FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 10, 2002

GE Fanuc to Introduce Next Generation of QuickPanel^® Displays
New operator interfaces feature Ethernet connectivity, 4 MB memory, backlight burnout detection

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.¾GE Fanuc Automation will introduce a new generation of QuickPanel^® operator interface displays – which offer built-in Ethernet connectivity, 4 MB memory and backlight burnout detection – during National Manufacturing Week in Chicago, March 18-21, in Booth #4405. Available in 7.5,” 10.5,” and 12.1” sizes and designed to occupy minimal panel space, the new displays are designed for use in any size industrial application.

Available in March, the new QuickPanel operator interfaces include numerous state-of-the-art features:

·         A 10Base-T Ethernet port that provides network connectivity for communicating with a PLC and for faster application downloads;

·         4 MB of flash EPROM, offering twice the memory of existing QuickPanel solutions;

·         Backlight burnout detection that communicates the fault to the PLC and automatically disables the touch screen, enabling immediate problem resolution and minimizing production downtime; and

·         A compact flash card that allows applications and program changes to be transferred to and from the QuickPanel quickly and easily.

Like other members of the popular QuickPanel family, the new flat panel displays support both static and dynamic bitmap graphics that present information-rich pictures to operators at a glance, replacing such discrete I/O devices as pushbuttons, pilot lights, ASCII display, alarming, and numeric entry and display. The DC-powered units are highly energy efficient, consuming only 50 watts of power.  Coupled with their wide input voltage specifications, they are ideal for use in battery-powered applications. Rated for NEMA 4X/12, the QuickPanel operator interfaces are also Class 1/Division 2, UL, CUL, and CE agency approved to meet the demands of harsh industrial environments.

About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation is a leading global supplier of industrial control systems and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC, Ltd. of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include CIMPLICITY® manufacturing enterprise-wide software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control systems, operator interfaces, industrial computers, CO₂ and YAG lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems.

About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems is a $6 billion global leader in manufacturing products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment, and supplying product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications. GE Industrial Systems is one of GE's major businesses.

For more information, visit http://www.gefanuc.com or contact:  GE Fanuc Information Center, P.O. Box 229, Whitehall, PA 18052, Phone: (800) 648-2001, Fax: (610) 437-5212, e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com.

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CIMPLICITY is a registered trademark of GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.