The Omron NB HMI Series now supports the G9SP Programmable Safety Controller, using the updated version of NB-Designer HMI project development software.

A serial communications driver has been added to the latest version of NB-Designer HMI project development software that will allow customers to consolidate their Safety and low I/O applications to one controller and one HMI.

The NB HMI series can now be directly connected to the G9SP Safety Controller via serial communications. Direct connection allows users to monitor operational status and details of errors monitored by the G9SP controller to reduce machine downtime. The HMI shows graphically where the machine a safety error has occurred.

The software now supports Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 operating systems. NB-Designer software combined with NB-series HMIs and G9SP Programmable Safety Controllers give machine builders a cost saving advantage compared to other low-I/O safety controllers. The G9SP support is provided by the free-of-charge NB-Designer software, version 1.32 or later.

System Hardware Cost Savings

The G9SP has the ability to control both safety and standard I/O, which would require multiple PLCs from other control suppliers. Some safety controllers only control safety I/O and require a separate Network Unit to connect to an HMI, which adds to total system cost.

For typical G9SP applications that require guarding on low I/O stand-alone machines, smaller HMI sizes are most common due to cost. The NB HMI range that includes screen sizes from 3.5″ to 10″ gives users a range of interface size options to satisfy application requirements, all with superior graphics and capabilities.

 Go here for NB HMIs from Omron UK from 999 HMIs