Product Overview

The Schneider Electric HMIGXU3512 is a 7-inch advanced touchscreen panel from the Harmony Easy GXU series. It is the Universal configuration of the GXU 7-inch range, intended for machine applications that require local visualization together with Ethernet and serial communication.

Compared with the basic HMIGXU3500, the HMIGXU3512 offers a more extensive communication arrangement. It includes two serial ports, one Ethernet interface, a USB Type-A port, and a USB Mini-B connection. This configuration allows the terminal to communicate with compatible PLCs through different interfaces and gives engineers more options when integrating the HMI into an existing machine network.

The display uses an 800 × 480-pixel WVGA color LCD with 65,536 colors. Its 7-inch touchscreen provides an operator interface for machine status, numerical process values, alarm messages, and operating commands. The screen resolution is suitable for compact machinery where operators need access to essential production information without requiring a large-format industrial panel.

The HMIGXU3512 contains 48 MB of application memory, 128 MB of internal DDR memory, and 128 KB of backup memory. It also incorporates a real-time clock for applications involving time-related information and operating records.

Vijeo Designer Basic is used to develop and configure the HMI application. In a typical installation, the terminal connects to a PLC through Ethernet or a serial interface, depending on the controller and communication requirements. The PLC executes the machine control program, while the HMIGXU3512 handles operator interaction and process visualization.

This model is particularly relevant to packaging machinery, textile equipment, HVAC systems, pumping installations, and other compact automation applications requiring both Ethernet and serial connectivity.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• 7-Inch WVGA Color Display

  The HMIGXU3512 uses a 7-inch LCD touchscreen with an 800 × 480-pixel resolution and 65,536 display colors. It supports machine diagrams, numerical indicators, operating controls, and alarm screens commonly used in compact automation systems.

• Universal Communication Configuration

  Unlike the basic HMIGXU3500, this model provides two serial communication ports and one Ethernet interface. The additional interfaces allow engineers to select the appropriate communication connection for different controllers and industrial devices.

• Ethernet 10/100BASE-TX

  The integrated Ethernet port supports network communication with compatible PLCs and automation equipment. It can be used for applications requiring Ethernet-based data exchange rather than relying exclusively on serial communication.

• Two Independent Serial Interfaces

  COM1 supports RS-232C, while COM2 supports RS-422/RS-485. This arrangement is useful when a machine incorporates controllers or other devices using different serial communication standards.

• 48 MB Application Memory

  The integrated application memory stores the configured HMI project, including graphical screens, operating objects, and application information.

• 128 MB Internal DDR Memory

  The internal DDR memory supports application execution and normal screen operation.

• USB Type-A and Mini-B Connections

  The USB Type-A interface supports compatible USB host functions, while the Mini-B connection provides a programming and engineering interface for supported application-transfer operations.

• Integrated Real-Time Clock

  The embedded RTC supports applications that require time-related information, including clock displays, event records, and timestamp-related functions.

• IP65 Front Protection

  The front panel provides IP65 protection when correctly installed in a suitable enclosure, helping protect the operator interface against dust and water jets.

• Vijeo Designer Basic Configuration

  Vijeo Designer Basic provides the engineering environment for creating operator screens, configuring PLC communication, defining alarms, and organizing machine operating information.

Working Principle

The HMIGXU3512 functions as the operator visualization and communication terminal in a PLC-based automation system. It exchanges configured data with the controller and presents the information through its touchscreen interface.

During normal operation, the PLC collects information from field sensors and processes the machine control program. Variables such as motor status, temperature, production counts, pressure, and equipment operating conditions are made available to the HMI through the configured communication connection.

The terminal reads these variables and updates the corresponding screen objects. Operators can monitor the machine, review alarm messages, and enter authorized operating parameters.

When an operator selects a control or changes a setpoint, the HMI transfers the corresponding command to the PLC. The controller processes the input according to its programmed logic before changing the machine operation.

The HMIGXU3512 offers several communication options for this data exchange:

• Ethernet 10/100BASE-TX for compatible network-connected controllers.
• RS-232C through COM1 for supported point-to-point serial communication.
• RS-422/RS-485 through COM2 for compatible serial devices and networks.

For example, a packaging machine may use Ethernet to exchange data with its main PLC while using COM2 for a compatible serial device. The HMI displays production speed, operating mode, alarm status, and other machine information on a single operator screen.

The USB interfaces support compatible engineering and data-transfer operations. Vijeo Designer Basic is used to develop the application and configure the communication settings required by the connected equipment.

