UniOP ePAD03/04 Human Computer Interface

2.4 Environmental adaptability

Standard model (-0046) operates at a temperature of 0~50 ℃ and has a storage temperature of 5~85% RH (without condensation)

Extended Temperature Model (-00B6) Operating Temperature 0~60 ℃; -00B7 can support a wider range (storage -20~60 ℃, working temperature may be as low as -20 ℃ not specified but commonly seen in this type of suffix)

Compliant with electromagnetic compatibility standards for industrial environments: EN 61000-6-4 (radiated interference) and EN 61000-6-2 (immunity)

Communication and network functions

3.1 Dual Drive Communication Capability

EPAD03 supports Dual driver communication, which means it can communicate with devices of two different protocols simultaneously (such as connecting a Modbus RTU inverter and a Mitsubishi FX PLC). EPAD04 shows "Dual driver capability" as "No" in the technical table, which means it only supports single driver. This is another important difference between the two at the software level.

More than 130 communication drivers are supported, covering mainstream PLC, instrument, and driver brands. The physical interfaces include:

PLC ports: RS-232, RS-485, RS-422 (multiple protocols share the same physical interface, configured through software)

Aux Port: can be expanded to fieldbus or Ethernet through optional modules

3.2 Optional Bus and Ethernet Modules

Although ePAD03/ePAD04 does not integrate industrial Ethernet, the following optional modules can be inserted through the Aux port:

Fieldbus modules: Profibus DP, CANopen, DeviceNet, Interbus

Ethernet module: Supports TCP/IP and can be used for:

Connect PLCs with Ethernet interfaces (such as Siemens S7-1200, Rockwell CompactLogix)

Download/upload projects from UniOP Designer via Ethernet

Transfer alarm, event, and recipe data to the upper computer (PC or server)

Build UniNet network (UniOP HMI data sharing network based on Ethernet, supporting OPC Server)

For applications that require remote monitoring or centralized data management, Ethernet modules are almost an essential option.

3.3 UniNet Network

EPAD03 supports both Client and Server modes for UniNet networks. This means that it can act as a client to read data from other UniOP HMIs, or as a server to provide its internal variables and alarm information to other devices in the network. For example, on a production line with 5 operation stations, only one ePAD03 needs to be connected to the PLC, and the remaining four can obtain data from the first one through UniNet, thereby reducing the communication burden on the PLC.

Deep analysis of software functions

EPAD03/ePAD04 uses UniOP Designer 6 software for engineering configuration. Although the hardware cost is low, the software features are very rich.

4.1 Alarm and Event List

Number of alarms: 1024 (both ePAD03 and ePAD04 support)

Event List: ePAD03 supports 256 historical events (with timestamps, dependent on RTC); EPAD04 does not support event lists (or has a capacity of 0)

Alarm information can be associated with bit addresses, priority and confirmation methods can be defined, and can be output to the upper computer through print ports or Ethernet.

4.2 Formula Data Storage

EPAD03 provides 16KB of recipe storage, which can be divided into multiple recipe tables, each used to store a set of process parameters. Formula data can be transmitted to the upper computer via Ethernet for backup or analysis. For ePAD04 without hardware RTC, the recipe memory is marked as "-" (which may not be supported or have very small capacity). Therefore, ePAD03 should be selected for projects that require formula functionality.

4.3 Multilingual and Unicode Support

Applications can have multiple built-in languages and switch between them at runtime through system bits or buttons. All text information can be exported in Unicode format, making it easy for translators to localize using standard tools. Scalable fonts enable different language fonts (such as Chinese and Cyrillic letters) to be displayed clearly within a limited pixel area of 120 × 32.

4.4 Macro Editor

The powerful macro editor allows users to write scripts for key events, screen switches, or timers. Macro instructions include mathematical operations, logical judgments, bit operations, serial port sending, etc. For example, a simple PID parameter self-tuning logic can be implemented locally without the need for PLC intervention.

4.5 Password Protection

Eight level password protection can restrict different users' access to screens, function keys, and system menus, effectively preventing accidental operations.

4.6 Data Display Format

Supports multiple display modes such as numerical values, text, bar charts, and dynamic graphic objects. There is no limit to the number of variables that can be displayed per page (limited only by screen size and refresh rate).

Replacing MD00 Series: Engineering Points and Precautions

EPAD03/ePAD04 is officially defined as an ideal replacement product for the MD00 series. MD00 is an early text display of UniOP, which also features physical buttons and a small monochrome screen. During the replacement process, the following points should be noted: