Beijer Electronics to Launch X3 Series HMIs With New OS3 Open Platform

Known around the globe for HMIs and IIoT-related software and devices, Beijer Electronics has announced a soon-to-release series of HMIs with a new operating system. The X3 series of HMIs features a modern look with a flat black bezel that ranges from 7 to 21 inches. The X3 HMI is rugged and designed for marine or general manufacturing applications. The new OS3 operating system for the X3 HMI is backward compatible with tools to help convert legacy X2 projects over to X3 HMIs. Keeping with Beijer Electronics' drive for innovation, the OS3 software promises to make use of software container technologies to help further companies' IIoT solutions.

The X3 series of HMIs from Beijer Electronics ranges in size from 7 to 21 inches. Image used courtesy of Beijer Electronics

X3 HMI Series

The X3 has four versions: X3 pro, X3 marine, X3 extreme, and X3 web. All the versions come in either 7, 12, or 15-inch displays, with the pro, marine, and web versions also offering a 10 and 21-inch version. The HMIs are available in a core, plus, and web version (X3 extreme is offered in only plus and web). The core version of the HMIs offers basic functionality and software. In contrast, the plus version offers one additional COM port, WebIQ server, capability of running software containers, additional RAM, increased flash memory, and a PCAP touch display.

Supported software on the new X3 HMIs includes the iX3 HMI software, OS3 operating system, and WebIQ HMI software. Image used courtesy of Beijer Electronics

HMI Software Support

All of the X3 HMIs utilize the Beijer Electronics’ iX3 software tool, enabling users to configure the HMI and create HMI applications. The iX3 software is an upgraded version of the iX2 software with an enhanced user interface, an extensive list of drivers, C# capabilities, and NuGet support.

The OS3 operating system is used on all the X3 HMIs and provides operators access to HMI settings and a software vehicle for running iX3 HMI applications. The operating system utilizes software container technology and multi-app support.

WebIQ software is available on all X3 web HMIs and allows designers to create applications using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. The web-based software can run the application directly on the X3 web HMI or in a software container application.

Beijer Electronics’ HMI being used in a fiber packaging application. Image used courtesy of Beijer Electronics

iX Developer Software

Every HMI has software that a designer uses to develop an HMI application. Typically, the application looks very dated and doesn't have modern features that might be found in computer or mobile phone applications. Beijer Electronics offers the iX developer suite, which provides users with a modern development software tool to create HMI applications that look like typical computer applications.

HMIs need to communicate with PLCs, and they do this with the help of software drivers. Some HMI manufacturers will only support a small handful of PLCs; the X series of HMIs from Beijer Electronics support over 30 different PLCs and PLC communication protocols.

Templates are often used in HMI application development to create standardization between projects and to speed up the development process. The iX development software includes some typical templates and allows developers to create their templates.

HMI development software is where designers get to be creative and showcase their design abilities. An HMI display that can showcase these designs and functions is pivotal when creating innovative automated equipment.