Typical Ethernet Communication Path:

PLC / Controller → Ethernet 10/100BASE-TX → HMIGXU3512 → Graphical Display → Operator Input → PLC

Typical Serial Communication Path:

Serial Controller / Device → RS-232C or RS-422/RS-485 → HMIGXU3512 → Operator Interface

Application Development Path:

Engineering Computer → Vijeo Designer Basic → USB Connection → HMIGXU3512

Role in Harmony Easy GXU Control Architecture

Within the Harmony Easy GXU range, the HMIGXU3512 serves as the Universal 7-inch operator interface. Its combination of Ethernet and two serial ports makes it suitable for installations where the HMI must communicate with different types of automation equipment.

The terminal handles visualization, operator input, and alarm presentation, while the connected PLC remains responsible for machine logic, field signal processing, and equipment control.

Its communication configuration also makes it useful in machine upgrades. For example, an installation may use Ethernet for the main PLC connection and retain a serial connection for another compatible device. The available interfaces allow engineers to organize these connections according to the actual control architecture.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the Model Configuration: Confirm that the terminal is HMIGXU3512. Do not confuse it with HMIGXU3500, which has a basic communication configuration without integrated Ethernet.
2. Prepare the Panel Opening: Check that the enclosure cutout matches the specified 190 × 135 mm mounting requirement before installing the terminal.
3. Inspect Mounting Hardware: Check the mounting fixings and anti-drop hooks. Ensure that the terminal is securely positioned against the enclosure surface.
4. Verify the Power Supply: Use a regulated 24 V DC supply and inspect the power connector for loose terminals or damaged wiring.
5. Check Grounding Arrangements: Connect the functional ground according to the electrical installation requirements to reduce electrical interference.
6. Inspect the Ethernet Connection: Check the RJ45 connector, network cable, and communication indicators. Confirm that the connected network equipment supports the required Ethernet configuration.
7. Check Serial Port Wiring: Verify the COM1 RS-232C and COM2 RS-422/RS-485 connections separately. Check connector pin assignments before connecting external devices.
8. Configure Communication Parameters: Set the correct PLC driver, IP address, serial protocol, baud rate, and other required communication parameters in the HMI project.
9. Verify the HMI Application: Confirm that the Vijeo Designer Basic project matches the terminal model and the connected PLC configuration.
10. Test Touchscreen Functions: Check screen navigation, numerical entry, operating commands, and alarm displays before returning the machine to production.
11. Inspect the Front Sealing: Check the front gasket and mounting arrangement periodically. Damaged seals or incorrect installation can affect the specified IP65 protection.
12. Back Up Application Data: Keep a copy of the Vijeo Designer Basic project, Ethernet settings, serial communication parameters, and machine configuration records for future maintenance.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• 7-inch WVGA color touchscreen.
• 800 × 480-pixel display resolution.
• 65,536 display colors.
• Two serial communication ports.
• Integrated Ethernet 10/100BASE-TX.
• RS-232C and RS-422/RS-485 support.
• USB Type-A and USB Mini-B connections.
• 48 MB application memory.
• 128 MB internal DDR memory.
• Integrated real-time clock.
• IP65 front-panel protection.
• Vijeo Designer Basic configuration software.

Technical FAQs

Can the HMIGXU3512 communicate with two different serial devices?

The terminal has two serial interfaces with different communication standards. COM1 supports RS-232C, while COM2 supports RS-422/RS-485. This allows the HMI to connect to compatible serial equipment using the appropriate interface. Actual simultaneous communication depends on the configured application and supported drivers.

What is the practical advantage of having Ethernet and serial ports on the same HMI?

The combination allows the HMIGXU3512 to communicate with Ethernet-connected PLCs while retaining serial connections for compatible controllers or peripheral devices. This is useful in machines where different equipment generations or communication standards are used together.

Does the HMIGXU3512 use the same application software as HMIGXU3500?

Yes. Both models use Vijeo Designer Basic for HMI application development. However, communication settings and available interfaces must match the actual model. A project configured for the HMIGXU3512 should not automatically be treated as an identical hardware configuration for the basic HMIGXU3500.

What should be checked when replacing an HMIGXU3512 in an existing machine?

Check the existing HMI project, PLC communication drivers, Ethernet IP configuration, COM1 and COM2 wiring, and USB-related engineering arrangements. The replacement terminal must also match the original application requirements and mounting configuration.