Product Overview

The Schneider Electric HMIGTO1300 is a compact operator terminal from the Harmony GTO series, intended for machine interfaces where operators need direct access to operating information without requiring a large display. Its 3.5-inch color TFT touchscreen uses a 320 × 240 pixel QVGA resolution, making it suitable for focused HMI screens such as equipment status, operating parameters, alarm messages, and basic machine commands.

In a small packaging machine, for example, the HMIGTO1300 can display the current operating mode, production count, fault status, and selected setpoints. An operator can navigate the configured screens through the resistive touchscreen or use the six programmable function keys for frequently performed actions. This combination is useful when the operator interface needs to remain compact while retaining dedicated physical controls.

The terminal operates on a nominal 24 V DC supply and communicates with compatible controllers through serial interfaces. Unlike the related HMIGTO1310, the HMIGTO1300 does not include an Ethernet interface. Its communication arrangement is therefore particularly relevant when integrating it into an existing machine that uses serial PLC communication. The unit includes an RS-232C COM1 interface and an RS-485 COM2 interface, allowing suitable devices to be connected according to the selected protocol and wiring configuration.

The HMIGTO1300 supports Vijeo Designer for HMI application development. The project defines the screen layout, displayed process values, touch controls, function-key assignments, and communication settings. Its 64 MB application memory supports the specified terminal configuration, while USB interfaces provide options for supported peripheral and service operations.

For replacement work, engineers should check the original HMI project, PLC communication method, serial cable arrangement, panel cutout, and function-key assignments. The absence of Ethernet is a key selection consideration: a system that depends on direct Ethernet communication may require a different terminal model or an appropriate redesign of the communication arrangement.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Compact 3.5-inch display: Presents essential machine information in a small operator-panel format.
• QVGA color graphics: Displays status indicators, numerical values, alarms, and configured process screens at 320 × 240 resolution.
• Resistive touchscreen: Supports direct selection of graphical controls through touch input.
• Six programmable function keys: Allows commonly used commands to be assigned to physical keys through the HMI project.
• Serial communication: Supports RS-232C and RS-485 connections for compatible PLCs and automation devices.
• USB connectivity: Includes Type-A and Mini-B USB interfaces for supported peripheral and service functions.
• Vijeo Designer configuration: Supports application development and screen configuration for the terminal.
• Industrial front-panel protection: The front meets IP65 and NEMA 4X indoor-use requirements when installed under the specified conditions.
• Low-power DC operation: Uses a nominal 24 V DC supply for integration into industrial control panels.

Working Principle

The HMIGTO1300 acts as the operator interface for a PLC-based machine. Its internal processing environment runs the configured HMI application, while the touchscreen and function keys allow operators to view process information and submit commands.

A typical arrangement follows this sequence:

PLC → RS-232C or RS-485 Communication → HMIGTO1300 → Touchscreen / Function Keys → Operator

During operation, the terminal exchanges data with a compatible controller using the protocol configured in Vijeo Designer. The application displays values such as machine status, production counts, operating temperatures, and alarm conditions. When an operator touches a screen object or presses a programmed function key, the HMI processes the input and sends the corresponding request to the controller.

The COM1 interface supports RS-232C, while COM2 supports RS-485. These interfaces serve different wiring and communication requirements, so the correct port must be selected for the connected PLC. The protocol, communication speed, addressing, and other parameters must also match the controller configuration. Since the HMIGTO1300 has no Ethernet interface, direct Ethernet communication is not available on this model.

Vijeo Designer determines how the terminal behaves during normal operation. The project defines which controller registers are read, which values appear on screen, what each function key does, and which controls are available to the operator. A properly configured project can provide a clear view of machine conditions without requiring the terminal to execute the underlying control logic itself.

The PLC remains responsible for machine sequencing, interlocks, and output control. The HMIGTO1300 presents the information and operator commands associated with those functions. This separation allows the terminal to focus on supervision and interaction while the controller handles real-time machine control.

Role in an Industrial HMI Architecture

The HMIGTO1300 occupies the local operator-interface layer of an automation system. It converts controller data into readable screens and provides an input point for permitted operator actions. Its serial-only communication arrangement makes it particularly relevant to machines that already use compatible serial connections.

PLC / Machine Controller → RS-232C or RS-485 → HMIGTO1300 → Operator

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the model: Confirm that HMIGTO1300 is the required terminal and that the application does not depend on a direct Ethernet connection.
2. Check the panel cutout: Match the mounting opening and clearance to the terminal’s installation requirements before fitting the unit.
3. Confirm the DC supply: Verify a 24 V DC nominal supply within the specified 19.2–28.8 V operating range.
4. Inspect the front-panel seal: Keep the mounting surface clean and check the gasket arrangement to maintain the specified front-panel protection.
5. Select the correct serial port: Determine whether the controller connection requires RS-232C through COM1 or RS-485 through COM2.
6. Match communication parameters: Confirm the protocol, baud rate, parity, addressing, and other required settings at both the terminal and controller.
7. Check the serial cable: Inspect the connector, cable condition, wiring assignments, and shielding arrangements before connecting the terminal.
8. Review function-key assignments: Verify that F1–F6 perform the intended operations in the current HMI project.
9. Validate the Vijeo Designer project: Confirm the project version, controller driver, screen configuration, and terminal compatibility before transferring the application.
10. Inspect USB connections: Ensure that connected peripherals are supported and that the correct interface is being used for the intended service function.
11. Test operator interaction: Verify touchscreen response, displayed values, alarm updates, and the behavior of configured commands.
12. Record commissioning details: Document the project version, serial settings, cable assignments, function-key mapping, and test results for future maintenance.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Combines a touchscreen with six programmable physical function keys.
• Uses RS-232C and RS-485 interfaces for compatible serial-connected automation equipment.
• Supports focused machine screens on a 3.5-inch QVGA color display.
• Allows application configuration through Vijeo Designer.
• Provides front-panel IP65 and NEMA 4X indoor-use protection under specified installation conditions.
• Fits compact operator-panel applications requiring local status display and machine interaction.

Technical FAQs

Does the HMIGTO1300 support Ethernet communication?

No. The HMIGTO1300 does not include an Ethernet interface. It uses RS-232C through COM1 and RS-485 through COM2 for compatible serial communication. If direct Ethernet connectivity is required, the HMIGTO1310 is a related model worth evaluating.

How are the six function keys configured?

The F1–F6 keys are assigned through the Vijeo Designer application project. Their actions depend on the configured screens and application logic, so the key assignments should be reviewed when transferring or replacing an HMI terminal.

What should be checked before connecting the HMIGTO1300 to a PLC?

Confirm the selected serial interface, connector pinout, electrical standard, communication protocol, and serial parameters. The controller driver in the HMI project must also match the connected PLC.

Can the HMIGTO1300 display process trends and alarms?

The terminal can display alarms, numerical values, and other objects supported by the configured Vijeo Designer project. The available trend and alarm functions depend on the project design, configured data sources, and application requirements.