Rugged Codesys-Based HMI Designed for Marine Stability and Control
Vantron developed a customized 5-inch rugged HMI for a client’s yacht stabilization system. Built on the NXP i.MX9 platform, the solution features a 1000-nit sunlight-readable display with optical bonding and an IP65-rated design for reliable wet-hand operation. By integrating CODESYS and QT, the HMI enables real-time status visualization, remote control, and data acquisition.
Location
Netherlands
Industry
Transportation
Project Type
ODM
Devices Deployed
5’’ NXP i.MX9 Series All-in-One Panel PC
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Background
The client is a specialist in stabilisation systems for yachts and motor vessels. They were developing a new stabiliser supporting zero-speed, cruising speed and high-speed operation, which required a custom 5-inch industrial HMI to serve as the interface for monitoring and controlling the stabiliser. The key requirements were:
1. The display needs to be highly readable under varying light conditions, and the device must guarantee long-term stable operation in the maritime environment.
2. Considering marine humidity, salt-spray, the HMI needed a solid protection rating and support for wet-hand operation.
3. Support CODESYS and QT environments to enable remote control, status visualisation, and data access.
Solution
Building on a deep understanding of customers' vessel installation environments and real-world onboard operating scenarios, Vantron delivers a fully customized, end-to-end solution covering hardware platforms, mechanical protection, display systems, and software control. The solution is designed to meet the stringent reliability, visibility, and maintainability requirements of maritime applications.
1. High-Performance Platform with Long-Term Availability
The solution is powered by the latest NXP i.MX 9 series processors, offering an optimal balance of high computing performance and low power consumption. In addition, the i.MX 9 platform ensures long-term product availability, making this rugged HMI well-suited for marine applications with extended lifecycle and stable supply requirements.
2. High-Brightness Display and Marine-Grade Mechanical Design
The system features a high-brightness LCD with up to 1000 nits, ensuring excellent readability even under strong ambient light conditions. A full lamination (optical bonding) process is applied to reduce internal reflections, improve contrast, and enhance overall visibility, which is critical for reliable operation in marine environments.
3. Optimized Mechanical Protection and Simplified Integration
The device adopts a panel-mount design, combined with a waterproof silicone gasket, to provide robust environmental protection. This structural optimization enables the system to meet IP65 ingress protection requirements, while also simplifying mechanical integration and installation for customers.
4. Software Environment and System Expandability
The software platform is built on Linux Yocto, providing a stable and customizable operating environment. Qt and WebEngine are pre-integrated to support graphical user interface development and web-based applications, enabling rapid customer-side customization. In addition, the system integrates CODESYS, allowing for data acquisition, status monitoring, parameter configuration, and remote control, supporting flexible expansion and advanced control logic implementation.
Benefits
The project has successfully entered the prototype validation phase, receiving positive customer feedback and paving the way for mass production with projected annual shipments exceeding 2,000 units. Beyond its current application, this versatile solution serves as a reliable, cost-effective HMI platform that can be seamlessly extended to various automation and smart control systems within demanding industrial environments.
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