Evolution of Human-Machine Interfaces: Mitsubishi GOT 1000 and GOT 2000 Series

The year 1999 witnessed a significant shift in the world of Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) with the introduction of the GOT 1000 series by Mitsubishi Electric. These revolutionary touch-panel HMIs replaced the intricate button layouts of earlier systems with a user-friendly interface. Operators were empowered to monitor and control industrial processes with unprecedented ease and efficiency, thanks to intuitive menu navigation, captivating graphical displays, and data logging capabilities. The GOT 1000 series marked a turning point in HMI development, paving the way for a new era of user-centric interaction in industrial automation.

The GOT1000 series Line up

Mitsubishi Electric’s GOT1000 series is a game-changer in the industrial automation industry, offering a competitive edge through its revolutionary control interfaces. This series caters to a wide range of applications with diverse models tailored to specific system requirements and budgets. Renowned for its exceptional speed, performance, and industry-leading functionalities, the GOT1000 series tackles real-time operational challenges, optimizing uptime, productivity, and serviceability.

The GOT1000 series offers a variety of display technologies to meet different needs, from QVGA STN displays with 16 grayscale shades to high-resolution XGA TFT displays with 65,536 colors. Its connectivity is crucial, supporting various communication interfaces such as serial, network bus, and multimedia capabilities, allowing incorporation into industrial ecosystems. The GOT1000 series aligns with smart manufacturing initiatives, offering advanced functionalities like remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. This empowers operators to make informed decisions and proactively address potential issues, increasing operational efficiency.

Advanced display customization for an enhanced GOT experience

Mitsubishi Electric’s GOT1000 series revolutionizes the industrial automation landscape with its groundbreaking multimedia capabilities. This series introduces a unique feature that allows on-site recorded motion images to be instantly stored in the memory card of the multimedia unit. Operators can then quickly play back these motion image files by selecting file names or record dates through touch switches or directly on the GOT main unit’s multimedia screen. In addition to its impressive motion image capabilities, the series excels in document display functionality. By leveraging the document converter within GT Works3, operators can format and save documents to a memory card as JPEG files. Supported file formats include doc, xls, ppt, pdf, jpg, and bmp, presenting a wide array of options for displaying various documents and manuals directly on the GOT, significantly contributing to downtime reduction.

The GOT1000 series advances monitoring and connectivity by enabling the display of PC images on the GOT using RGB input. This allows operators to view images simultaneously on the personal computer screen and the GOT’s screen. The series facilitates connection to commercial displays, improving visibility and accessibility in industrial environments by showcasing the GOT screen on a larger scale.

Transfer real-time production data to host systems.

Mitsubishi Electric’s Graphic Operation Terminal (GOT) 1000 boasts a robust DB link function, offering tag functions, trigger buffering, SQL statement transmission, and more. The SNTP time synchronization function ensures accurate timekeeping across the system. The MES interface function supports various databases, including Oracle, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and Wonderware Historian, providing extensive compatibility for diverse manufacturing environments. The GT1000 series introduces a gateway function that facilitates remote monitoring and maintenance from office locations, eliminating the need for complex programs and gateway personal computers. The MX Component enables indirect reading and writing of connected devices being monitored by the GOT, offering a streamlined data collection and analysis approach.

The SoftGOT-GOT link function is a standout feature, allowing designers to efficiently manage multiple SoftGOT1000 modules and utilize the link function effortlessly. Depending on operating authority, it provides the freedom to operate input objects from either the GT SoftGOT1000 or the GOT. The VNC server and client functions allow the remote operation of the GOT from a personal computer and vice versa, ensuring operational authority control and password settings for security. The SMTP mail send function enhances communication by alerting about worksite errors and collecting device data from the office.

Advanced functions to increase screen efficiency

Mitsubishi Electric’s Graphic Operation Terminal (GOT) 1000 series multilingual support feature stands out, allowing users to effortlessly switch between languages while automatically adjusting character sizes for touch switches, lamps, or comment displays. The system supports Japanese, English, and Thai languages, providing a convenient solution for applications requiring language diversity. The Advanced Recipe function elevates the management of recipe data, simplifying the creation and editing of intricate recipe files. The system accommodates up to 2,048 blocks, incorporating sequential word devices, arbitrary word devices, and bit devices. This flexibility in device settings, encompassing bit and word combinations, results in more efficient use of device points and streamlines recipe data management. The GT1000 series ensures easy creation of multilingual screens, automatically adjusting character string lengths and line feeds according to the object size. This simplifies the design process and contributes to better work efficiency.

