Previously known as GE Fanuc, GE Intelligent Platforms has offered a range of QuickPanel View HMI devices since at least 2007. These are all-in-one panel computers that offer monochrome or color LCD screens, ranging in size from six to 15 inches. GE Fanuc touts the devices as being more affordable than most alternatives, thanks to the use of Windows CE instead of a more resource-hungry OS.


The GE Intelligent Platforms QuickPanel View
(Click to enlarge)

The devices offer communications via serial, Ethernet, and several industrial "field buses," the latter based on adding GE Fanuc Genius, DeviceNet, and Profibus expansion cards. The units are also said to include built-in Web servers, for remote access to data using any Web browser.

According to the company, the QuickPanel View devices can communicate with a particularly wide range of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in automation. Compatible PLCs are said to include those made by Allen-Bradley, Automation Direct, GE Intelligent Platforms, Mitsubishi, Modicon, Omron, Siemens, and Square D.

GE Intelligent Platforms says the devices can share tags with other applications developed using the company's "Proficy Machine Edition," eliminating the need to enter data more than once. Proficy Machine Edition is described as an IDE (integrated development environment) for deploying HMI, motion, and multi-target control applications, with drag-and-drop editing and a rich set of development tools.

A "six-inch" model (actually measuring 5.7 inches diagonally) was already offered, but GE Intelligent Platforms says a revised version provides enhanced graphics and increased off-angle visibility. Resolution is still 320 x 240 pixels, the company adds.

Features and specifications listed for the six-inch QuickPanel View include:

• Processor -- unspecified
  
• Memory -- 32MB DRAM, 64MB or 96MB
  
• Display -- 5.7-inch color TFT, 320 x 240 pixel resolution
  
• Expansion -- CompactFlash Type II
  
• Networking -- 10/100 Ethernet
  
• Other I/O:
  • USB
    
  • RS232/RS485
    
  • Communication expansion:
    • GE Fanuc Genius
      
    • DeviceNet slave
      
    • PROFIBUS slave
• Dimensions -- 6.14 x 4.86 x 2.76 (cutout), 8 x 6.17 x 0.85 (front of panel)
  
• Power -- 10.8 to 30 VDC, less than 24 watts
  

Further Information

The new six-inch QuickPanel View system appears to be available now, though pricing was not disclosed. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

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