Siemens New Affordable TD 200C Operator Interface Offers OEMs Unmatched Flexibility

In the past, operator interface text panels offered little flexibility. An OEM received the operator interface with the fixed buttons, configured the software, and mounted the device on the machine. Changeovers, and configuring the operator interface, were time consuming and expensive.Siemens Energy & Automation has introduced a “game changing” concept for operator interface text panels. Designed to offer OEMs a new level of flexibility, Siemens’ new TD 200C operator interface text display’s firmware was developed in the United States to work hand-in-hand with the company’s popular SIMATIC S7-200 PLC. According to John Wilhite, S7-200 / LOGO marketing manager, the TD 200C is a unique offering to the OEM community. “There is nothing quite like it on the market,” Wilhite said. “We call it a game changer. OEMs can now design their own faceplates, including the number, size and shape of the buttons. They can also put the buttons where they want and use any color, font, symbol or language.”The panel layout accommodates up to 20 buttons and is easily designed with STEP 7 Micro/WIN programming software. The graphic overlays used as faceplates may be reproduced on a laser jet printer or ordered directly from a local supplier. A heavy duty overlay paper designed to stand up in harsh environments is available from Siemens. Once the overlay is adhered to a sealed keypad, the TD 200C operator interface is ready to operate.The overlay is designed with third party visualization software packages, including Paintbrush. The TD 200C keypad configuration, messages, and key functions are stored directly in the S7-200 CPU. If the panel is damaged, the overlay is easily removed and a new one is attached to the TD 200C. “We have engineered the TD 200C to allow our customers to do everything themselves,” Wilhite said. “The software is very user friendly and easy to set up, even for a novice.”PROGRAM IN THE PLCWilhite says one of the reasons the TD 200C is so flexible and user friendly is found in the S7-200 PLC. “The program for the TD 200C is in the S7-200 PLC,” Wilhite said. “There is no need to configure the operator interface. Also, it very flexible if a replacement is needed. For example, if a person runs into the operator panel with a forklift, they only have to take the unit off and put on another one. There is no need to reconfigure the operator interface because the program remains in the PLC.”The 146mm-wide, 76mm-high, 27mm-deep TD 200C offers hundreds of functions and is supplied with a communications cable to quickly connect via point to point interface (PPI) with a S7-200 PLC, Wilhite said. It is also an affordable replacement to the company’s existing TD 200 operator interface.“We are introducing the TD 200C at the same price as our current TD 200,” Wilhite said. “This is much less than one might expect to pay for this kind of flexibility. We expect customers will switch to the TD 200C because it offers more flexibility at the same cost.” You can also view the online brochure for more information.

Go to Siemens website
Learn More