ARC WHITE PAPER - Control Design€¦ · ARC WHITE PAPER FEBRUARY 2009 GOT HMI? ... Mitsubishi...

By ARC Advisory Group

ARC WHITE PAPER

FEBRUARY 2009

GOT HMI?

How Mitsubishi Electric’s Visualization Solutions Increase Productivity and Profitability

Executive Overview .................................................................... 3

HMI Platform Market Drivers ........................................................ 4

Emerging Trends in HMI Platforms ................................................ 8

Mitsubishi Electric’s GOT HMI Platform .......................................... 10

History of Mitsubishi Graphic Operation Terminal ........................... 15

Solutions Provided with the GOT HMI ........................................... 18

The Future of the GOT HMI Platform ............................................. 21

Summary and Conclusions .......................................................... 25

THOUGHT LEADERS FOR MANUFACTURING & SUPPLY CHAIN

ARC White Paper • February 2009

2 • Copyright © ARC Advisory Group • ARCweb.com


Copyright © ARC Advisory Group • ARCweb.com • 3

As the focus of the HMI platform is

changing from a standalone component to

a platform that solves problems and

provides solutions, users are turning to

open systems and commercial-off-the-

shelf technologies to meet their increasing

demands for high performance, ease of

use, and lower total cost of ownership.

Executive Overview

The worldwide Human Machine Interface platform (HMI) market contin-ues to evolve to meet the needs of manufacturers, processors, and OEM

users, especially during periods of economic turbulence. As the focus of the HMI platform is changing from a standalone component to a platform that solves problems and provides so-lutions, users are turning to open systems and commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to meet their increasing demands for high performance, ease of use, and lower total cost of ownership.

For new installations, a decision on which device network should be used often now has a higher priority in the decision making process than which HMI platform or device should be used.

Although technological advancement will continue to be an important fac-tor, the focus of manufacturers, processors, and OEMs has moved toward seeking solutions that help them manage their manufacturing operations while dealing with the reality of having to pare back their in-house capabil-ity to engineer and support automation systems. In addition, the pressure on users to react to the demands of global competition will require in-creased integration of automation with other enterprise applications. This is having an impact on HMI platforms as architectures become dominated by the flow of information within a model that is infinitely scalable. The use of object-based technologies coupled with Internet access is an example of this trend that will change the HMI platform from a standalone applica-tion specific platform to a key component of an automation solutions portfolio.

These trends have led Mitsubishi Electric to develop and introduce a com-plete portfolio of HMI platforms. The GOT HMI Platform is an all new and evolutionary family of high performance and flexible solutions that com-bines leading edge performance, graphics and functionality into a unique, compact and robust package. ARC feels that the GOT HMI Platform is well positioned to meet the needs of manufacturers, processors, and OEMs, es-pecially during a period of economic turbulence where every bit of automation expenditure must be met with a quick return on investment.



HMI Platform Market Drivers

One of the key market drivers for HMI plat-forms is their use to visualize key metrics and KPIs such as OEE and energy savings that helps manufacturers, processors, and OEM users quantify the benefits of their automation investments. These users are all too aware of global competition and escalating energy costs, as well as the need for automation equipment that not only can lead to more cost effective flexible production, but also reduce the green-house effect and play a part in meeting emission targets. These users, however, must go through a business justification process to replace existing equipment that is less efficient,

and provide clear metrics regarding the return on investment (ROI) and return on assets (ROA) of each purchase. To this end, these users require quantifiable figures to form a clear view of the benefits derived from up-grading their automation solutions, and are using HMI platforms as the digital dashboard to visualize these metrics.

Minimizing Total Cost of Ownership

Minimizing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the manufacturers, pro-cessors, and OEM users is achievable by using HMI platforms that are designed for open systems interoperability to achieve rapid implementa-tion. Interoperable HMI platforms allow for subsequent changes that optimize processes and provide development tools for integration of com-ponents and systems. The ease of achieving this integration is vital to providing the lowest possible TCO. Another primary factor in lowering TCO is providing a platform that requires little to no maintenance by elimi-nating mechanical products such as fans and hard drives that can fail in time. These devices are typically found in non-industrially hardened de-vices such as laptop computers, but are eliminated from HMI platforms wherever possible.

Initial Design & Development Flexibility in manufacturing operations continues to drive automation solu-tions such as HMI platforms into leveraging easy to use integration devices

HMI Platforms Visualize Key Metrics and KPIs



Today, HMI platforms have become a

primary building block for factory

automation systems in conjunction with

the PAC/PLC in manufacturing plants.

where the impetus is to lower the initial design and engineering effort for manufacturers, processors, and OEM users. Many automation configura-tions typically require frequent changes after installation, as more process issues surface over time. If the HMI platform is installed using an open, interoperable, standardized approach, making subsequent changes after

initial design and development could be made with ease and minimal cost. Users now associate HMI platforms with providing the benefits of interoperable components and systems for easy integration as they yearn for lower initial design

and development costs. Users are establishing criteria in which they can evaluate automation solutions such as HMI platforms based on the ability to lower their initial design and development costs without compromising manufacturing performance and reliability.

