Programmable Terminals

What Is a Programmable Terminal?

Programmable Terminals (PTs) are sophisticated operator interfaces that can automatically display information and perform operations as required at automated production sites.

Operation of PT at FA production sites

Monitoring Line Operating Status

The system and device operating status can be displayed in real time. Graphs can be used to improve visual expressions to display data in an easy-to-understand format.

Instructions for FA Staff

PTs can be used to notify operators if there is a system or device error and provides information on appropriate countermeasures.

Control Panel Switches

On the PT screen, a variety of switches can be created, and the data entered on the touch panel can be sent to the host as a result of the operation.

PT Operation

Transmission of Screen Data

Screen data displayed on the PT is created by a screen creation software on a PC, and is transmitted to the PT through RS-232C, Ethernet, or USB.

Display a screen

Create a content to be displayed (screen data) using a screen creation software on the PC, and transmit it to the PT. A required screen can be displayed upon a command from the host or by touch switch operation.

Read data from host

Connect with the host using a transmission method such as NT link, Ethernet or Controller Link etc., and read required data from the host.

Note: Some models do not support Ethernet or Controller Link.

Send Data to Host

Send data (button ON/OFF status, numerals, and character strings) entered on the touch panel to the host.

Communication with the HOST

Communication Method

In addition to using it as a host in connection to the PLC with the direct access, connection can be made using the memory link with a SBC (Single Board Computer) etc.
The features are as follows.

Direct Access Method

With the direct access method, content in the PLC memory that is needed for display can be referred to, and freely allocated to words and bits to save input data in the PLC area.
This method also directly reads/writes the allocated words/bits, changes the display conditions of objects shown on the screen of PT, and controls and notifies the PT status.
Also a PT has a function to communicate with a number of PLC. All the connected PLCs are registered with a host name and the PLC area can be accessed by specifying the host name, address, and variable.

Under the direct access method, one of the following methods is used to connect a PT with the host.

*1. The NA Series supports Ethernet only.
*2. The Controller Link is supported only by the NS Series.

Memory Link Method

A micro computer or personal computer can use the Memory Link to also connect to a PT. The PT uses a serial board to connect the host.
The host sends commands to PT so that the PT can change the screen status or inform an input of data to the host when the data is entered.

System Configuration Examples

Screen Creation

To use a PT, it is necessary to design screens with screen creation software.

Screen creation software

Operation

Host: Controls the PT as necessary while controlling machines and monitoring production lines.

You can connect to the CS- (-V1 or later), CJ-, CP-, C-, or CVM1/CV-series Programmable Controller or NJ/NX-series Machine Automation Controller.
For details, refer to the user’s manual or setup manual for the PT.

PT-to-PLC connecting cable: Used to connect the PT to the PLC for communications.

OMRON RS-232C cable: XW2Z-200T/-500T (2 m/5 m)

Note: 1. Use the following cables for NV-series PTs. XW2Z-200T-4/-200T-3/-500T-3 (2 m/5 m)
Note: 2. PTs that support Ethernet can communicate via Ethernet.

Communications Methods between OMRON PLCs and PTs

PT Types and Features

You can select from the following five series of PTs according to price, performance, and functionality.

NA Series

Faster, more efficient control and monitoring
Widescreen in all models: 7, 9, 12, and 15 inches

An HMI that is dynamic, intuitive and predictive makes industrial machines more attractive and competitive.
The OMRON HMI enables faster, more efficient control and monitoring - and a more natural, proactive relationship between operator and machine.
The design has been based on real applications and customer requirements, a future-proofed, scalable platform that will evolve with their ever-changing needs, allowing real time reaction to events. As part of the system family, the NA Series is fully aware of the total machine.

NB Series

The feature-rich, economic programmable terminal

OMRON’s new NB HMI series is simply as smart and as dependable as it looks.
A feature-rich HMI with OMRON’s high quality extending throughout the complete series, this new HMI generation offers you the utmost in reliability. The logical choice for use with OMRON’s popular CP1 family of compact machine controllers, the NB series has just the right model to suit your application, no matter for what
branch of industry.
Available with screen sizes from 3.5 to 10 inches, the NB series is not only complete, but also has many outstanding design features that will make it easy to create attractive HMI applications. The combination of high quality and rich features add up give outstanding value for an HMI in the economy class.
The NB-Designer software to create your HMI application is free of charge and can be downloaded from our website.

NS Series

Even simpler equipment operation with outstanding synergy

The amount of work and cost of connecting to OMRON PLCs and components have been greatly reduced. The results is an incredible range of features that is possible only when unifying to one manufacturer. Connecting to the NJ-series
Machine Automation Controller allows the machine designer to quickly achieve the features required by the user through support for improved troubleshooting and structured programming with structures and other new data types.

NV Series

Compact and simple, extremely high cost performance

The NV Series of compact Programmable Terminals meet the basic needs for enhanced visibility, simplicity, and cost, and they go even further to provide superior PLC compatibility, easy operation, and cost performance.

NT Series

Better compatibility and easier-to-use support software

Device monitoring and I/O comment loading functions facilitate system construction.
Greatly enhanced NT Support Software with reusable screen data and powerful simulation on
editing screens.
Transfer the system program and screen data to ensure smooth on-site system maintenance and improve the efficiency of onsite work.
A wide range of communications interfaces are available.