HMI stands for Human Machine Interface. It's a touchscreen panel that provides a visual interface for operators to interact with and control industrial equipment, machines, and automation systems.

What are the main uses of HMI panels?

HMI panels are used in industrial automation for factory control, process monitoring, machine control, data acquisition, SCADA systems, and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) applications.

What makes an HMI 'industrial grade'?

Industrial grade HMIs are designed for harsh environments with features like IP65/IP66 protection, extended temperature ranges, shock/vibration resistance, 24/7 operation capability, and natural cooling systems.

What is the difference between resistive and capacitive touchscreens?

Resistive touchscreens can be operated with gloves or stylus and are pressure-sensitive, making them ideal for industrial environments. Capacitive touchscreens offer better clarity and multi-touch capabilities but require bare finger or special stylus operation.

How long do HMI panels typically last?

Most industrial HMI panels are designed for extended lifecycles with backlights rated for 20,000-50,000 hours and components selected for long-term reliability. Many models offer 24/7 operation capabilities with proper maintenance.

What are the main advantages of the IPM Series HMIs?

IPM Series HMIs are cost-effective solutions that offer essential functionality for basic automation applications, featuring ARM9 CPU, PLC compatibility, Modbus support, SCADA readiness, and a compact design.

What screen sizes are available in the IPM Series?

The IPM Series is available in 4.3-inch (IPM204), 7.0-inch (IPM207), 8.0-inch (IPM208), and 10.1-inch (IPM210) screen sizes.

What type of protection does the IPM Series offer?

IPM Series HMIs feature IP65 protection, making them dust-tight and protected against water jets.

What communication interfaces are available on IPM Series?

IPM Series HMIs come with Ethernet, USB, RS232, and RS485 communication interfaces, allowing connection to various industrial devices and networks.

What PLC brands are compatible with these HMI panels?

Our HMI panels support over 500 PLC communication protocols from major manufacturers including Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, Omron, Delta, and many others.

What programming software is used for these HMI panels?

Most of our HMI panels use PM Designer software, which runs on Windows 7/10 and allows for intuitive HMI application development with downloads via Serial, Ethernet, or USB connections.

What is MQTT and why is it important for HMIs?

MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol ideal for IIoT applications. HMIs with MQTT support can easily integrate with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Alibaba Cloud for remote monitoring and data collection.

What is OPC UA and how does it benefit HMI systems?

OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is a machine-to-machine communication protocol for industrial automation. HMIs with OPC UA Server capability can act as a standardized data exchange hub between different industrial systems and devices.

How are HMI panels powered?

Most industrial HMI panels operate on 24VDC±10% power supply, with isolation for protection against electrical noise and surges common in industrial environments.

What does IP65/IP66 protection mean?

IP65 protection means the device is totally protected against dust (6) and protected against low-pressure water jets (5). IP66 offers the same dust protection but with increased water protection against powerful water jets (6).

How are HMI panels typically mounted?

HMI panels are typically panel-mounted through a cutout in a control cabinet or equipment enclosure, secured with mounting clips or screws, with the front face exposed for operator interaction.

What is the recommended operating environment for HMI panels?

Most standard HMI panels operate reliably in temperatures from 0°C to 50°C with relative humidity between 10% and 90% (non-condensing). Extended temperature models can operate in ranges from -10°C to 60°C or wider.

Do I need to install additional cooling for HMI panels?

Most industrial HMI panels use natural cooling systems and don't require additional cooling fans or systems when installed within their specified operating temperature range in well-ventilated enclosures.

What maintenance is required for HMI panels?

HMI panels require minimal maintenance, typically limited to occasional cleaning of the touchscreen with appropriate non-abrasive cleaners and periodic backup of programming. The battery for the real-time clock may need replacement every 3-5 years.

What should I do if the touchscreen becomes unresponsive?

For unresponsive touchscreens, first try power cycling the device. If issues persist, check for physical damage, verify power supply stability, and ensure the operating environment is within specifications. For resistive touchscreens, recalibration may be necessary.

How can I resolve communication issues between HMI and PLC?

To resolve communication issues, verify physical connections and network settings, ensure both devices use the same communication protocol and parameters, check for address mapping errors, and confirm firmware compatibility between devices.

What causes HMI panels to restart unexpectedly?

Unexpected restarts can be caused by power supply issues, excessive environmental temperatures, software conflicts, or the watchdog function detecting system hangs. Check power stability, environmental conditions, and review recent software changes.