The emerging need for HMI Platforms Today, HMI platforms have become a primary building block for factory automation systems in conjunction with the PAC/PLC in manufacturing plants. However, the emerging need for the HMI platform is to be utilized as more than just an operator interface window into the application, but as an e-business enabler and an enterprise integration tool. The sensor-to-boardroom demands of e-business require seamless integration of automa-tion and other key enterprise applications. As the trend toward open systems in the automation and enterprise markets continue to unfold, the HMI platform emerges as a single device to support a wide range of appli-cations. At the low end of the market, characterized by small, fully integrated, low cost products, HMI platforms can now form the basis of an embedded control product for a wide range of OEM product application. At the high end of the market, characterized by manufacturing processes integrated to global operations, HMI platforms provide data and informa-tion visibility into both the plant floor as well as the enterprise as a whole.

Saving Wiring & Space while Easing Design & Modification HMI platforms function as a connectivity hub in the manufacturing enter-prise capable of integrating, for example, plant floor machinery production control systems with production planning systems. HMI platforms have progressively displaced conventional operator input devices and display elements such as hardwired push buttons, lights and LED numerical dis-plays over the past 15 years, which provides substantial savings in wiring, costs, and space. Displacement of hardwired panels and pushbuttons is



driven by the tremendous cost efficiency of graphical display devices and commercial software technology. The ease of the design and the flexibility afforded by the simplified modification software programs are also driving the market toward scalable HMI platforms in lieu of the multitude of pa-nels and pushbuttons.

Highly Reliable Hardware and Software

With a continuously lowering component costs and improved designs, pro-cessors and software controlled systems such as HMI platforms offer compact designs, flexible handling, rich features and competitive costs, along with long mean times between failures (MTBF) based on the selection of hardware components that are typically measured in years of continuous operation. Hardware reliability is achieved by eliminating physical faults

by performing extensive burn-in testing, and should not become an issue until the components reach the end of their designed life.

Software reliability is measured differently however, as it is not a direct function of time. Software reliability is achieved by eliminating design faults and performing extensive functionality testing and debugging. Software reliability does not diminish with time as hardware does, even as it is approaching obsolescence, however, software reliability can be affected each time an upgrade is made. This has been an argument that bodes well for the HMI

platform, as the embedded software has been included as part of the exten-sive functionality and burn-in testing prior to delivery to the user, and the HMI platform is not subject to continuous software upgrades that could negatively impact reliability.

Dedicated Embedded Real-time OS Operating systems for HMI platforms will evolve over the coming years as even the most compact of real time operating systems provide layers of service that support web pages and complex graphical user interfaces. Em-bedded devices using, for example, VxWorks offer OPC server compliance, as this implementation enables embedded devices to exchange information with Windows-based host systems. Language independence of VxWorks implementations, for example, provides manufacturers, processors, and OEM users the flexibility to, if they choose, write PC-based host applica-tions in Java, Visual Basic, C++, or in any other Active X-compatible



A key reason that HMI platforms are

growing in popularity is their ability to lower

maintenance time and expense for

manufacturers, processors, and OEM users.

language. Industrial automation applications on a PC are able to interact with distributed objects on a VxWorks-based target.

As automation components continue to employ increasingly more intelli-gence in devices, the need for a real time OS with minimal platform resource requirements is essential. VxWorks scalability facilitates form fit-ting for a specific platform while addressing the industry demand for Ethernet connectivity and web enabled devices, which need to exist on a HMI platform with minimal system resources.

Operations Management

Manufacturers, processors, and OEM users are increasing their operational visualization information agility by accessing and visualizing real-time in-formation and applying it to speed up and improve operations integrating business, manufacturing, and production otherwise known as operations management. This focus is on continuous performance and agility im-provement, visualization and control of production equipment, digitized manufacturing operations, and unified and standardized plant IT in-

frastructure. These users are deploying opera-tions management solutions that serve their business and operations needs and is based on industry standards, securely managing and stan-dardizing visualization and IT infrastructure

across multiple facilities. This standardization of visualization is a driving force in the growth of HMI. These users seek greater IT, engineering time, and cost savings by implementing visualization applications that leverage quicker to deploy graphics capabilities that can be rapidly implemented and managed. These users want to take the pain out of expanding and managing disparate systems by transforming their HMI platforms into en-terprise-wide, collaboration tools without disrupting their current operations.

Maintenance

A key reason that HMI platforms are growing in popularity is their ability to lower maintenance time and expense for manufacturers, processors, and OEM users. HMI platforms which support automation and enterprise ap-plications that provide the control room operators with key data and information speeds up maintenance operations and reduces interruptions for the operators to support maintenance teams. These HMI platforms pro-



vide maintenance crews with access to the company's maintenance man-agement system at either the control room level or directly at the machine level. Some HMI platforms are configured specifically to incorporate HMI, configuration procedures, programming languages, and maintenance pro-cedures. This provides the user with a common interface, and allows the user to achieve the operational benefits of integration transparently be-tween each domain.

Information Transcends all Production Requirements

Manufacturers, processors, and OEM users are also placing a higher value on visualization of the information provided by the asset, rather than the asset itself, as information is transcending all production requirements. That leads to challenges, which lie with choosing what HMI platform to adopt that will keep these users globally competitive. This has created a strong focus on what to do with data provided by assets and how data gets converted into the information needed to manage their business. HMI plat-forms are playing a key role in the way an asset’s information is viewed and analyzed. HMI platforms is enabling the proliferation of, for example, asset management and condition monitoring applications, which are im-portant as users look to minimize the lifecycle costs of their capital assets.

