Human-Machine Interface (HMI)

A power switch or an indicator light are the simplest forms of HMI devices. They are cheap and reliable because they have been around for over a century. But they have very limited functionality. A switch can only turn a single device on or off and an indicator only shows if that single device is operating or not. And in both cases, the human operator must be physically present to get any value from the HMI gadget

Compliant and Secure Systems

Many of today's devices are more complex than on/off. For example, a pump may be configured with various power levels that result in changes to output volume and pressure. This might require changing the switch to a dial and the light to a gauge. Multiple gauges might be needed if you want to track RPMs, volume and pressure. These advanced capabilities might require additional controls such as blade pitch. You might also want to check on temperature to ensure the motor is not overheating. All of this can be accomplished with additional switches, dials, lights and gauges, but at some point you may need to move beyond discrete analog mechanisms to a more advanced human interface that can include advanced LED or LCD displays and some form of keyboard.

MicroType can specify, design, assemble and test a full range of HMI controllers that transform your devices into smart devices. Inmost cases, we can work with your devices as is, eliminating the need for you to make any product changes.
Here is a brief list of some of the capabilities we can provide:

Discrete Components

We can build HMI controllers with any combination of gauges, lights, switches and dials, giving your customers full control over your equipment and full visibility into the status of that equipment.

LED Modules

Our controllers can incorporate LED modules to provide digital readouts of the operating parameters of your devices.

Remote Updates

We can remotely update the HMI software so your customers can add new functionality at any time

Local and/or Remote Control

Your devices can be controlled from the HMI we attach to it, or from a control room or from any computer or smartphone located anywhere in the world.

Touchscreens and Keyboards

Many advanced devices have a broader range of metrics and controls that cannot be conveyed through switches and dials. We can build HMIs that include LCD displays, touch screens and keyboards for these situations.