Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has recently announced the launch of its new VersaView 6300 family of Allen-Bradley industrial computers, which are also known as ASEM 6300. These devices are designed to offer high-performance computing, enhanced protection, and seamless integration with the FactoryTalk Optix portfolio, Rockwell Automation’s latest HMI solution.
What are Panel and Box Industrial PCs?
Panel and box industrial PCs are compact computers that can be mounted directly on the back of a monitor or inside an electrical cabinet. They are typically used for running HMI applications, data acquisition, machine control, and other industrial automation tasks. Unlike traditional PCs, they are built to withstand harsh environments, such as dust, moisture, vibration, and extreme temperatures.
Panel and box industrial PCs have several advantages over other types of industrial computers, such as:
- They save space and reduce wiring complexity, as they do not require separate monitors, keyboards, or mice.
- They offer more flexibility and scalability, as they can be easily upgraded or replaced with different models or sizes.
- They provide better visibility and accessibility, as they can be positioned closer to the operators or the machines.
What are the Features and Benefits of the ASEM 6300?
The ASEM 6300 is a new line of panel and box industrial PCs that are part of the VersaView 6300 family, which also includes industrial monitors and thin clients. The ASEM 6300 is built using the seventh-generation core i3, i5, and i7 Intel processors, which enable it to handle complex industrial automation applications with ease.
The ASEM 6300 comes in various models and configurations, depending on the user’s needs and preferences. Some of the key features and benefits of the ASEM 6300 are:
- It comes in high-definition display sizes between 12 and 24 inches, with low profile or standard bezels. The user can also choose between a single-touch resistive screen or a multi-touch PCAP screen, depending on the operating conditions and the type of gloves worn by the operators.
- It has four Ethernet ports that offer extended functions, such as “Wake on LAN” and “Jumbo Frame”, which allow the device to be remotely turned on or off and to transmit large packets over the network. The device also has six USB ports, one serial port, one DVI port, and one PCIe expansion slot for additional connectivity and functionality.
- It uses passive cooling technology, which eliminates the need for fans and reduces noise and maintenance. The device also has an IP65 rating, which means it is protected from dust and water jets. For more demanding applications, such as food and beverage or pharmaceutical industries, there is an IP69K stainless steel bezel food-grade version available, which has a specific gasket material and can withstand high-pressure and high-temperature washdowns.
- It has a memory size of 8, 16, or 32 GB and a hard drive size of 128 GB, 256 GB, or 1 TB, with optional matching additional storage available. The device also comes pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 64-bit, which is a secure and reliable operating system for industrial applications.
- It is compatible with ThinManager, a software platform that allows the user to centrally manage and secure the device, as well as other thin clients and mobile devices on the network. ThinManager also enables the user to access multiple sources of content and applications from a single device, such as FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk View ME, FactoryTalk ViewPoint, and third-party software.
The following table summarizes the main specifications and options of the ASEM 6300:
| Specification | Option |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 |
| Display Size | 12, 15, 19, or 24 inches |
| Bezel Type | Low profile or standard |
| Screen Type | Single-touch resistive or multi-touch PCAP |
| Ethernet Ports | 4x (3x for stainless steel bezel) |
| USB Ports | 6x |
| Serial Port | 1x |
| DVI Port | 1x |
| PCIe Expansion Slot | 1x |
| Memory Size | 8, 16, or 32 GB |
| Hard Drive Size | 128 GB, 256 GB, or 1 TB |
| Additional Storage | Optional |
| Operating System | Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 64-bit |
| ThinManager Compatibility | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP65 or IP69K (for stainless steel bezel) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50 °C (for i3 processor) or 0 to 45 °C (for i7 processor) |
How Does the ASEM 6300 Integrate with the FactoryTalk Optix Portfolio?
The ASEM 6300 is one of the solutions in the new FactoryTalk Optix portfolio, which is Rockwell Automation’s newest HMI solution. The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio allows the user to choose their own technology mix, where they can use visualization software to design HMI applications that can natively work with both Rockwell Automation and third-party controllers and display on a choice of hardware from either Rockwell Automation or a third-party.
The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio consists of three main components:
- FactoryTalk Optix Studio: This is a cloud-based application that allows the user to create, edit, and deploy HMI applications from anywhere, using any device. The user can also collaborate with other users and share projects in real-time. FactoryTalk Optix Studio supports HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript, as well as OPC UA and MQTT protocols, which enable interoperability and connectivity with various devices and systems.
- FactoryTalk Optix Runtime: This is a software application that runs on the ASEM 6300 or other compatible devices and executes the HMI applications created with FactoryTalk Optix Studio. The user can also access the HMI applications from any web browser or mobile device, using FactoryTalk Optix ViewPoint, which is a web-based extension of FactoryTalk Optix Runtime.
- FactoryTalk Optix Edge: This is a software application that runs on the ASEM 6300 or other compatible devices and acts as a gateway between the HMI applications and the controllers. FactoryTalk Optix Edge supports various communication protocols, such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, BACnet, and Siemens S7, as well as OPC UA and MQTT, which allow the user to connect to Rockwell Automation and third-party controllers and devices.
The FactoryTalk Optix portfolio offers several benefits to the user, such as:
- It reduces the development time and cost, as the user can create HMI applications from anywhere, using any device, and without installing any software.
- It increases the flexibility and scalability, as the user can choose the best hardware and software combination for their needs and preferences, and easily switch between them as needed.
- It improves the performance and reliability, as the user can leverage the high-performance computing and enhanced protection of the ASEM 6300 and other devices, as well as the secure and stable operating system and software platform of the FactoryTalk Optix portfolio.
- It enhances the user experience and productivity, as the user can access the HMI applications from any web browser or mobile device, and interact with them using intuitive and responsive interfaces.