Emerging Trends in HMI Platforms

Significant emerging trends and technologies will influence and contribute to the development of future HMI platforms. These factors include the con-

tinued proliferation of Internet-based technol-ogy for distributed infrastructure, collaborative manufacturing architectures that will define the exchange of information from the embedded device level to enterprise tier applications, additional wireless HMI plat-form products, the incorporation of HMI platforms into integrated automation solu-tions, and the need for interoperability across all systems and applications. Additionally, the evolving Internet/Intranet-based factory environment, along with libraries of web ser-HMI Platforms Incorporate Vision Along With

Robotics



The HMI platform must focus attention on

the process as a whole and avoid distraction

for the operator when zooming into details.

vices, will provide the infrastructure for the exchange and transfer of plant floor information.

HMI Platforms Are More than Just Visualization

Today's HMI platform applications are more than just visualization, taking on more of the attributes of the traditional SCADA applications where per-formance indicators such as KPIs, real-time analysis, and applications for manufacturing intelligence are becoming more important to optimize pro-duction processes and to hone productivity and efficiency. In today's manufacturing environment, production process information is in demand more than ever. Real-time information is required to power supply chain execution systems, quality assurance, maintenance, and scheduling activi-ties. Across a variety of industries, there is a significant shift from client-server architectures that were usually confined to controls, HMI, and su-pervisory domains, to the next generation of device-centric architecture that can provide much more accurate real-time snapshots of the production process at the enterprise level.

Market Needs for HMI Platforms

Market needs for HMI platforms include visualization requirements that must be adapted to the operator's needs while incorporating the manufac-turing process requirements for optimal operation. The HMI platform must

focus attention on the process as a whole and avoid distraction for the operator when zooming into details, for example. An effective HMI plat-form visualization reminds the operator as much

as possible of the real process, and avoids the need to translate their think-ing into code, numbers and tags. Operations improve when the operator is able to solve complex problems, which results in increasing KPIs and oper-ational excellence.

Overall operational performance is also affected by maximizing the visuali-zation of the HMI platform through leveraging the latest in technology, such as 64-bit computing, and deploying an embedded real-time operating system designed to optimize this hardware. Best results for the operator are obtained from presenting the most realistic representations of the process possible, developed through a collaborative design and implemen-tation process between operators, process or design engineering, and operations management. Time and budget spent on this improved process



visualization pays off very quickly in terms of operational improvement, reduced incidents and accidents, operator turnover, and absenteeism.

Market Conditions Today’s turbulent market conditions dictate that manufacturers, processors, and OEM users leverage the use of multi-disciplined products wherever possible such as HMI platforms that lower TCO by performing multiple functionalities on a single system. These difficult market conditions are also creating more pressure on users to provide digital dashboard tools fo-cused on sustainability and energy savings applications to further cut operational costs. Automation equipment, including HMI platforms, play an important role in sustainability initiatives as they help satisfy many “green” demands, including the visualization of AC drives, which saves significant energy. HMI platforms are presently used as digital dashboards to show KPIs for the entire enterprise, such as Dynamic OEE, throughput or downtime, and displays information comparing actual performance versus targets. The visualization of metrics designed for sustainability and energy savings is a key driver during periods of economic turbulence.

Mitsubishi Electric’s GOT HMI Platform

With processes and quality standards becoming increasingly complex, de-manding, and global, manufacturers, processors, and OEM users are

requiring industrial automation systems that are capable of providing much more detailed information on the control processes for plant and machinery. Mitsu-bishi Electric provides an extensive line of HMI platforms as their flagship product for this market.

Launch HMI business with GOT

Mitsubishi Electric has pushed forward the development of its visualization program, realigning the products in this sector with a new concept called GOT, which is short for Graphic Operation Terminals. This concept is built around the GOT1000 series, which provides flexibility, openness and seam-less compatibility with all Mitsubishi Electric automation systems. The GOT



series HMI platform contains a broad array of functions and touch-screen operation, providing users with a full-graphics terminal, input via touch-screen and/or conventional keyboard, analog displays of process values, recipe handling functionality, PAC/PLC diagnostics functions, and drivers for all MELSEC PLCs as well as various third-party manufacturers.

The Concept of GOT Development

To meet the increasingly diversified needs of manufacturers, processors, and OEM users, Mitsubishi Electric put on the market a range of new pro-

grammable Graphic Operation Terminals (GOT) under the designation “GOT1000 series” in July of 2004. In the course of developing the GOT1000 se-ries HMI platform, Mitsubishi Electric strengthened the basic functions and performance in meeting universal needs for displays such as being highly responsive, with visualization quality that ad-dresses the operator's needs, all in a user-friendly package. In addition, to meet a variety of market needs, Mitsubishi Electric incorporated new fea-tures into the GOT, including a USB transparent function that can be accessed via a USB port pro-vided on the front, a multichannel function, and an advanced alarm function.

Enhanced Functionality For A Broad Range of Applications

Mitsubishi Electric designed the GOT HMI platform to be compact in size and rugged in construction, with a large processing capacity to reduce the CPU workload. The GOT offers multi-language text and graphic support, with numerous options for complex installations. In fitting with the multi-disciplined platform philosophy, the GOT offers a common software development environment, and a host of embedded functions to meet or exceed industry standards.

For Designers Mitsubishi Electric extends the GOT feature set beyond unifying control on a compact, industrially hardened platform, a significant benefit to a wide range of industries where TCO can be reduced by eliminating the engineer-ing work needed to integrate disparate disciplines on the same system. Because the GOT platform is designed based on an open, interoperable,

GOT GT16 Front Mounted USB Port



For minimizing start-up hours and setup

monitoring, the GOT platform is designed

for a simple cable connection without the

need to open the en-closure cabinet due to

its front mounted USB interface.

standardized approach, making subsequent changes after initial design and development can be made with ease and minimal cost.

