Design and functions
The high performance of the devices makes short image refresh times possible, enabling the operator to respond quickly to the latest plant status. All SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels have interfaces for PROFINET and PROFIBUS networks, as well as for the connection of a USB periphery.
The LED backlighting of the new SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels is dimmable up to 100 percent. This not only enables energy to be saved, but also allows the brightness of the display to be adapted to the respective application, which is important for example in marine applications.In addition, the energy consumption can also be reduced by means of the standardized PROFIenergy protocol. This makes it possible to centrally shut down loads that are no longer required, and to record energy readings. The displays of the SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panels can, for example, be switched off during short breaks in order to save energy.
The Comfort Panels offer full security against zero voltage without an additional uninterruptible power supply (UPS) by means of two SIMATIC HMI Memory cards. This safeguards not only the data in the internal memory, but also the archive and recipes in RDB format against power failure.
A new feature is the option for system diagnosis in connection with Simatic controllers. Diagnostic information, for which a programming device was previously required, can now be read out via the SIMATIC HMI Comfort Panel. Projects are loaded by means of PROFINET , PROFIBUS or standard USB cable. All device settings are performed simply during configuration: this avoids the need to make additional settings on the device and thereby simplifies the commissioning procedure. All data is saved on a system card that is located in the device and that can be used for uncomplicated project transfer.
The touchscreen versions can be installed in portrait format, enabling them to be used for applications where the installation space is limited. The Comfort Panels with 7" or larger screens have long-life cast aluminum enclosures.