DISPLAYS AND UIs
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Display or User Interface for Industrial Applications
In industrial environments, selecting the right display or user interface (UI) is critical
U
nlike consumer electronics, industrial applications demand ruggedness, longevity and adaptability to challenging conditions. Below are the key factors designers must evaluate when choosing a display or UI for industrial use.
1. Environmental Durability Industrial settings often expose equipment to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, vibrations and chemical exposure. Displays must meet stringent durability standards. For example, panels with an IP65/IP67 rating resist water and dust ingress, while those rated for wide temperature ranges (-30°C to 70°C) ensure functionality in harsh climates. Shock and vibration resistance is also vital for machinery in manufacturing or transportation.
2. Visibility and Readability Displays must remain legible under varying lighting conditions. High-brightness screens (1,000+ nits) combat glare in outdoor or high-ambient-light environments, while Additionally, sunlight-readable displays and adjustable backlighting help operators view data accurately. Monochrome or high-contrast colour screens may be preferable in low-light settings.
3. Touchscreen Technology but require careful selection. Resistive touchscreens, though less sensitive, work with gloves or styluses, common in industrial settings. Capacitive screens offer multi-touch but may fail with thicker gloves. Projected capacitive (PCAP) technology balances sensitivity and durability. Consider the need for glove compatibility, moisture resistance and scratch-proof surfaces.
4. Longevity and Reliability Industrial systems often operate for decades, so displays must have long lifespans. Look for components with high mean time between failures (MTBF) ratings. Avoid consumer-grade panels, which may lack extended temperature tolerance or robust construction. Ensure
your suppliers offers long-term availability to prevent obsolescence issues during future upgrades.
5. Integration and Compatibility The display must seamlessly integrate with existing control systems, for example PLCs or SCADA. Check communication protocols (Ethernet, CAN bus, RS-232) and software compatibility. Customisable UIs that align with APIs and SDKs enable tailored solutions, while modular designs allow scalability.
6. Safety and Compliance In hazardous environments, for example IECEx for explosion-proof operation. Electrical safety standards (UL, CE) are also mandatory. Features like emergency stop buttons or password-protected access may enhance thorough testing is completed with any design, it is useful if your supplier can provide
costs, especially in remote or battery-powered applications. Low-power LCDs, E-paper or MIP panels are ideal. Some displays offer sleep modes or automatic brightness adjustment to conserve energy without compromising usability.
8. User Interface Design A well-designed UI minimises errors and navigation, logical menu structures and customisable layouts. Tactile feedback buttons or haptic responses can improve usability in noisy environments. Consider multilingual support for diverse workforces.
9. Cost and Total Ownership While upfront costs matter, total cost of ownership (TCO) is equally important. Rugged displays may have higher initial prices but lower maintenance and replacement costs. Evaluate warranty terms, repair services and supplier support to avoid downtime. It is a common mistake to use consumer grade products for industrial uses, this saves initial costs and lead times but always brings service and replacement costs later on.
Select displays that can adapt to evolving technologies. Modular interfaces or usability. Support for IoT connectivity, like IoT-enabled HMIs, prepares facilities for Industry 4.0 integration. Modular display solutions with integrated processors, communications and touch solutions speed development time and reduce complexity module upgrades or replacements.
MARCH 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
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