For Operators Some GOT models offer features such as three-color backlight screens for enhanced data visualization, so flashing screens and different screen colors can be used based on the type of information being displayed. Color and backlight switching can be controlled by both the HMI and PAC/PLC. For example, a green screen can indicate normal operation during automatic operation, an orange screen can indicate manual operation during setup change, and a red screen can indicate an alarm during material shortage.

For Initial Startup & Adjustment Operators For minimizing start-up hours and setup monitoring, the GOT platform is designed for a simple cable connection without the need to open the enclo-

sure cabinet due to its front mounted USB inter-face. This enables edit sequence programs, for example, to be run without having to open the cabinet, which allows program reading, writing, and monitoring to be performed. Project data

can also be maintained from a remote location, with high-speed download-ing and uploading via Ethernet connectivity.

For Maintenance Personnel The GOT is designed for rapid diagnostics and cause identification to mi-nimize machine downtime, enabling a speedy system recovery. Rapid detection and corrective action is driven through access to a wide array of alarms. Easy to understand displays and improved system alarms support personnel in identifying alarm causes. A systems monitor function enables performing sequence device monitoring, as well as making changes to set-ting such as timer and counter functions.

From MELSEC HMI to the Standard HMI

The GOT Platform is an an integral part of Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC product family, which encompasses a broad spectrum of operating and vi-sualization systems, ranging from simple text-based HMI panels to full-featured industrial PCs. The series include text-based HMI panels, graphi-cal HMI panels, HMI panels with function keys, HMI panels with touch screens and industrial PCs in a variety of different versions.



The GOT Platform is based on the embedded

Wind River VxWorks real-time operating

system, which is built on open standards and

designed for tightly integrated run-time

technologies that require 100 percent uptime.

Reliability Aspects of the GOT Platform

Mitsubishi Electric’s quality management activities require considerable investment to ensure manufacturers, processors, and OEMs top reliability. The evaluation carried out at Mitsubishi Electric’s Nagoya Works factory, where the GOT Platform is manufactured, analyzes each unit down to the structure of its electronic parts. Electronic parts are at the core of the GOT Platform. Integrated Circuit (IC) devices are subject to reliability evaluation tests that include X-ray testing, electron microscopes, structural observa-tions and environment tests to detect latent defects. Since the electronic parts being evaluated are particularly precise, high precision and specially designed machines are used. This level of quality management is integral to all Mitsubishi Electric products.

A Highly Reliable Dedicated OS, VX Works, Embedded in GOT The GOT Platform is based on the embedded Wind River VxWorks real-time operating system, which is built on open standards and designed for

tightly integrated run-time technologies that require 100 percent uptime. This real-time ker-nel package is backed by a 25-year track record, and supports POSIX and industry-standard protocols such as IPv6 and TIPC, ensuring max-imum code portability and interoperability.

VxWorks includes frameworks for file systems, power management, and interconnect-ivy, as well as comprehensive security capacities that begin at the core operating system level for absolute application and device security.

Integration of A900 series and F900 series

Part of the GOT Platforms includes the integration of A900 series and F900 series touch screen displays. The A900 GOT Series is a complete line of displays with full-sized screens and enhanced maintenance functionality. The F900 GOT is a cost-effective line of touch screen displays that features widescreen and hand-held options. Both families offers a wide selection of different displays ranging from monochrome EL version all the way up to 256 color TFT and LCD displays. In addition, quality graphical objects and bitmaps can be combined with libraries that exist to offer a wide variety of devices, images and animation effects.

Connectivity with Third Party PACs, PLCs, & Motion Controllers

Manufacturers, processors, and OEMs require HMI connectivity to a



variety of PACs, PLCs, and motion control devices, regardless of the manufacturer. The GOT Platform offers two primary methods of providing

this connectivity. First, the multiple driver capability of the GOT Platform allows any unit to leverage device specific drivers. Also, each GOT Platform can be connected to other devices connected via CC-Link IE, which is a high performance industrial Ethernet based controller network.

Total Solutions Mitsubishi Electric’s strategy is to establish hardware leadership while partnering for

software solutions. The GOT HMI Platform plays a key role in Mitsubishi Electric’s e-F@ctory concept as well as their iQ Automation multi-disciplined PAC Platform, which when complemented with a high performance, open industrial network such as CC-Link IE is designed to provide total automation and enterprise solutions to manufacturers, processor, and OEMs.

e-F@ctory Mitsubishi Electric’s e-F@ctory concept for manufacturing systems pro-vides the necessary focused link between control systems and other appli-cations, most commonly MES. The benefits of this approach cover a range of IT and manufacturing performance issues. Some of the benefits are a result of using a well chosen integration platform for sharing data and enabling interoperability among applications. Other benefits are specific to the functions and features of e-F@ctory that facilitate this integration.

iQ Platform The iQ Automation PAC Platform incorporates multiple domains of control on a single platform: process, logic, and motion. The iQ Automation Plat-form is a core component of Mitsubishi Electric’s eF@ctory architecture that is specifically designed to “information enable” a manufacturer’s produc-tion facility. While iQ Automation is designed with high performance, multi-dimensional control applications in mind, it also serves the broader requirements of production operations.