How can I retrieve lost HMI project files?

If project files are lost, check for backups on development computers, Micro SD cards, or USB drives used with the HMI. Some HMI models allow project upload from the device to a computer, though this may not include all source elements.

IPM204

*Price on request. Contact us for a quote.

Manufacturer: Cermate

[RTOS] 4.3" (480x272)、True color(16.7M)LCD Screen
Compact fuselage, formality black flat panel
Equipped with high-definition high definition LCD screen and ultra-wide vision angle
Ergonomic design, streamlined frame design, front aluminum frame customization service
IP65 standard waterproof and dustproof protection, suitable for various operating spaces and environments
Patented fasteners, tool-free quick installation
Equipped with multi-interface, data transmission is faster and more secure

Product Description

A compact 4.3" HMI panel with a 480x272 resolution and 16.7M color display. It features an ARM9 32-bit RISC CPU, multiple communication interfaces (USB, RS232, RS422/485, CANBus), and is IP65 rated for water and dust resistance.

Designed for industrial use, it supports extensive programming capabilities with PM Designer v4.0 software. Ideal for various applications requiring robust and flexible HMI solutions.

Technical Specifications

LCD Display

Size

4.3"

Max. Resolution

480 x 272

Type

TFT LCD with LED Backlight

Chromatic Number

16.7M

Backlight (hr)

About 20,000

Luminance (cd/m2)

450 cd/m2

Touch Panel

4-wire Resistive Type

CPU & Memory

CPU

RISC ARM9 32Bit

BKRAM

Standard: NAND Flash 128KB / Optional: MRAM 128KB

Working Memory

128MB DRAM

Application Memory

40MB

Real-Time Clock (RTC)

YES (External unchargeable battery type,1 year battery life)

Max. Programming Pages

7999 Pages

Max. Macro Commands

Unlimited

Communication Interface

USB Host

YES (USB2.0)

USB Client

YES (USB2.0)

COM1

RS232 (9Pin Terminal)

COM2

RS422/485 (9Pin Terminal)

COM3

N/A (*Optional: RS232 or RS485 or CANBus)

Power

Supply Voltage

24VDC±10% (Isolated)

External Battery Port

YES (Battery type: CR2032H 3V 240mA)

Consumption

20W

Environment

Operating Temperature

0°C~50°C

Relative Humidity

10%~90%

Shock (operation)

Half sine, 20G, 11ms duration

Vibration (operation)

Random vibration 1 Grms (5~500 Hz)

EMI

FCC Part 15 Class A

CE

EN61000-6-2, EN61000-6-4

Ingress Protection

IP65 (Use screw-free lock, the thickness of the plate needs to be ≧ 2~3mm)

Cooling

Natural Cooling

Mechanism Spec.

Dimension WxHxD (mm)

138mm x 86mm x 35.05mm

Cutout Dimension AxB (mm)

132.5mm × 80.5mm

Net Weight (g)

230±10 (g)

Software

Software Version

PM Designer v4.0

What is IPM204?

The IPM204 is a hmi - human machine interface manufactured by Cermate, designed specifically for human-machine-interface applications. A compact 4.3" HMI panel with a 480x272 resolution and 16.7M color display. It features an ARM9 32-bit RISC CPU, multiple communication interfaces (USB, RS232, RS422/485, CANBus), and is IP65 rated for water and dust resistance. Designed for industrial use, it supports extensive programming capabilities with PM Designer v4.0 software. Ideal for various applications requiring robust and flexible HMI solutions.

Key Features & Benefits

[RTOS] 4.3" (480x272)、True color(16.7M)LCD Screen
Compact fuselage, formality black flat panel
Equipped with high-definition high definition LCD screen and ultra-wide vision angle
Ergonomic design, streamlined frame design, front aluminum frame customization service
IP65 standard waterproof and dustproof protection, suitable for various operating spaces and environments
Patented fasteners, tool-free quick installation
Equipped with multi-interface, data transmission is faster and more secure

Applications & Use Cases

The IPM204 is ideal for various industrial automation applications:

Harsh industrial environments requiring dust and water protection
Various applications requiring robust and flexible hmi solutions
Human-machine interface for industrial automation
Memory-intensive applications and multitasking
Manufacturing process control and monitoring
Visual monitoring and data display systems
Production line visualization and control
Quality control and inspection systems

Product Features