Uniop MKDR Series HMI Modules MKDR-16-3545

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Uniop MKDR Series Technical Notes

The Uniop MKDR Series represents a family of operator panel and man-machine interface (HMI) terminals engineered for continuous-duty industrial environments. Deployed extensively across chemical processing plants, oil refineries, power generation facilities, and heavy manufacturing lines, MKDR panels serve as the primary operator interface layer in distributed control system (DCS) and PLC architectures. Their ruggedized enclosures, wide operating temperature tolerance, and compatibility with major fieldbus protocols have made them a long-term fixture in plant automation infrastructure globally. Units such as the MKDR-16-3545 remain in active service in installations commissioned in the 1990s and 2000s, underscoring the series' role in long-lifecycle industrial deployments.

The Evolution of MKDR Architecture

The MKDR Series was developed by Uniop (Italy) as part of its broader operator terminal product line, which also includes the eTOP, EKVI, and CPCX families. Early MKDR units were character-based or low-resolution graphic terminals communicating via RS-232 and RS-485 serial links to host PLCs from Siemens, Allen-Bradley, Modicon, and Mitsubishi. Mid-generation models introduced membrane keypads with configurable function keys, expanded display resolutions, and support for Profibus-DP and Modbus RTU. Later revisions added Ethernet connectivity options and compatibility with Uniop's Designer configuration software suite.

The MKDR-16 sub-family, which includes the MKDR-16-3545, is characterized by a 16-key operator panel layout, typically paired with a compact LCD or EL display. These units were designed for panel-mount installation in control cabinets and operator stations where space constraints precluded larger touchscreen terminals. Compatibility with legacy serial protocols means MKDR-16 units are frequently retained in brownfield upgrades where replacing the host controller is not economically viable. As the series has entered its end-of-life phase, procurement of tested spare units and refurbished panels has become the primary support pathway for plant maintenance teams.

MKDR Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified models within the Uniop MKDR Series, classified by panel configuration and interface type. Each entry reflects a distinct hardware variant with specific display, keypad, and communication characteristics.

Operator Panel / HMI Terminals

• MKDR-16-3545: 16-key membrane panel, compact LCD display, RS-232/RS-485 serial interface, panel-mount enclosure.
• MKDR-16-0045: 16-key operator terminal, EL backlit display, Modbus RTU host communication.
• MKDR-16-0065: 16-key panel, enhanced display contrast, extended temperature range variant.
• MKDR-16-3065: 16-key configuration with dual serial ports, supports multi-drop network topologies.
• MKDR-16-3045: Standard 16-key HMI, RS-485 interface, compatible with Siemens S5/S7 protocol drivers.
• MKDR-08-3545: 8-key reduced-format operator panel, same display and communication platform as MKDR-16-3545.
• MKDR-08-0045: 8-key terminal, EL display, Modbus RTU, compact panel-mount form factor.
• MKDR-24-3545: 24-key expanded operator panel, larger display area, RS-232/RS-485 dual interface.
• MKDR-24-0065: 24-key panel, high-contrast display, extended industrial temperature specification.
• MKDR-32-3545: 32-key full-function operator terminal, multi-protocol serial communication.
• MKDR-32-0045: 32-key panel, EL display, Modbus RTU, suitable for complex process visualization.
• MKDR-16-ET45: Ethernet-enabled variant of the 16-key MKDR platform, TCP/IP connectivity for modern DCS integration.
• MKDR-16-PB45: Profibus-DP slave interface variant, 16-key panel, for Siemens and ABB DCS environments.
• MKDR-08-ET45: 8-key Ethernet panel, compact form factor for space-constrained operator stations.
• MKDR-24-PB45: 24-key Profibus-DP variant, extended keypad for multi-function process control stations.
• MKDR-16-3545-R: Factory-refurbished designation for MKDR-16-3545 units, tested to original specification.

Quality Control for the MKDR Range

MKDR Series panels present specific quality verification challenges due to their age profile and the complexity of their membrane keypad and display subsystems. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all MKDR units prior to dispatch:

• Visual and mechanical inspection: Enclosure integrity, keypad membrane condition, connector pin inspection, label legibility.
• Display verification: Full pixel/character matrix activation test to identify dead zones, backlight degradation, or EL panel fatigue.
• Communication interface test: RS-232 and RS-485 loopback testing at rated baud rates; Profibus-DP and Ethernet variants tested against protocol analyzers.
• Keypad matrix scan: All keys individually actuated and verified for correct scan code output.
• Power supply cycling: Units subjected to repeated power-on/off cycles to verify capacitor and power regulation stability.
• Firmware and configuration memory check: Internal memory verified for data retention; units shipped with factory-default or customer-specified configuration as required.