GOT Facilitates Connectivity to a Variety of Devices



History of Mitsubishi Graphic Operation Terminal

The worldwide HMI Platform market continues to become more competitive. The focus of the HMI Platform business is changing from providing com-ponents to providing solutions. An increased demand at the OEM level, growing demand for touch-screens and flat panel displays, and increas-ing requirements for Internet and Ethernet capabilities, are primary factors driving growth in the HMI Platform market. Mitsubishi Electric has been a leader in providing HMI Platforms to this market since 1992.

The Birth of Mitsubishi HMI for MELSEC, A77/A64 series

The origins of Mitsubishi Electric in the HMI Platform business begins in 1992 with the birth of the first MELSEC graphic operation terminals (GOT) known as the A64 series and the A77 series. These HMI Platforms were designed to be compatible with Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC family of PLCs and offered features such as ladder monitoring and a direct bus con-nection with the MELSEC family. These products were well received in the marketplace and built a solid foundation for future platform development.

Standard HMI, A800 series

The next major release of an HMI Platform for Mitsubishi Electric was the first full-fledged GOT series, the A800, in 1995. These were Mitsubishi Elec-tric’s first products that leveraged Microsoft Windows compatible software and offered a PLC free function. The A800 Series featured models such as the A850 that offered touch screens ranging from 320 x 240 resolution with 300 definable touch areas, available in either a backlit LCD or 8-color dis-play, to the A870 that offered touch screens ranging from 640 x 480 resolution, available in either backlit monochrome, 8 color STN or 16 color TFT. Users had the option of viewing the PLC program and monitoring the ladder diagram. The functionality of offering high speed ladder monitor-ing based on a 32bit RISC CPU, a multi-language display utilizing a

Pendant GOT in Action



Mitsubishi Electric’s vision for their top

line HMI would be a platform that has

evolved from purely a MELSEC HMI to a

general-purpose HMI Platform.

Unicode font, and Windows software was considered leading edge tech-nology at that time.

Higher performance, A900/F900 series

Evolving from the A800 series, Mitsubishi Electric introduced its next fami-ly of HMI Platforms, driven by the market need for higher performance and functionality, the A900 Series and F900 Series in 1998. The major changes to these platforms was the introduction of thinner, smaller platform packages, much higher and faster response speeds, animation and video/RGB functions, and a full line-up for every display size. The A900/F900 Series utilized a new high speed 32bit RISC chip and a display capable of handling 256 colors, along with enhanced recipe functionality. Today, the A900/F900 Series has been integrated and are offered with color or monochrome displays (STN & TFT), 2.6 to 12.1 inch screen sizes, panel mount or handheld installations, and support connection to Mitsubishi Electric’s sequence controllers, third party controller brands, and to other products including motion controllers, barcode readers and printers.

Highest Performance “GOT”, GOT1000 series

Mitsubishi Electric’s vision for their top line HMI would be a platform that has evolved from purely a MELSEC HMI to a general-purpose HMI Plat-form. These platforms are designed for both machine and enterprise level

visualization. The platform would have enhanced connectivity to third party PACs and PLCs, and offer superior performance and functionality re-gardless of connected PAC or PLC type. The new platform would also drive the integration of Mit-

subishi Electric’s own A and F series models. Mitsubishi Electric’s vision came to fruition in June 2004.

The GOT1000 series comes in three different versions. The entry level GT10 Series GOT is the smallest and most compact GOT terminal in the lineup and is designed for small standalone applications. The GT10 monochrome STN displays range from 3.5 inch to 4.5 inch in size, with integrated serial ports for programming and communications, and offer programmable mul-ticolor backlit LCDs in green, red and orange or red, white and pink color backlight, and a wide range of fonts and graphics support.



The mid level GT11 Series GOT provides basic HMI functionality and is designed for standalone applications. The GT11 comes in either a 5.7 inch monochrome STN, color TFT, or color STN display, in either panel mount or pendent configurations, with integrated serial ports for programming and communications. The GT11 offers front mounted USB ports in panel models and is also available in transparent mode.

The top level GT15 Series GOT provides advanced HMI functionality and is designed for applications requiring networking and high performance. The GT15 is available with dual processors, and comes in either a color or mo-nochrome TFT or STN display ranging from 5.7 inch to 15 inch in size, along with integrated serial ports and communications option slots as well as expandable memory. The GT15 offers a front mounted USB port and transparent mode functionality, and is suitable for preventative mainten-ance applications.

The Newest GOT, the GT16 model

The GT16 Series concept is Mitsubishi Electric’s 4th generation Graphic Op-eration Terminal (GOT) HMI Platform, which offers a comprehensive multimedia HMI Package in an “All-in-One” model that includes integrated video and sound. The platform provides enhance functionality to rival both traditional PCs as well as other competitive HMI platforms. GT16 Se-

ries offers a host of flexible third party connections and numerous maintenance functions. The GT16 common hardware features includes an enhanced CPU and graphics engine, integrated communica-tion ports and power supply, RS422/485

and Ethernet connectivity, front mounted USB port and USB host/device, compact flash slots, and built-in 15MB flash memory. The platform is com-pact in construction and offers high quality display technology with 65,000 colors, an operating system that is upgradable, and a real time clock.

