Advantech HMI Solution with Windows CE

Advantech recently introduces Windows CE HMI, which is touted as a new line of Human Machine Interface (HMI) for factory-floor visualization in manufacturing and process control. The Advantech Windows CE HMI product line features a Windows CE-embedded non-rotating flash drive, which is fully supported with a bunch of HMI software applications specially designed to run on it. With the ruggedness and stability only a flash drive can give, all those harsh environmental influences from plant-floor vibration, moisture and shock hazards are totally eradicated. These worthy protections are simply not affordable with conventional rotating hard disk.

The Windows CE HMI product line allows ample choices for color display with size ranging from 6 inch to 15 inch. Together with a long-life touch screen, users will come to appreciate its ease of use. Regarding the raw horsepower, It harbors a Intel Pentium MMX processor up to 233 MHz. Networking capability is provided by an ready Ethernet RJ-45 port and there is also one PC/104 expansion slot provided for optional modules (up to 2 modules in cascaded configuration). Its front panel is NEMA 4/IP65 compliant and the power supply has gained UL/CSA approval.

Advantech also provides the embedded version of GeniDAQ Windows CE software and ICONICS Pocket GENESIS software for Advantech Windows CE HMI products. Advantech Windows CE application software is developed with a view to offer you a full dynamic visualization of industrial processes. Developed on Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 or Windows NT platforms, these application softwares not only offers previews but also step-by-step animations of the industrial processes. These application softwares can be implemented by simply dragging the program files into a Windows CE file folder for further downloading to the remote Windows CE devices for execution. In addition to these two Advantech application softwares, other third-party applications such as the PCSoft and Indusoft Windows CE HMI softwares has also successfully passed preliminary compatibility tests with Advantech Windows CE HMI devices.

Advantech Windows CE application software also provides the OPC capability, which enables a direct integration of diverse control devices on the plant-floor level.