mobile und modulare M2Smart HMI10 Geräte in Anwendung Automobilindustrie

Mobile HMI devices with functional safety

FAQ for Mobile HMI Devices

Please note: The FAQs below are intended as a general guide and provide initial assistance with frequently asked questions regarding the M2Smart® HMI system. The FAQs do not claim to be exhaustive! For the safe and correct use of the M2Smart® HMI system, it is essential to be familiar with and follow the Operating and Project Engineering Manual, as well as the warnings and safety instructions contained therein.

Questions about the M2Smart® HMI system

The M2Smart® HMI system consists of the following components:

  • M2Smart® HMI5 or M2Smart® HMI10 (mobile, battery-powered operator panel with emergency stop and enable button)
  • M2Smart® Gateway i or M2Smart® Gateway o (link between the control panel and the safety PLC)
  • Optional accessories

A three-position enable switch means that the switch has three positions. In the rest position (position 1, i.e. switch not pressed) and the panic position (position 3, i.e. switch pressed through), the ‘Enable’ safety function is not activated. If the enable switch is in the working position (position 2, switch slightly pressed), the “Enable” safety function is activated. Only when this enable signal has been issued will the M2Smart® HMI system permit movement, thus enabling, for example, the operation of a system.

No, the M2Smart® HMI system has been developed for indoor use. Strong sunlight reduces the readability of the display as well as the visibility of the illuminated emergency stop button and thus poses safety risks.

Yes, the NFC tag works even when attached to metal. With the M2Smart® HMI10, pairing via NFC tag is possible without any problems, even if the tag is attached to metal.
With the M2Smart® HMI5, due to the reading range, it is necessary to attach the NFC tag along with a spacer if it is positioned on metal. The spacer is supplied as standard when purchasing an M2Smart® Gateway.

Abstandhalter für das Anbringen des NFC-Tags auf Metall

Please note the following when pairing with the NFC tag:

  • When aligning the NFC tag, ensure that it is positioned with the front facing.
  • If the NFC tag is positioned on metal, ensure that the supplied spacer is used with the M2Smart® HMI5.
  • The NFC tag must be held against the M2Smart® HMI until the notification “Connection is being established” is displayed.

The ACD HMIConfig App is an app provided by ACD Elektronik. ACD HMIConfig is used to display the status and configure the M2Smart® HMI system.

If the settings of the M2Smart® HMI system are to be changed, ACD HMIConfig is essential. For day-to-day use (e.g. pairing with an M2Smart® Gateway), ACD HMIConfig is not required.

The ACD HMIService provides the API interface for custom client applications. This makes it possible to integrate functions such as status and parameter queries, as well as the setting of digital outputs, into the client-specific application. The ACD HMIService must be permanently active.

Yes, visualization is independent of the M2Smart® HMI system. If required, functions such as status and parameter queries, as well as the setting of digital outputs, can be integrated into the customer-specific application via the ACD HMIService.

The ACD WebAppService provides an API interface to integrate device functions and functions of the M2Smart® HMI system into a web application.

The settings are saved on the respective connected M2Smart® Gateway. This means that the settings on the relevant M2Smart® Gateway always remain the same, even if a different M2Smart® HMI device is connected to this M2Smart® Gateway.
The App Guardian settings are an exception to this and are stored on the M2Smart® HMI device.

The two passwords relate to different functions. One password relates to the ‘App Guardian’ function and the other to the settings for the M2Smart® HMI system. The two passwords provide different levels of security for the functions.

No, the password cannot currently be changed. You can find the default password in the latest version of the Operating and Project Engineering Manual.

No, it is not possible to establish a connection whilst the emergency stop button is pressed!

To successfully disconnect, the disconnection process must be confirmed twice within ten seconds. Each confirmation using the enable button must not take longer than three seconds.

Check whether the App Guardian is enabled in the ACD HMIConfig. The App Guardian can prevent applications from starting or continuing to run if there is no secure connection to the M2Smart® Gateway.

Before settings are applied to the M2Smart® HMI system, they are summarized once more and must be checked. If the check is not completed within 30 seconds, the parameterization process is automatically aborted.

The visualization can be displayed on the M2Smart® HMI system, for example via a web browser, via VNC, via RDP or via a native Android app.

