Pre-assembled, plug-and-play Key Panels with safety functionality

Tactile feedback when keys are pressed, free configuration of the key functions, as well as bright LEDs in one of five colors all provide a high degree of user friendliness. The costly and time-consuming individual assembly and wiring overhead associated with conventional operator controls is eliminated.

Keys not currently required can subsequently be configured at any time, such as when an application is extended, for example. The new key panel is designed in the IP65 degree of protection for use in a rough industrial environment and is also suitable for safety-related applications. The device features four fail-safe inputs to which one or two emergency stop buttons can be connected in accordance with safety category SIL 3.

The new Simatic HMI KP32F PN Key Panel is equipped with two Profinet interfaces. This means that the panel can be integrated into existing networks without the need for additional hardware components, such as switches. The 32 keys are freely configurable: Flashing LEDs can prompt operator interaction, for example, or changing colors can indicate the machine status in red, yellow, green, white or blue. In addition the intensity of the LED backlighting of the keys can be adjusted to suit ambient conditions, so that excellent readability is ensured even under difficult lighting conditions such as extreme brightness. Slide-in strips can be used for individual labeling of the keys.

Typical fields of application for key operator panels are applications that require the deterministic transmission of operator commands. Compared to individual HMI elements such as key-operated switches or illuminated pushbuttons, pre-assembled, plug-and-play operator panels save time-consuming assembly and wiring.

The Siemens Industry Sector (Erlangen, Germany) is the world's leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products and solutions for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the Sector enhances its customers' productivity, efficiency, and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Divisions Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services as well as the Business Unit Metals Technologies. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/industry

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg, Germany) supports the entire value chain of its industrial customers – from product design to production and services – with an unmatched combination of automation technology, industrial control technology, and industrial software. With its software solutions, the Division can shorten the time-to-market of new products by up to 50 percent. Industry Automation comprises five Business Units: Industrial Automation Systems, Control Components and Systems Engineering, Sensors and Communications, Siemens PLM Software, and Water Technologies. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com/industryautomation

Reference Number: IIA2011113104e

Contact
Mr. Gerhard Stauss
Industry Automation Division
Siemens AG
Gleiwitzerstr. 555
90475 Nürnberg
Germany
Tel: +49 (911) 895-7945
gerhard.stauss​@siemens.com