HMI + PLC

What do you get when you combine the visual functionality of an HMI with the programmability of a PLC? Let’s do the math!

HMI + PLC = HMC

(Human Machine Controller)

HMC units blend the functionalities of the traditional HMI with the logic abilities that PLCs are known for. The result is an HMI + PLC Combo unit…HMC.

The HMC can also augment its PLC functionality by installing extra I/O modules. HMC Terminals come in 3 display sizes: 4.3″, 7″ and 10″. The 4.3″ terminal can have a single I/O module connection, while the 7″ models have three I/O module connection points and the 10″ terminal features five I/O module connection points.

In practical terms, this means the HMC can replace a separate PLC and HMI setup, simplifying system design. It can run ladder logic or IEC-based programs, display real-time data, alarms, and trends, and directly connect to I/O modules that handle inputs and outputs from the physical process. Everything is configured within a single software environment, allowing engineers to build both the control logic and the user interface together.

Beyond basic control and visualization, HMCs are designed to function as the central hub of a machine or small system. They include built-in communication ports such as Ethernet and serial, allowing integration with other PLCs, drives, sensors, and networked devices using common industrial protocols. They also support remote monitoring, data logging, and IIoT features, enabling users to collect and access operational data locally or remotely over a network. This makes them suitable not just for standalone control, but also for connected and data-driven applications.

The main advantage of an HMC is efficiency. By combining control and visualization into one device, it reduces hardware costs, saves panel space, and minimizes wiring complexity. This streamlined approach also shortens development time and reduces integration effort, making HMCs especially well-suited for compact machines, OEM equipment, and applications where simplicity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness are important.

To learn more about the HMC product line, their capabilities and the programming environment, see the links below to take to you the corresponding sections.

IEC 61131-3 Programming Guide

IEC 61131-3 is a section of an International Electro-Technical Committee (IEC) standard that provides a definition for implementing PLC programming software. The standard was first introduced in 1993 as the result of an effort to standardize the myriad PLC logic editors in the automation market place. The goal of the standard is to give automation professionals a familiar environment and set of tools to create PLC programs across vendor platforms. MAPware-7000 has editors implemented for all five programming languages defined by the standard.

This manual will give you all the information you need to put these powerful tools to use.

MAPware-7000 Getting Started Guide

This document is a quick start guide for Maple Systems’ MAPware-7000 software, used to program HMC (Human Machine Controller) devices. It introduces how to build automation projects that combine PLC control logic and HMI visualization within a single platform.

The guide is centered around two sample projects that demonstrate the main programming methods: IEC 61131-3 (multi-language, modular programming) and Native Ladder Logic (traditional PLC-style). Through these examples, it covers the essentials—creating projects, defining tags, configuring I/O, building logic, and designing operator interface screens.

It also emphasizes structured programming concepts like logic blocks, subroutines, and user-defined function blocks (UDFBs), along with how programs execute within the controller. Practical steps such as installation, downloading to hardware, and online monitoring for testing are included.

I/O Module Guide

This document is an I/O module guide for Maple Systems HMC platforms, with the V2 modules representing the newer generation of expansion hardware specifically designed for HMC2000 and HMC4000 series terminals.

At a high level, the guide explains how these modules extend an HMC by adding modular, configurable I/O—including digital inputs/outputs, analog signals, high-speed counters, and PWM outputs. The key idea is flexibility: instead of fixed onboard I/O, users can tailor a system by selecting modules that match the exact needs of the application.

The modules follow a consistent architecture. They provide:

• Digital I/O (mix of PNP transistor and/or relay outputs depending on model)
• Analog I/O (voltage, current, and in some models thermocouple/RTD support)
• High-speed inputs (up to 200 kHz for counting/encoder applications)
• PWM outputs for motion control or signal generation

The guide also outlines how these modules are integrated into a project using MAPware-7000, where each physical I/O point is automatically mapped to memory addresses (tags). This allows the programmer to interact with real-world signals directly through logic using predefined registers and bits.

Beyond hardware, the document introduces built-in advanced features:

• High-Speed Counters (HSC): hardware-based counting with minimal logic overhead
• PWM control modes: multiple output behaviors for motion or control applications
• Analog scaling and configuration: converting raw signals into usable engineering values

Installation and configuration are straightforward: modules attach to the back of the HMC, are assigned to slots in software, and can be pre-configured for signal types (voltage, current, etc.) before runtime.