The GT16 Series multimedia capability transform applications from still im-ages to the era of motion images by enabling video input support across a large range of terminals ranging from 8.4 to 15 inch displays, with video capture and store, a monitor display / RGB input, and a sound output in-terface. A key feature is the real time video playback and record functionality, where the user can play GT16 recordings or MPEG4 file types



The GOT platform will provide solutions as

a key component of the infrastructure

required for the exchange and transfer of

plant floor data and information between

manufacturing and the enterprise.

from the terminal, record events up to 120 seconds before and after the condition being monitored, and save files to a remote server.

Solutions Provided with the GOT HMI

The GOT HMI Platform is being deployed to provide a wide number of so-lutions for manufacturers, processors, and OEMs who seeks solutions for collaborative manufacturing, visualization, and interoperability across a multitude of systems and applications. The GOT platform will provide so-lutions as a key component of the infrastructure required for the exchange and transfer of plant floor data and information between manufacturing and the enterprise.

Create the Value of “Time”

There are many examples of how the GOT Platform saves its users signifi-cant time, specifically the reduction of downtime and engineering development time and effort for user creation, which may be the most va-lued commodities for the manufacturer, processor, or OEM. As one

example, the software development environment makes it easy to navigate and configure objects with direct and indirect access to functions and object properties, thereby helping the user to sig-nificantly reduce development time. Another time

saver is the GOT’s ability to execute auxiliary control statements or scripts without the PAC or PLC program’s execution, thus saving PAC or PLC memory and/or provides a level of functionality not present or easily de-veloped in the PAC or PLC.

Quick Troubleshooting

The GOT Platform has a pallet of 65,536 colors and supports numerous file type including JPEG, BMP, DXF and IGES file formats, making it possible for the user to easily create and display highly effective troubleshooting screens by making use of images from drawings, schematics or other im-agery taken with a digital camera, which significantly speeds up the troubleshooting process. Also the large amount of memory that is standard



The GOT Platform has the capability to

display any type of document with the

document display function.

on the GOT Platform makes it possible to use plenty of image data that is indispensable for displaying effective troubleshooting screens.

Document Display and Ladder Monitor Function The GOT Platform has the capability to display any type of document with the document display function. This feature allows user the ability to create and display detailed documentation (machine instructions, work orders, etc. directly on the HMI without additional software or licenses. The one-

touch ladder monitor jump function is a unique feature that will display the corresponding ladder blocks within the multiple programs that are contained in the PACs and PLCs. This

unique feature can be performed not only on the PACs and PLCs directly connected to the GOT Platform, but also the PACs and PLC connected to the network. Users gain instant access to device values, along with timer and counter set values which can be changed on the fly while viewing real time logic operations. .

Quick Detection of the Cause of the Problem

One key driver of HMI solutions is to help users investigate problems cause at the production site. For example, when an error is detected, the HMI Platform can search for and display the problem cause, especially when an operation halts due to unknown reasons at an unknown location. The problem cause can be quickly found, providing that the HMI Platform is equipped with powerful tracing operations. Mitsubishi Electric has equipped the GOT with these diagnostic tracing functionalities.

Operator Authentication Function & Operator Log Function

The GOT Platform is used to quickly detect the cause of the manufacturers, processors, or OEMs problems to minimize production loss due to unexpected product failures. For example, the operator authentication function enables users to define password access down to the individual operator. This level of password support enables tighter machine security and integrity. In combination with the operator authentication function, the operation log function enables users to identify the problem cause in detail, such as who performed which operation such as key operation or data input, and what data was specifically entered.



Visualize the Information of Various Automation Devices

A primary function of the GOT Platform is to collect and organize informa-tion from various automation devices to display on a single screen for quick reference in either a stand-alone or network environment. The GOT1000 series has an expanded range of connectable devices, permitting connection to both Mitsubishi Electric and other brand major brands of PACs and PLCs. Connection with Mitsubishi Electric servo amplifiers, temperature controllers, inverters and CNCs is also part of this range of devices.

MES Interface Function

A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) controls and manages the production processes in order to optimize quality, productivity, delivery date and cost. The GOT Platform is designed to support this database linkage and transmit data from the connected automation devices to the server personal computer database via SQL statements. This saves the user from the requirement of using a gateway personal computer and complicated programs to communicate with the MES database server.

Keep Users’ System Safe in Case of a PAC/PLC Failure

Failure of a PAC or PLC can have tremendous consequences for the manu-facturer, processor, or OEM, resulting in lost product, time, and profits, or more importantly, safety issues for workers. This makes it critical that in-formation such as sequence programs, parameters, comments, and file registers can be read and stored via a backup function, then can easily be written to a new PAC or PLC via a restore function. Mitsubishi Electric enables this functionality as part of the GOT Platform.

Backup/Restoration Function The ability to backup sequence programs and be able to provide a restore function is critical to keeping systems safe in case of a PAC or PLC failure. Backing up the latest data enables quick system restorations in the event of problems caused by battery failures or changes to new programs. This is a key capability of the GOT Platform. In addition to a manual backup

MES Functionality – From Plant Floor to Board Room



In the future, manufacturers,

processors, and OEMs will increasingly

seek HMI platforms that address the

need of providing digital dashboard

tools focused on sustainability and

energy savings applications.

function, the GOT Platform can perform automatic backups by the use of a trigger device or by specifying the time and day.

The Future of the GOT HMI Platform

In the future, manufacturers, processors, and OEMs will increasingly seek HMI platforms that address the need of providing digital dashboard tools focused on sustainability and energy savings applications, including the

visualization and control of AC drives. HMI plat-forms are presently used as digital dashboards to show KPIs for the entire enterprise, such as Dynam-ic OEE, throughput or downtime, and generate reports of actual performance versus targets. The visualization of metrics designed for sustainability

and energy savings will be added to the portfolio of Mitsubishi Electric and their GOT HMI Platforms of the future.