No, there is currently no auto-start function for the web visualization; it must be started manually.

No, there is currently no auto-start function for web visualization if it is stored in the App Guardian.

This may be due to the previous connection. If the previous connection was not terminated correctly or other errors occurred in the meantime, these errors are stored on the M2Smart® Gateway and displayed the next time a connection is established. This process occurs regardless of whether the same M2Smart® HMI or a different one is used to re-establish the connection.

In the event of an error, error codes are displayed directly on the M2Smart® HMI control unit. The number of error codes can be read again via the ACD SystemApp under the ‘Maintenance’ menu item. The secret code required to read all errors is ‘102000’.

The default setting is 30 days, after which the error descriptions are automatically deleted. However, this period can be adjusted individually via the configuration file “HMIService.json” using the parameter “KeepLogForXDays”. Further information can be found in the Operating and Project Engineering Manual.

No, there is currently no Sistema library available. The safety data sheets can be found in the Operating and Project Engineering Manual.

The EPLAN data for the M2Smart® Gateway i and the M2Smart® Gateway o can be found on the following website under the heading “Portable Devices Retail / Logistics and Industrial electronics”: Downloads

Example circuits are available on the following website under the heading “Portable Devices Retail / Logistics and Industrial electronics”: Downloads

As soon as the battery is removed, the M2Smart® HMI system enters a safe state.

The fault reaction time is the maximum time required for the M2Smart® HMI system to enter a safe state following the occurrence of a fault. This can be configured by the customer and ranges from 225 to 1,000 milliseconds, depending on the setting. The default value is 300 ms.

The average latency of the M2Smart® HMI system is between 50 – 120 ms.

The maximum discrepancy time is 10 ms.

The abbreviation SIL stands for ‘Safety Integrity Level’. SIL is an international metric for classifying functional safety and is defined in IEC 61508. There are four levels in total. These range from SIL 1 (lowest functional safety) to SIL 4 (highest functional safety). The higher the SIL of a safety-related system, the lower the probability that the system will fail to perform the required safety function. With the M2Smart® HMI system from ACD Elektronik, SIL 2 can be achieved in accordance with IEC 61508.

The abbreviation PL stands for ‘Performance Level’. The Performance Level is a measure of the reliability of a technical safety function and indicates the probability of a dangerous failure. The Performance Level is classified from PLa (lowest reliability) to PLe (highest reliability). The Performance Level is defined in DIN EN ISO 13849-1. With the M2Smart® HMI system from ACD Elektronik, PLd can be achieved in accordance with DIN EN ISO 13849-1.

According to IEC 61508, this corresponds to Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2).

The M2Smart® HMI system from ACD Elektronik enables compliance with PLd as per DIN EN ISO 13849-1.

According to DIN EN ISO 13849-1, the B10d value is defined as the number of cycles in which fewer than 10% of the pneumatic and electromechanical components have failed in a hazardous manner.

If the M2Smart® HMI system is in a safe state, all fail-safe outputs and the emergency stop LED are switched off. Further information on this can be found in the Operating and Project Engineering Manual.

No, the current safety concept of the M2Smart® HMI system does not allow for the individual definition of the safe state.

Yes, by actively disconnecting the connection via an enable button or code, the connection between the M2Smart® HMI operator terminal and the M2Smart® Gateway can be terminated without the M2Smart® HMI system entering the safe state. Further information on this can be found in the Operating and Project Engineering Manual.

To distinguish between an intentional disconnection and the safe state, when an intentional disconnection is requested, the fail-safe outputs “Emergency Stop” are switched to ON and “Enable” to OFF. This is independent of the status of the switch positions on the M2Not-Halt module. 500 ms later, the fail-safe “Connection Indicator” output is switched to OFF. Thus, the intentional disconnection can be distinguished by comparing the fail-safe “Emergency Stop” and “Connection Indicator” outputs.

No, the restricted operating area is not a safety function. Therefore, the safe state of the M2Smart® HMI system is not activated when the user is in the warning zone. However, the M2Smart® HMI control unit informs the user, both acoustically and via a haptic signal from a vibration motor, that they are in the warning zone.

