Introduction
At automated production plants, the human–machine interface (HMI) of a computer numerical control (CNC) router serves as an interface between the operating system and human operator. It provides controls for users to operate machines, systems, and instruments. It also ensures reliability in the data processing operations of machining centers and can visualize the key control data from processes in real time.
Requirements and Solution
One of our Chinese customers, a manufacturer of CNC routers used in various industries, was looking for a motherboard for a panel/software HMI solution for interacting with the CNC routers in order to improve operational efficiency and minimize downtime. Because the customer’s CNC routers were required to operate continuously, the customer needed a reliable motherboard with low power consumption for closely monitoring production and responding to changes in production demands. Furthermore, the customer required an API to act as a hardware–software bridge so that the system status could be monitored remotely and system data (e.g., CPU temperature, fan speed) could be collected for failure prediction and analysis. To meet these requirements, the Advantech AIMB-215 was selected as the HMI solution.
AIMB-215 Features
- THIN Mini-ITX (height, <22 mm)
- Fanless design
- Supports dual displays: VGA, dual channel 24-bit LVDS, DisplayPort 1.2.
- Rich expansion options: two Mini-PCIe sockets (F/S x 1, H/S x 1 with SIM card holder)