GOT provides complete traceability for safe and secure operation

The Mitsubishi Electric GOT 1000 series ensures full traceability with a logging function, including a historical trend graph and data list display. This enables a smooth transition from data collection to time-series storage, facilitating visualization and organization of data changes. The operator authentication function enhances security by granting varied operation authority, reducing unauthorized access and operation error risks.  The system enhances efficient data collection and reduces PLC load by gathering data from temperature controllers and other units. Logging data is securely stored in the built-in SRAM, ensuring integrity during power failures, especially in GT16/GT14 models. The Log Viewer function allows direct display of LCPU and high-speed data logger module logging data on the GOT, featuring multi-cursor functionality for easy data verification and search capabilities. Recorded log data is stored on a memory card and accessible for review on the GOT or a personal computer in CSV or Unicode text files. The convenience of collecting logging data without cabinet opening is facilitated through a USB memory device attached to the front USB interface.

The GOT2000 History

Building on the success of its predecessor, Mitsubishi Electric launched the GOT 2000 series in 2010. Designed for the evolving needs of modern industrial environments, these HMIs focused on flexibility, connectivity, and performance, paving the way for a new era of industrial automation.

Advanced User Interface and High-Resolution Touchscreen

Mitsubishi’s GOT2000 Series HMI transforms user interaction in industrial automation by integrating a high-resolution touchscreen, intuitive multi-touch gestures, and a precise 2-point press operation. The high-resolution display ensures clear visuals, providing operators with a detailed understanding of intricate industrial processes. Whether monitoring machinery or analyzing datasets, this visual clarity enhances decision-making. Exclusive to the GT27 model, intuitive multi-touch gestures simplify tasks, allowing operators to zoom in for small switch operations and use object gestures for precise enlargement, scrolling, or flicking. These gestures improve access to critical information, creating an intuitive interface for industrial management. The 2-point press operation ensures command precision, preventing accidental inputs and enhancing overall reliability. Requiring two designated points for vital operations minimizes errors, making it invaluable in high-stakes industrial settings. Mitsubishi’s GOT2000 Series guarantees smooth, error-free operation in complex environments.

High-Speed Processing and Multitasking Capabilities

Mitsubishi’s GOT2000 HMI Series sets a benchmark in industrial automation efficiency, featuring robust processors that enable seamless multitasking and rapid response times. The series excels in high-speed processing, ensuring uninterrupted operation during intensive tasks such as data logging, scripting, alarms, or device data transfers. The GT27 model, with a performance boost of two-fold or more compared to its predecessor, the GT16, allows operators to navigate complex tasks effortlessly. These high-speed processing capabilities not only enhance multitasking but also facilitate real-time monitoring and control, crucial for industrial environments requiring rapid data processing. Mitsubishi’s commitment to high-speed processing ensures that the GOT2000 Series delivers flawless and efficient operations, empowering industries to achieve unparalleled productivity and precision in daily tasks.

Expanded Memory Capacity in the GT2000 Series

A notable feature of the GT2000 Series is the substantial increase in memory capacity, providing a transformative solution to address data limitations in industrial automation. This progress is made possible through innovative product data compression technology, enabling users to utilize up to 128MB of actual space without relying on an SD card. With 32 MB of ROM (Read-Only Memory) for storage and an impressive 80 MB of RAM (Random Access Memory) for operation, the GT2000 Series frees designers and operators from storage constraints. This expanded memory accommodates intricate designs and data storage, ensuring the smooth execution of complex industrial processes. The enhanced memory capacity empowers industrial professionals to optimize their creativity and operational efficiency, fostering innovation and enabling the effective handling of intricate tasks, thereby bolstering the efficiency of industrial automation processes.

