The Wachendorff OPUS A4 HMI available from Sensor-Technik UK is an ideal dashboard display for critical vehicle-mounted CANbus systems. Combining a high-brightness 16:9 format TFT display with the ability to superimpose live video inputs from vehicle-mounted cameras, the OPUS A4 ensures that the operator is always aware of the status of his or her onboard systems, and can monitor the outside environment at the same time.
Perfect for use in any off-highway application, including agricultural machinery and other commercial vehicles, the OPUS A4 HMI is designed with modern smooth lines that complement the décor of today’s vehicles, while featuring the rugged construction and reliability essential for the working environment.
Despite its compact size of just 250 x 140 x 74mm, the multi-talented HMI features a large 6.5-inch wide-screen display of 400 x 234 pixels and simple controls in the form of one hard-wired key with six softkeys for full control functionality. The display brightness is controlled from a single large-format potentiometer. Further feedback is provided by a single multicolour LED and a loud 80dB piezo alarm buzzer. All controls can easily be operated while wearing gloves – an important consideration in the off-highway machinery market.
At its heart, the A4 HMI features a powerful 16bit microcontroller with 1Mbyte of SDRAM, 8Mbyte of Flash memory for mass storage and 32Kbyte of serial EEPROM. The memory can be expanded via an optional SD card slot. Two CANbus interfaces are provided as standard, and an optional CCITT video input enables the overlay of video streams.
The unit runs from a wide 10 to 50V power supply, and so can be used with any commonly used automotive battery system. All standard connections are via a 12-pin Deutsch connector with protection against short circuits and reverse polarity. And although designed for the relative safety of the dashboard, the CE-marked HMI features a wide -25 to +65C operating temperature range and protection against shock (up to 30g) and vibration (5g up to 300Hz).
Systems integration is made easy with a choice of programming methodologies. The A4 can be programmed in C, or visually using Wachendorff’s own Projektor software package. Alternatively, Sensor-Technik can supply the attractive and versatile HMI ready programmed for the application or as part of a fully specified CANbus system.