As soon as the M2Not-Halt or the M2Smart® Gateway detects an overheating condition, the M2Smart® HMI system enters a safe state. If the overheating condition is not resolved within ten minutes, the M2Not-Halt or the M2Smart® Gateway is permanently disabled and can no longer be used.

A factory reset serves to reset all settings of the M2Smart® HMI as well as all apps and data. After a factory reset of the M2Smart® HMI, please note the following:

  • All apps that were pre-installed on the M2Smart® HMI will be automatically reinstalled after the factory reset (e.g. ACD HMIConfig, ACD HMIService).
  • To activate ACD HMIService, the ACD HMIConfig App must be launched once. After that, pairing with an M2Smart® Gateway is possible as usual.
  • Any apps installed later may need to be reinstalled. The apps provided by ACD Elektronik for subsequent installation can be found in the same location as they were when the device was first shipped.

Questions about the M2Smart® HMI10

Of course. The handle, including the enable button on the back of the M2Smart® HMI10, can be rotated by approx. 90° and can therefore also be used by left-handed people without compromising on ergonomics. To adjust the handle, simply loosen the middle screw and then rotate the handle.

No, it is currently not possible to mount it on the left-hand plug-in slide mechanism, as the emergency stop button was designed exclusively for the right-hand side.

With a constant connection, the operating time of the M2Smart® HMI10 with a fully charged battery is approximately four hours at room temperature. This time depends on the screen sleep setting, the CPU load and the age of the battery.

The NFC reading area on the M2Smart® HMI10 is located at the top left, directly next to the orange button. The area is also marked with an icon.

NFC-Lesebereich des M2Smart HMI10

The right-hand battery compartment of the M2Smart® HMI10 is only for storing the spare battery and is not electrically connected. Only the battery in the left-hand battery compartment can be used for power supply. Check that the fully charged battery is in the left-hand battery compartment.

Akkufächer des M2Smart HMI10

The upper orange button can be used freely. The button can be configured quickly and easily using the ACD KeyConfig App.

It is possible to assign a static IP address. For further details, please refer to the Application Note.

Questions about the M2Smart® HMI5

With a constant connection, the operating time of the M2Smart® HMI5 with a fully charged battery is approximately six hours at room temperature. This time depends on the screen sleep setting, the CPU load and the age of the battery.

The NFC reading area on the M2Smart® HMI5 is located in the upper section on the back of the device. To pair the device, the M2Smart® HMI5 must be held against the NFC tag.

NFC Lesebereich beim mobilen und kabellosen HMI M2Smart HMI5

The two orange buttons on the side can be used as required. The buttons can be configured quickly and easily using the ACD KeyConfig App.

It is possible to assign a static IP address. Details can be found in the Application Note.

Questions about the M2Smart® Gateway i or M2Smart® Gateway o

The “i” in the M2Smart® Gateway i stands for “in cabinet”, as this gateway is designed for installation inside a control cabinet using DIN rails. The “o” in the M2Smart® Gateway o stands for “out of cabinet”. This gateway is therefore designed for installation outside a control cabinet, e.g. directly on the machine or system. Due to its installation inside the control cabinet, the M2Smart® Gateway i has a protection rating of IP20, whereas the M2Smart® Gateway o has a protection rating of IP65. Technically, both M2Smart® Gateways have the same functions and can also be combined with one another as required.

To ensure the safety of the user and the system being operated, the connection between the M2Smart® HMI and the M2Smart® Gateway is immediately interrupted when an error occurs, and the system switches to a safe state. The error messages are stored on the M2Smart® Gateway. If there is no permanent error on the M2Smart® Gateway, the M2Smart® HMI can be reconnected to the M2Smart® Gateway and all unreported errors are then transferred to the connected M2Smart® HMI.

There are three safe outputs on the M2Smart® Gateways. One each for the emergency stop, the enable button and the connection indicator. All safe outputs are dual-channel.

There are three digital outputs on each M2Smart® Gateway. One digital output is used for connection signaling. The other two digital outputs can be assigned individually by the customer.

There are two digital inputs. One is used to reset the M2Smart® Gateway, and the other is used to reset the password and the timestamp of the parameters.

Yes, any number of external NFC tags can be used with the M2Smart® Gateways. These tags can then be mounted in different locations, allowing quick access to the machine or system to be operated from various sides.

