What Is a Panel PC?

What Is a Panel PC?

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The Need for Panel PCs

Many people are familiar with PCs (Personal Computers), but fewer understand the difference between a standard PC and a panel PC. While typical PCs are commonly seen in office settings, panel PCs are specialized devices designed for use in industrial environments such as factory floors or remote locations. These PCs are specifically built to run HMI/SCADA software, enabling operators to monitor and control processes in various industries including food & beverage, oil & gas, automotive, and water & wastewater management.

The Characteristics of Panel PCs

Panel PCs are all-in-one systems integrating both display and computing elements. The displays are touchscreens, available in both capacitive and resistive types, suitable for use even while wearing gloves. For instance, projective capacitive (PCAP) screens maintain an electrical charge across a sensor that detects touch by a stylus, finger, or other capacitive objects. PCAP screens offer superior visibility, brightness, and reliability. Conversely, resistive screens are optimal for harsh environments where operators must wear standard gloves.

Panel PC Features

Panel PCs are more rugged and durable compared to office-based PCs, making them ideal for long-term use in demanding production environments. They operate across a wide temperature range and are rated for IP (Ingress Protection) to guard against dust, moisture, and liquids. They offer multi-screen capabilities in both portrait and landscape modes, making them versatile for numerous applications. Additional features may include integrated cameras, microphones, and proximity sensors, streamlining the accessories needed for various tasks.

Unlike office PCs that use fans for cooling, panel PCs employ fanless heatsink technology. This passive heat exchanger dissipates heat effectively, making the devices more suitable for industrial conditions with dust, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations. touch monitor 24 inch

Benefits and Advantages of Panel PCs

Though not as portable as smartphones, panel PCs use hardwired power to avoid downtime from charging. They offer greater flexibility in mounting and placement compared to commercial PCs, as they can be installed wherever needed without extensive wiring logistics.

Space efficiency is crucial on factory floors, and panel PCs are designed to be compact while offering straightforward control. Utilizing a touchscreen instead of a keyboard and mouse reduces the system's overall size and eliminates extra wiring and clutter.

Panel PCs provide various connectivity options, including LAN, I/O (Input and Output), CAN, cellular, and WiFi. Modern units support IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) functionality, keeping pace with digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Designed for reliability and high performance, panel PCs reduce system malfunctions and maintenance costs, making them a long-term investment. Manufacturers often conduct compatibility testing in advance, ensuring the display and the core computing system work seamlessly together.

Getting the Most out of Your Panel PC with Ignition

Operators use panel PCs to interact with HMI/SCADA systems, but their control over processes depends on how well the hardware and software integrate. Ignition is an excellent choice for developing high-performance HMIs, optimizing operator efficiency. It's easy to install on various devices and simplifies updating existing HMIs.

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For lightweight applications in remote locations, combining a panel PC with Ignition Edge is ideal for capturing, processing, and visualizing critical data, especially when paired with low-bandwidth protocols like MQTT.

OnLogic builds panel PCs and other industrial equipment that combine advanced computing power with robust displays and modular solutions, making customization and upgrades easier while reducing maintenance costs. Their products work exceptionally well with Ignition and Ignition Edge.

How to Choose the Right Touchscreen Display

What are the benefits of using touch panel technology?

One key advantage of touch panel PCs is their intuitive operation. Users can interact directly with icons and buttons, making the devices easy to understand and use, even for those less familiar with computers.

What are the different types of touch panels?

• Resistive Film

  The most widely used touch panel method, detecting screen contact through pressure changes.

• Capacitive

  Another popular system, identifying touch points using sensors that detect slight changes in electrical current. These come in two varieties:

• Surface Capacitive

  Commonly used in large panels by applying voltage at the corners, detecting touch through changes in electrostatic capacity, though it struggles with multi-touch detection.

• Projected Capacitive

  Often in smaller screens like mobile devices, detecting touch points by measuring electrical current ratios, but not responding to touch through clothing or a standard stylus.

• Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW)

  Addresses low light transmittance in resistive panels by detecting touch through attenuation of ultrasound waves, offering superior visibility and light transmittance.

• Optical (Infrared Optical Imaging)

  Senses touch positions through infrared sensors that coordinate touch location via triangulation.

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