Specifications

4
The VIEW
Point of View
Rockwell Automation is committed to lowering customers’ total cost
of ownership. While many companies provide only embedded or open
HMI platforms, Rockwell Automation offers both, allowing you to
choose the platform to best fit your particular application needs.
Our embedded platforms, which include PanelView graphic terminals,
are simple, reliable, cost-effective HMI solutions, scalable across a
broad range of display size options, while our open platforms are high
performance, highly flexible RAC6000 industrial computers capable
of hosting a wide range of hardware components and software
applications via open standards. So which platform is right for you?
Well, it depends on the type of operation you need from the system.
To help you decide, let’s take a closer look at each platform.
Embedded Platform Open Platform
Simplicity/Convenience Flexible/Ease of system migration
Optimized for machine level HMI Multiple uses beyond HMI
Secured/Focused purpose Value-added possibilities
Longevity/Stability over time Latest technology
Embedded Platform
Embedded platforms are designed for the focused purpose of
providing operators with a window into their process, either
graphically or text or both. These robust devices are fully packaged
(hardware, software, and communications) and tested for HMI
operation. Simply download your configured application file, set
appropriate communication parameters, connect the communication
cable(s), and they’re ready for operation, with minimal start-up time
when powering up.
Embedded platforms are optimized for machine level interface,
providing tight integration with the control system. They replace
traditional wired panels as the input and output mechanism for
operator interaction with a machine. So when you push a “start”
button, you can expect the machine to start when it’s supposed to.
Embedded HMI devices may be networked with other HMI devices
and also connected to a supervisory system for an overall plant wide
configuration. They are available in a broad range of display sizes and
input configurations to match the particular needs of the application.
Embedded platforms are protected from untested third party
applications; only factory-qualified applications can be loaded.
So don’t expect to use these devices for purposes beyond what
they’ve been designed for. Do expect consistent performance, with
minimal platform changes over a long period of time. And as platforms
change, expect a migration path that maintains your current HMI
application needs for quick and easy replacement.
Open Platform
Open platforms are designed with flexibility in mind. These highly
customizable, build-to-order platforms let users install multiple
software packages, as well as integrate third party hardware to meet
specific application needs. However, with flexibility, there comes user
responsibility for operation and interoperability between the hardware
components and software programs installed. If you are unsure of
hardware and software compatibility, you can choose a bundled
system with pre-installed software that is tested for interoperability
and performance at the factory. Once installed and in operation, any
additional hardware or software could impact the performance,
if not properly integrated.
While an embedded platform is optimized for machine level HMI,
an open platform can be used for purposes beyond traditional HMI
applications. For instance, combine it with logic software for a
PC-based control system. Or expand a standard software application
with third-party ActiveX controls, Visual Basic programs, or other
Windows-based software packages, for a specialized value-added
solution. As with any open system, security against unwanted or
untested software applications is up to the user or bundled system
supplier. Using an embedded operating system, such as Embedded
Windows NT or Windows CE, can help guard against unwanted
applications.
Open platforms are known for their ability to use the latest
commercial technology (such as microprocessors and motherboards)
to meet application software requirements and to maintain expected
system performance. Computer platforms that integrate commercial
technology from the desktop market will typically change every 3 to 18
months, depending on the component. Whereas computers that use
components from the embedded market will change less frequently,
as lifecycles of these components is in the 3 to 7 year range. The type
of computer to use is, therefore, dependent on the application(s) you
install and the operation you expect from the system.
Whether you choose an embedded or open solution from Rockwell
Automation, you can be assured your investment is protected.
Embedded and Open Platforms