Also in the future, manufacturers, processors, and OEMs will increasingly seek HMI platforms that address the needs of remote maintenance, as manufacturing is continually dispersed to all points around the globe. This trend will drive future GOT HMI platforms to also include enhanced re-mote maintenance functionalities that will allow the user to view the GOT screens remotely from a PC. The future GOT HMI platforms will support VNC client functionality so its users can apply the GOT as remote PC moni-tor, providing a PC display on the GOT platform.

From Control Panel to Information Device

In the future, Mitsubishi Electric’s GOT HMI Platforms will continue to evolve from their roots of being primarily a control panel to their position as a full-fledged information device. For example, the GOT HMI Platforms used to visualize energy consumption and sustainability metrics will help manufacturers, processors, and OEMs quantify the benefits of their auto-mation investments to the bottom line. These users require real time information regarding their natural resource consumption, carbon usage, as well as their sustainability initiatives. The benefits derived from informa-tion-centric HMI Platforms lead to not only more cost effective production, but also reduce the greenhouse effect and play a part in meeting emission targets.



Mitsubishi Electric will continue to add

capabilities to their GOT HMI Platforms

that support on-site work from a wide

range of perspectives that range from

operators and maintenance personnel to

plant management and IT departments.

Support On-Site Work from Every Perspective

Mitsubishi Electric will continue to add capabilities to their GOT HMI Plat-forms that support on-site work from a wide range of perspectives that range from operators and maintenance personnel to plant management and IT departments. This is part of Mitsubishi Electric’s “Advanced Mainten-ance” initiatives with GOT to better monitor systems, ladder code, lists, networks, motion controllers, servos, intelligent units and CNCs. These initiatives also address better performing preventative maintenance, going beyond just the user’s ability to monitor and set notifications for backlight

run time, display run time, touch key operations, and alerting maintenance personnel that service is approaching or is necessary.

System monitoring will expand from displaying four monitor windows for either individual de-vices and/or a batch of devices, enabling change or modification of devices, forcing bit conditions

or change device values, and viewing other stations when connected on a network. Ladder monitoring will grow from just direct access to MELSEC CPUs, enabling easy views of logic, documentation, statements, notes and device comments stored in CPUs, capable of monitoring / troubleshooting programs without a PC or peripheral device. List monitoring will go beyond editing MELSEC series sequence programs in instruction list formatand monitoring logic offline and online without a PC, and viewing both logic and logic editor using a single screen. Network monitoring will broa-den from just Mitsubishi Electric control level networks viewed directly from the terminal and monitoring entire networks from a centralized loca-tion without a PC.

Motion monitoring will encompass more than just access to three Mitsubi-shi Electric motion CPUs to view amplifier status, position data, parameter settings, error lists, real and virtual mode data, and system configuration and layout. Servo monitoring will go beyond just direct MELSERVO con-nection for access to alarm data, position data, parameters, I/O, setup, debug and test servo amps for stand-alone and multi-drop systems. Net-work unit monitoring will be more than just direct access to intelligent and specialty modules, viewing module and I/O status, CPU status, serial numbers, error codes, and module information. Finally, CNC monitoring will go beyond just a “Front end” solution for a CNC system, providing direct access to MELDAS systems and viewing position data, coordinates



and variables, alarms and diagnosis, axis info, tool offsets, programs and parameters, CNC control logic (MELDAS APLC), and MNET and Ethernet connections.

Expansion of the Line-up

As the worldwide HMI Platform market continues to rapidly evolve and change, Mitsubishi Electric will expand their GOT HMI Platforms to meet the manufacturers, processors, and OEMs de-mands for adopting solutions that make them more globally competitive. The product lifecycle of the HMI Platform is shrinking fast, as their users demand that HMI Platform suppliers such as Mitsubishi Electric leverage the latest in functionali-ties and technologies. Mitsubishi Electric will expand their GOT Platform line-up faster over the next five years than they did over the previous 16 years.

Future GT16 Models Future GT16 models will offer even more powerful multimedia HMI Packages with further enhanced video and sound. The future platform will blur the functionality found in traditional PCs as well as other competitive HMI platforms. There will be a continued expansion of third party connections, and further addition of unique maintenance functions. Future GT16 common hardware features will include greatly enhanced CPUs and graphics engines and additional built-in flash memory. The platform will be even more compact in construction and leverage the higher quality display technologies available. Future GT16 models will offer multimedia capability that will further transform motion images by enabling video input support across an even wider range of terminals.

GT10 Model Larger Sizes Future GT10 models will grow to include the GT1040 and GT1050. The GT1040 will come in a new 4.7 inch, 320 x 240 dot screen size with a bright STN backlight, in either a 256 color model or a 2 color white & blue model. The GT1050 will incorporate GT10 functionality with a GT11 size 5.7 inch, 320 x 240 dot screen size with a bright STN backlight, in either a 256 color

GOT GT16 HMI Platform



ARC has developed a concept called

“Ergonometrics”, where increased

ergonomics leads to increased KPI and

metric results for manufacturers,

processors, and OEMs.

model or 2 color white & blue model. The mid level GT11 Series GOT will also have its basic HMI functionality enhanced and will be designed for additional standalone applications. The future GT11 will come with either enhanced 5.7 inch monochrome STN, color TFT, or color STN displays, in either panel mount or pendent configurations, with additional integrated serial ports for programming and communications. The future GT11 will offer additional front mounted USB ports in panel models as well as availability in transparent mode.

