How can you program an HMI to communicate with multiple PLCs?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

If you work with control systems, you probably know what an HMI is. An HMI, or human-machine interface, is a device that allows you to interact with and monitor the processes controlled by PLCs, or programmable logic controllers. PLCs are the brains of many industrial and automation applications, and they can communicate with various sensors, actuators, and other devices using different protocols and networks. But how can you program an HMI to communicate with multiple PLCs, especially if they use different protocols or have different data formats? In this article, we will explore some of the methods and challenges of HMI-PLC communication, and give you some tips on how to program your HMI to work with multiple PLCs.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 8 条内容中精选。了解更多

Nestor Arria

Senior Automation Engineer- PLC & SCADA Specialist- Industry 4.0 - IIOT speaker
Sebastián Trolli

Research Manager, Head of Industrial Automation & Software at Frost & Sullivan | Driving Business Growth via Market…
Ashutosh Mantry

Assistant General Manager- Automation & Digitization | Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation Enthusiast

1 Choose an HMI

The first step to program an HMI to communicate with multiple PLCs is to choose an HMI that supports the protocols and networks that your PLCs use. For example, if your PLCs use Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, or Profibus, you need an HMI that can connect to those networks and understand those protocols. You also need to consider the size, resolution, memory, and performance of the HMI, as well as the software and tools that you will use to program it. Some HMIs come with built-in software and drivers that make it easy to configure and program them, while others require you to use third-party software or custom code.

添加您的观点

Sebastián Trolli

Research Manager, Head of Industrial Automation & Software at Frost & Sullivan | Driving Business Growth via Market Intelligence and Consulting | Speaker | Passionate about Industry 4.0, Digitalization, and Manufacturing
举报内容
Some ideas: 1- Define the network architecture, ensuring compatibility and optimal data flow between devices. 2- Configure the HMI software to establish communication protocols compatible with all targeted PLCs and ensure seamless data exchange. Leverage standardized communication protocols like Modbus, Profibus, or Ethernet/IP. 3- Use OPC servers (or equivalent communication drivers) to effectively bridge communication gaps and enable real-time monitoring and control across diverse systems. 3- Map tags and addresses for coherent data flow and system interoperability.

已翻译

赞
Ashutosh Mantry

Assistant General Manager- Automation & Digitization | Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation Enthusiast
举报内容
To connect HMI with multiple PLCs you may need a HMI which supports multiple communication protocols like modbus tcp , ethernet ip etc and should have multiple LAN ports . Then you have to establish parallel communication with two PLCs . One on modbus tcp and one on Ethernet ip . Make two graphic pages on HMI and map tags from both the PLCs and check if tags are updating.

已翻译

赞
Daniyal Hasan

Engineering Leader | Driving Innovation Through Cutting-Edge Technology & Strategic Insight | Transforming Ideas into Impactful Solutions
举报内容
Actually, I think first step is to choose a standard protocol that makes the hmi project you will be creating platform agnostic. I would consider opc ua, tcp/ip, profinet in the order of priority.

已翻译

赞
Albert Prieto Open Source

CEO @ IndustrialShields | New Business Development, Project Planning
举报内容
Todos los HMI soportan multiples protocolos, lo más basico y fácil sería vida MODBUS TCP (via puerto ethernet) o MODBUS RTU (via Puerto RJ45) Al final trata de un estándar podrás y enviar y recibir datos. Importante tener en cuenta si el HMI tiene que trabajar como Master o Slave o sea que tienes que saber de la configuración de la instalación.

已翻译

赞
Juan Camilo Mu?oz Camayo

Control Systems Commissioning & Start-Up Engineer
举报内容
Que la HMI escogida soporte el estándar de programación del sistema de control. Si el sistema utiliza PlantPax, una de tipo component no les va a servir

已翻译

赞

2 Configure the HMI

The next step is to configure the HMI to communicate with the PLCs. This involves setting up the network parameters, such as IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateways, as well as the communication parameters, such as baud rates, parity bits, and data formats. You also need to define the tags or variables that you want to read from or write to the PLCs, and map them to the corresponding addresses or registers in the PLC memory. Depending on the HMI software and the PLC protocol, you may need to use different methods to define and map the tags, such as importing or exporting CSV files, using wizards or dialog boxes, or writing scripts or code.

