The client had several requirements for this project. Not only did the new hardware have to be small and robust enough to survive in the harsh factory environment, it was also essential that there wouldn’t be any breakdown in communication between the LGV and the control room.For the purposes of collecting information about on-site equipment, Advantech’s HMI total solution included the customer’s required products to achieve the optimal production control and management. According to the different functional requirements, two models of panel computers - the web-based thin-client panels TPC-1551T and the high-performance control panel TPC-1581WP - were to be the on-site terminals. TPC-1551T are used to receive real-time production data and work orders from key machines, and by offering superior computing performance, the TPC-1581WP is for manufacturing machines that need to display high-resolution images and 3D drawings and do the data analytics and control. Both products have the reliability and durability to ensure smooth operation in harsh workplaces. For example they have the following features: fanless and true-flat design with IP66 approved front panel protection to avoid dust or foreign matter damaging the computer; a wide operating temperature range to endure high temperature welding conditions; chassis grounding to resist lightning/ electro static discharge/electric fast transient and international certification (BSMI, CCC, CE, FCC Class A and UL) to protect devices against electromagnetic interference. In addition, they not only have many interfaces to connect a variety of peripherals e.g. printers, scanners and data acquisition modules, but also support Advantech’s innovative iDoor technology enabling them to flexibly expand system functions. In this project, they wereequipped with the PCM-24S2WF communication WIFI module - to enable the TPC-1551T and TPC-1881WP to have wireless functionality without purchasing extra costly devices. As well as installing the TPC as the interfaces of the critical equipment, Advantech also provided network devices and data acquisition modules. Through the EKI series, wired and wireless products were used to establish an industrial-grade network infrastructure and the ADAM-4055(with 16-ch isolated digital I/O) was installed to acquire digital I/O signals, this solution is able to make production machines networked devices while allowing for upward and downward integration
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