The evolution of Human - Machine interface. What is HMI?

The Human-Machine Interface (abbreviated as HMI) is a graphical interface that allows users to interact with a system (machine). Due to technological progress, the use of HMI is becoming increasingly common in industrial automation. In the context of production and process control systems, HMI enables the visualization of the control system and real-time data collection. The key benefit is the simplicity of operating the graphical interface. Such an interface contains color codes that facilitate problem identification, images and icons that allow for quick understanding, thereby minimizing difficulties associated with e.g. language barriers.

HMI interfaces contribute to increasing production efficiency which impacts cost reduction. Modern HMI devices are characterized by a high level of innovation, the ability to handle larger amounts of data and offer more interactive, advanced functions. The main advantage of the HMI interface is its versatility, meaning it can be used for simple tasks (SIMATIC HMI Basic panels) as well as handling more complex applications (SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels and SIMATIC HMI Multi). Additionally, choosing HMI eliminates the need to use a mouse and keyboard.

Work comfort is another advantage of HMI interfaces. Such panels concentrate all control functions and place them in one device, thus eliminating the need for a sudden rush to the "stop" button to halt the production line in the event of an error. The operator does not have to be in direct contact with the device to start, stop or monitor the production process - this ensures remote access. The choice of HMI panel depends on the needs of the company and the type of production. Some allow for audio and video playback, while others provide remote access to control. Therefore, the ideal interface must be tailored to individual needs considering all potential user actions, as well as environmental issues such as noise level, lighting, dust, humidity and other technical limitations.

SIMATIC HMI panels

SIMATIC HMI panels are devices designed for monitoring and control at the human-machine level. SIMATIC HMI unlock new potential for production lines and aid in better productivity, efficiency and usability, thereby supporting operators in their work and the production process. SIMATIC HMI panels are the only right choice for machine-oriented operation and monitoring. SIMATIC HMI products combine all the benefits of Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) guaranteeing scalability, adaptability to all requirements and readiness for future challenges.

SIMATIC HMI Comfort. High-quality devices for the most advanced applications

HMI Comfort are exceptional operator devices for versatile applications. These panels are characterized by a uniform range of functions in all devices. The offer includes key panels with 4 - 15 inch displays, touch panels with 7 - 22 inch displays, and key-touch devices with a 4-inch diagonal display.

Get to know our HMI Comfort series products:

• 6AV2124-0MC01-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1200 Comfort, Comfort Panel, touch operation, 12" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 12 MB configuration memory, Windows CE 6.0, configurable from WinCC Comfort V11.

• 6AV2124-0QC02-0AX2 - SIMATIC HMI TP1500 Comfort, Comfort Panel, touch operation, 15" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable as of WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP, ambient temperature up to 45 °C.

• 6AV2124-0QC13-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1500 Comfort Outdoor, Comfort Panel, Touch operation, 15" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 12 MB configuration memory, Windows CE 6.0, configurable from WinCC Comfort V13 SP1, HSP.

• 6AV2124-0UC02-0AX1 - SIMATIC HMI TP1900 Comfort, Comfort Panel, Touch operation, 19" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-2DC01-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KTP400 Comfort, Comfort Panel, key/touch operation, 4" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 4 MB configuration memory, Windows CE 6.0, configurable from WinCC Comfort V11.

• 6AV2124-1QC02-0AX2 - SIMATIC HMI KP1500 Comfort, Comfort Panel, key operation, 15" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable as of WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP, ambient temperature up to 45 °C.

• 6AV2124-1MC01-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KP1200 Comfort, Comfort Panel, key operation, 12" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 12 MB configuration memory, Windows CE 6.0, configurable from WinCC Comfort V11.

• 6AV2124-1JC01-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KP900 Comfort, Comfort Panel, key operation, 9" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 12 MB configuration memory, Windows CE 6.0, configurable from WinCC Comfort V11.

• 6AV2124-1GC01-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI KP700 Comfort, Comfort Panel, key operation, 7" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 12 MB configuration memory, Windows CE 6.0, configurable from WinCC Comfort V11.

SIMATIC HMI Comfort PRO

HMI Comfort PRO devices offer the highest ease of use for the most advanced applications. They are characterized by high work efficiency, functionality and thanks to numerous integrated interfaces they are operator-friendly. This is the best choice for implementing complex visualization tasks. Panels are available in sizes from 12 - 22 inches. The HMI Comfort PRO devices correspond to the PRO panels from the IFP and IPC series with a high degree of IP65 protection.

Products from the HMI Comfort PRO series

• 6AV2124-0MC24-0AB0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1200 Comfort Pro, support arm, neutral front, Comfort Panel, touch operation, 12" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 12 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-0MC24-1AX0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1200 Comfort Pro, supporting foot (expandable, flange at bottom), Comfort Panel, touch operation, 12" Widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 12 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-0QC24-0AB0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1500 Comfort Pro, support arm, neutral front, Comfort Panel, Touch operation, 15" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-0QC24-0BX0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1500 Comfort Pro, support arm (expandable, round pipe) and Extension Unit, Comfort Panel, touch operation, 15" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-0QC24-1AX0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1500 Comfort Pro, supporting foot (expandable, flange at bottom), Comfort Panel, touch operation, 15" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-0UC24-0AX0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1900 Comfort Pro, support arm (not expandable, flange top), Comfort Panel, touch operation, 19" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

• 6AV2124-0UC24-0BB0 - SIMATIC HMI TP1900 Comfort Pro, support arm for extension unit, neutral front, Comfort Panel, touch operation, 19" widescreen TFT display, 16 million colors, PROFINET interface, MPI/PROFIBUS DP interface, 24 MB configuration memory, WEC 2013, configurable from WinCC Comfort V14 SP1 with HSP.

Find out more about our offer by visiting the tabs with Siemens-PLC and Schneider-PLC products. If the product you are looking for is not on our website or you have additional questions, please contact us at inquiry@plc-drives.com or directly at our representatives (addresses available in the "Contact" tab). We are able to supply you with all Siemens and Schneider PLC products, including those already withdrawn from production. Check our offer!