Operating panels with PCT technology

In industry, safe operation and monitoring are the central tasks of a human-machine interface. If this basic function is met, numerous other factors come into play when selecting the right operating panel. With a user-friendly operating interface that unifies industrial suitability, usability and innovation, manufacturers of machines and systems can inspire their customers.

With the ETT series, SIGMATEK launches operating panels that optimally combine multi-touch functionality in hard and software. The modern HMIs enable new, smart operating concepts that provide positive operating experience.

Demanding HMI tasks

Equipped with an ARM-based EDGE2 Technology dual-core processor, the ETT panels provide high performance with low power usage. 512 Mbytes of DDR RAM for internal program and data memory, 512-Mbyte storage (microSD) for recipes, alarm management and data logging, as well as a 2D and 3D graphics accelerator are included in the standard configuration. Even with graphically complex operating surfaces, the ETTs are in their element – especially the high-resolution TFT displays with great colour brilliance provide convincing visualisation.

In the new SIGMATEK HMIs, projective capacitive touch technology (PCT) is used, by which the sensors are protected on the back of the robust, solid surface of the glass front (IP65 protection). Multi-finger input, as well as the use of styluses and thin gloves are possible. Currently, the panels are available in five display sizes: 8.4, 10.4, 12.1, 15 and 19-inch in classic 4:3 format. This enables a simple and fast changeover to multi-touch technology, without immediately requiring a complete reconfiguration of the visualisation. 

The streamlined panels – with only a 48 mm installation depth – can be mounted directly on the machine, an operating console or integrated into the control cabinet and are therewith suited for the most varying areas of use. The interfaces are selected to ensure that the HMIs fit in practically any machine and system configuration: 2x Ethernet, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB OTG (On-the-Go) and 1x CAN bus. There are also eight digital in and outputs on board, which can be used for command and signaling devices such as toggle switches, signal towers and operating mode switches.

Reliability, robustness and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are essential properties of the multi-touch HMIs. The new panel series with IP65 protection has an integrated 4-mm glass surface. It is dust-proof and easy to clean.

The ETT operating panels present a modern and minimalistic appearance. With the frameless design, SIGMATEK has managed to bring the price of capacitive operating panels closer to that of the resistive panels. 

Monochrome logo backlighting can be controlled via the application in any color (RGB). The elegant look of the ETT can therefore be perfectly integrated into the corporate design of the machine or system. The logo also lights when the touch screen goes into idle mode. An application-specific function can be created to make the backlit logo blink or display in a different color when an error occurs – a clever distinguishing feature with added value.

Multi-touch software

In addition to the high performance of the panels, the efficiency of the visualisation software is a key factor. Only when hard and software interact perfectly, is multi-touch a fully integrated operating concept. The SIGMATEK panels are delivered with a Linux-based real-time operating system and the object-oriented development tool LASAL, which is well equipped for the creation of intuitive multi-touch applications. Object orientation simplifies the modularisation and reusability of the software enormously.