Connectivity and Data Management

The GOT2000 Series HMI is a technological cornerstone, providing connectivity through diverse communication protocols. This integration is crucial in Industry 4.0 applications, facilitating data exchange between devices and systems to enhance automation and decision-making processes. With support for various communication protocols, the GOT2000 Series ensures easy integration with different industrial automation systems, promoting efficient and interconnected operations. Additionally, the series simplifies equipment startup and adjustment by acting as a transparent gateway when connected to a personal computer through the front USB interface. This eliminates the need to open electrical cabinets or modify cable connections, streamlining operational processes and reducing downtime.  Moreover, the GOT2000 HMI Series facilitates easy collection and visualization of log data. Users can gather data from programmable controllers and temperature controllers using the GOT, presenting it in clear graphs and lists. This data is exportable to personal computers for in-depth analysis. Notably, the logging data remains secure in the built-in SRAM even in the event of a power failure, ensuring continuity in data management processes. The seamless connectivity and efficient data management capabilities of the GOT2000 Series play a crucial role in Industry 4.0 scenarios, providing a robust foundation for streamlined operations and data-driven decision-making.

Customization and Flexibility

Mitsubishi’s GOT2000 Series HMI solutions redefine customization in industrial interfaces, offering unmatched flexibility to align with specific industrial processes. This adaptability ensures smooth integration into diverse application requirements, providing customized solutions for various industries. Models like GT27 and GT25 in white introduce additional color options, expanding visual choices for users. The flush frame design, devoid of USB ports, simplifies cleaning procedures, enhancing hygiene in industrial environments. An innovative vertical installation option further amplifies adaptability, especially in confined spaces where traditional setups might be challenging. Moreover, GT21 models, with their unique design, offer myriad installation possibilities. Despite their unconventional configuration, these models provide valuable installation flexibility, rotated at a 90-degree angle to the right. This adaptability ensures seamless integration into various industrial settings, tailoring solutions to unique application demands. The combination of customizable interfaces and versatile installation options in the GOT2000 Series exemplifies Mitsubishi’s dedication to meeting the diverse needs of modern industries. This adaptability enriches the user experience, guaranteeing optimal performance and efficiency in industrial automation scenarios, making it the preferred choice in HMI solutions.

Remote Management

Incorporating cutting-edge technology, the GOT2000 Series offers robust capabilities for remote monitoring and control, revolutionizing how industries manage their operations. This feature is invaluable in sectors where remote supervision and adjustments are essential, leading to heightened operational efficiency and minimized downtime. A notable addition is the introduction of remote monitoring through the VNC server function on GT21 models. This advancement enables seamless remote connectivity from personal computers or tablets to the GOT HMI. Operators can remotely operate, monitor production equipment, and establish connections with system devices, facilitating real-time adjustments and ensuring continuous, efficient operation. Mitsubishi’s commitment to remote monitoring and control within the GOT2000 Series elevates industrial efficiency, providing industries with a powerful tool to enhance productivity and minimize disruptions, ultimately contributing to optimized operational processes.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, Mitsubishi’s groundbreaking advancements in the GOT 1000 and GOT 2000 Series vividly exemplify the evolution of human-machine interfaces. The journey from introducing the GOT 1000 series in 1999, with its revolutionary touch-panel HMIs transforming user interactions in industrial automation, to the launch of the sophisticated GOT 2000 series in 2010 signifies a remarkable technological evolution. The GOT 1000 series, with its user-friendly interface, intuitive menu navigation, graphical displays, and data logging capabilities, marked a turning point in HMI development, ushering in a new era of user-centric interaction in industrial automation. Its diverse line-up, exceptional speed, performance, and industry-leading functionalities empowered operators to tackle real-time operational challenges, optimizing uptime, productivity, and serviceability.

Advancing further, the GOT 2000 series, introduced in 2010, focused on flexibility, connectivity, and performance, meeting the evolving needs of modern industrial environments. With a high-resolution touchscreen, intuitive multi-touch gestures, and a precise 2-point press operation, the GOT 2000 series transformed user interaction, ensuring clear visuals and efficient decision-making in complex industrial processes. Its expanded memory capacity, connectivity through diverse communication protocols, and robust capabilities for remote monitoring and control set new benchmarks in industrial automation efficiency. Both series showcase Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovation, adaptability, and customization. The GOT 2000 Series, in particular, offers unmatched flexibility in interfaces, customization, and versatile installation options, meeting the diverse needs of modern industries.