Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · HMI, SCADA and operations

Trend display

Also known as: Trend view, Trend chart, Trend curve

German: Trendanzeige

In HMI and SCADA systems, a trend display is a screen object that shows the values of one or more tags over time as curves, either in real time or from archived data.

  • HMI and SCADA

In one sentence

A trend display shows tag values over time as curves, live or from the archive, for monitoring and troubleshooting.

Example

During commissioning, the engineer opens a trend display with setpoint, measured value and controller output to tune the temperature loop.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Configure time ranges, scaling, units and colors. Real-time trends show data only while the screen is open; historical trends require Archive tag or historian data.
  • Operation: Trends help operators see where a process is heading, not just where it is. Consistent scaling across displays avoids misreading.
  • Documentation: Explain in the operating manual how to open, zoom, compare and export trends. When a trend screenshot appears in a report or manual, label axes with units and time range.
  • Maintenance: Trends of motor currents, temperatures or cycle times reveal gradual wear; maintenance instructions can name the trends to check at each inspection.

Trend display vs. dashboard

A trend display shows detailed time curves for a few variables. A Dashboard summarizes key figures for overview. Both may draw on the same historian.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on HMI engineering practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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