including Ethernet, CAN, USB 2.0, USB-OTG, RS232, RS485/Modbus RTU, and more. For distributed systems, the VARAN real-time Ethernet port can provide efficient data transmission.

Storage and memory configuration: Ensure that the newly replaced HMI has sufficient storage space for programs, recipes, and log files. For example, 512MB of RAM and 512MB of SD card are standard configurations, while x86 widescreen series (such as ETT 1044, ETT 1244) offer 2GB DDR4 and 32GB of storage, suitable for high-performance demand scenarios.

Remote security and emergency stop function: For the replacement of mobile terminals, the security function must be strictly evaluated. The HGT, HBG, and HGW series all come with emergency stop buttons, confirmation buttons, and key switches to ensure safety during wireless or wired mobile operations.