添加您的观点

Juan Camilo Mu?oz Camayo

Control Systems Commissioning & Start-Up Engineer
举报内容
Recomiendo de pronto, si el sistema de control tiene dominio (directorio activo de windows), agregar las panel view al dominio para aprovechar el tema de control de usuarios y passwords.

已翻译

赞

3 Design the HMI screens

The third step is to design the HMI screens that will display the data and controls for the PLCs. This involves creating graphical elements, such as buttons, switches, gauges, charts, and images, and assigning them properties, such as colors, sizes, shapes, and fonts. You also need to link the graphical elements to the tags or variables that you defined in the previous step, and specify the actions or events that will trigger the communication between the HMI and the PLCs. For example, you can link a button to a tag that controls a motor, and set it to send a write command to the PLC when the button is pressed. You can also link a gauge to a tag that measures a temperature, and set it to read the value from the PLC periodically or on demand.

添加您的观点

4 Test and debug the HMI

The fourth step is to test and debug the HMI to ensure that it communicates with the PLCs correctly and reliably. This involves using simulation tools, debugging tools, or real devices to check the functionality and performance of the HMI screens and the communication commands. You can use simulation tools to emulate the PLCs and the network, and test the HMI without connecting it to the actual devices. You can use debugging tools to monitor and analyze the data and messages that are exchanged between the HMI and the PLCs, and identify and fix any errors or issues. You can also use real devices to verify the HMI in the actual environment and conditions, and make any adjustments or improvements as needed.

添加您的观点

5 Deploy and maintain the HMI

The final step is to deploy and maintain the HMI in the field, and ensure that it works as intended and meets the user requirements and expectations. This involves installing and connecting the HMI to the PLCs and the network, and securing and protecting it from unauthorized access or damage. You also need to provide training and support to the users, and update and upgrade the HMI software and hardware as necessary. You may also need to monitor and troubleshoot the HMI-PLC communication, and resolve any problems or issues that may arise.

添加您的观点

Nestor Arria

Senior Automation Engineer- PLC & SCADA Specialist- Industry 4.0 - IIOT speaker
举报内容
Cuando los HMI están instalados en Paneles de Control en campo o en áreas externas de una planta, es usual que los operadores tengan acceso físico a la pantalla la cual es normal que estén expuesto a las condiciones ambientales externas, en estos casos para mejorar su vida útil, recomiendo usar techos en los paneles de control para mejorar la temperatura y evitar la radiación solar directa, además recomiendo que instalen adicionalmente un sunshade que protege a la pantalla de la radiación solar directa, esto es un dispositivo mecánico que mantiene cubierta la pantalla cuando no está en uso por los operadores.

已翻译

赞

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Nestor Arria

Senior Automation Engineer- PLC & SCADA Specialist- Industry 4.0 - IIOT speaker
举报内容
Los HMI son dispositivos de supervisión y no de control, es importante no incluirlo en redes de anillo como parte del anillo, por ejemplo, en arquitecturas DLR de Rockwell no recomiendo incluir los HMIs físicos (Panelviews) como parte del anillo, esto es una recomendación ya que esto facilita un reemplazo sin afectar la integridad de la red y como los HMI están expuestos a condiciones ambientales más severas tienen más a fallar que un PLC dentro de un panel.

已翻译

赞

Control Engineering

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

How can you program an HMI to communicate with multiple PLCs?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Choose an HMI

2 Configure the HMI

3 Design the HMI screens

4 Test and debug the HMI

5 Deploy and maintain the HMI

6 Here’s what else to consider

Control Engineering

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Control Engineering相关文章

更多相关阅读内容