You can find all the information on wiring in the Operating and Project Engineering Manual. The EPLAN files are also available on the website or via the customer portal.

If the Connection LED on the M2Smart® Gateway flashes continuously, this indicates faulty wiring or a fault in the safe outputs.

If the Power LED is not lit, the M2Smart® Gateway has either been wired incorrectly, or the voltage range of the power supply is incorrect.

If a connection has been successfully established, the Connection LED on the M2Smart® Gateway flashes yellow three times. Provided a signal light is connected to the M2Smart® Gateway via digital output 1, the connected M2Smart® Gateway can be identified in ACD HMIConfig via the “Connection Signaling” button.

The rod antennas of the two M2Smart® Gateways can also be mounted independently of the M2Smart® Gateway’s location using an extension cable. ACD Elektronik offers extension cables in lengths of 1 m, 2 m, 5 m and 10 m. Further cable lengths are available on request.

The antenna of the M2Smart® Gateway i must be routed out of the control cabinet and secured with a PG screw connection. Further details can be found in the Operating and Project Engineering Manual.

As soon as the operating voltage is applied to the M2Smart® Gateway, the M2Smart® Gateway’s power LED lights up green.

The serial number of the M2Smart® Gateway is printed on the NFC tag’s label. This serial number allows the NFC tag to be linked to the corresponding M2Smart® Gateway.

The default name of the M2Smart® Gateway is as follows: M2Smart Gateway “Serial number”. This name can be changed. It is recommended that you change the name in the settings when commissioning the devices.

There are a few things to bear in mind regarding the power-on and power-off sequence to ensure the M2Smart® HMI system operates smoothly. Details can be found in the Application Note.

No, it is not absolutely necessary to wire the outputs of the enable function if there is no enable switch on the M2Smart® HMI unit.

Questions about the M2Smart® HMI Access Point

The operator and visualization data can be transmitted to the machine or plant either via BT-compatible short-range radio or Wi-Fi. The M2Smart® HMI Access Point can be used to establish a stable wireless connection if this is not possible via the customer’s existing infrastructure.

The connection to the M2Smart® HMI Access Point is only active as long as the connection to the M2Smart® Gateway is maintained. However, the M2Smart® HMI Access Point must always be switched on and broadcasting a network so that a connection can be established at any time.

The M2Smart® HMI Access Point can be connected to a central switch. It is important that the visualization system is accessible via the switch. Alternatively, the ethernet connection from the M2Smart® HMI Access Point to the remote station can also be connected directly.

If the M2Smart® Gateway is purchased as a set with the M2Smart® HMI Access Point, the M2Smart® HMI Access Point is pre-paired with the M2Smart® Gateway at the factory. Pairing via NFC tag automatically establishes a connection to the respective M2Smart® Gateway and the M2Smart® HMI Access Point. This means that only a single pairing process is required. If the M2Smart® HMI Access Point is purchased later, it can still be assigned to the M2Smart® Gateway via software configuration.

If multiple M2Smart® HMI Access Points are installed, it is recommended to reconfigure and distribute the Wi-Fi channels on the M2Smart® HMI Access Point. This helps to prevent mutual interference between the Wi-Fi nodes. The same applies to the use of additional access points in the company network, even outside the M2Smart® HMI system. When using the M2Smart® HMI Access Point via BT-compatible short-range radio, no further configuration is required in this regard.

No, each M2Smart® Gateway can only be linked to or used with one M2Smart® HMI Access Point.

No, each M2Smart® HMI Access Point can only be linked to or used with one M2Smart® Gateway.

A 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi connection, a 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection and BT-compatible short-range radio are available for connection. When connecting via BT-compatible short-range radio, please note that this connection can only be used for resource-light applications. We therefore recommend using Wi-Fi for the transmission of operator and visualization data.
Operating an AGV with the mobile and wireless M2Smart HMI10 from ACD Elektronik

Any further questions about the M2Smart® HMI system?

Was your question not answered, or do you need further support with commissioning the M2Smart® HMI system?
Please feel free to contact our Technical Consulting team:
Tel.: +49 7392 708-488
E-Mail: support.technik@acd-elektronik.de

Are you looking for further documentation?

Further documentation, such as the Operating and Project Engineering Manual and various application notes, is available to you after free registration on the customer portal.