New GT Designer3 A key component of Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSOFT GT Works Software Suite is their GT Designer 2 Configuration Software HMI development package. The next version, GT Designer 3, will have even more intuitive configuration wizards and toolboxes, with modern navigation windows

containing a workspace area that will display beyond all the common GOT settings, a property sheet area for even more detailed object attributes, library and image areas for displaying additional objects/images and parts, and a data view area for

detailing all objects/figures in a project window. The GT Designer 3 software will offer superior documentation and project back-up, support project transfer via serial, USB, flash, or Ethernet, and have a larger standard graphical library available for push buttons, lamps, meters, valves, ISO shapes etc.

Improving the Convenience and Ergonomics

ARC has developed a concept called “Ergonometrics”, where increased er-gonomics leads to increased KPI and metric results for manufacturers, processors, and OEMs. Mitsubishi Electric is committed to the Ergonome-trics concept, recognizing the their GOT HMI Platforms ergonomics and design has an impact on their users operational performance, as well-designed HMI screens enable operators to be more effective. HMI displays need to be easily viewed. Live video and other external applications need to be integrated with the displays, resulting in control rooms with synchro-nized data, all features of the GOT HMI Platform.



From ARC’s perspective, the GOT

Platform presents Mitsubishi Electric with

a tremendous opportunity to ride the

trend of HMI devices changing from

standalone components to a platform that

solves problems and provides solutions.

Summary and Conclusions

Mitsubishi Electric has a full and very globally competitive HMI offering with their GOT1000 Platform. Mitsubishi Electric is positioning the plat-form as a high performance, flexible, compact and robust package with features such as a high processing capacity to reduce CPU workload, its multi-language text and graphic support capabilities, its numerous options for complex installations, a common software development environment, and its extensive embedded functions as competitive differentiators. Bene-fits emphasized by the GOT1000 HMI Platform to its served market of manufacturers, processors, and OEMs include minimized installation foot-print and maintenance costs; reduced machine complexity; and

consolidation of numerous HMI platforms, confi-gurations and inventory.

Mitsubishi Electric is also emphasizing the GOT Platforms ability to convey information easily to its users with various skill levels thru text messages, graphics and icons; how the use of an information

centric HMI platform results in an increase in machine productivity, effi-ciency and output; and how minimizing resources and scan times improves CPU performance. Mitsubishi Electric will competitively position their GOT HMI Platform based on capabilities such as additional onboard project memory, faster screen refresh rates and response, reducing PAC and PLC CPU applications and memory requirements, better viewing an-gles and visibility, functions such as transparent mode, alarm and recipe management, and its maintenance and debug capabilities

From ARC’s perspective, the GOT Platform presents Mitsubishi Electric with a tremendous opportunity to ride the trend of HMI devices changing from standalone components to a platform that solves problems and pro-vides solutions. Mitsubishi Electric must emphasis to the manufacturers, processors, and OEMs that the GOT HMI Platform has unique and differen-tiated features that will enable its users to meet their increasing demands for high performance, ease of use, and lower total cost of ownership. Mit-subishi Electric must also position the GOT HMI Platform as a solution that helps users manage their manufacturing operations and react to the de-mands of global competition by integration of the platform with other enterprise applications, evolving from a standalone application specific platform to a key component of an automation solutions portfolio.



Analyst: Craig Resnick

Editor: Paul Miller

Acronym Reference: For a complete list of industry acronyms, refer to our web page at www.arcweb.com/Research/IndustryTerms/

BMP Bitmap

CNC Computer Numerical Control

DXF Drawing Exchange Format

GOT Graphic Operation Terminal

HMI Human Machine Interface

IC Integrated Circuit

IGES Initial Graphics Exchange

Specification

IPV6 Internet Protocol Version 6

ISO International Organization for

Standardization

JPEG Joint Photographic Experts Group

KPI Key Performance Indicator

LCD Liquid Crystal Display

LED Light Emitting Diode

OEE Overall Equipment Effectiveness

OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer

MES Manufacturing Execution System

MPEG Moving Picture Experts Group

MTBF Mean Time Between Failure

PAC Programmable Automation

Controller

PLC Programmable Logic Controller

POSIX Portable Operating System

Interface

RGB Red Green Blue

RISC Reduced Instruction Set

Computing

ROA Return on Assets

ROI Return on Investment

SCADA Supervisory Control and Data

Acquisition

SQL Structured Query Language

STN Super Twisted Nematic

TCO Total Cost of Ownership

TFT Thin-Film Transistor

TIPC Transparent Inter-Process

Communication

USB Universal Serial Bus

VNC Virtual Network Computing

Founded in 1986, ARC Advisory Group has grown to become the Thought Leader in Manufacturing and Supply Chain solutions. For even your most complex business issues, our analysts have the expert industry knowledge and firsthand experience to help you find the best answer. We focus on simple, yet critical goals: improving your return on assets, operational performance, total cost of ownership, project time-to-benefit, and shareholder value.

All information in this report is proprietary to and copyrighted by ARC. No part of it may be reproduced without prior permission from ARC. This research has been sponsored in part by Mitsubishi Electric. However, the opinions ex-pressed by ARC in this paper are based on ARC's independent analysis.

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