Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Display
Also known as: Screen
German: Display
In industrial automation, a display is an output device that shows information, such as values, status messages or graphics, to operators, from simple segment displays on devices to touch screens of operator panels.
- Automation components
In one sentence
A display is an output device that shows values, status messages or graphics to operators, from device segment displays to HMI touch screens.
Example
A pressure transmitter's local display shows 4.2 bar and a fault code, so the technician can check it without a laptop.
How it applies
- Engineering: Industrial displays are selected for readability in the actual environment: brightness, viewing angle, temperature range, glove operation and front protection class.
- Operation: Displays are a main channel for status and alarm information; their messages must be understandable at a glance.
- Documentation: Documentation teams should align display texts and manuals: the same terms, the same message codes and an explanation of every symbol. Where displays carry warnings, check that they meet the principles of Safety information readability.
Display vs. HMI
A display only shows information. An Human-machine interface (HMI) includes input and interaction, such as touch operation, navigation and alarm handling. A touch panel is both a display and an HMI device.