Exclusive: Power panel performs like PC

New Power Panel 300/400 generation expands B&R Industrial Automation Corp.’s Power Panel 100/200 product line.

By Control Engineering Staff January 22, 2007

New generation of power panels from B&R Industrial Automation offers the performance of an industrial PC. Power Panel 300/400 line is said to have more than twice the computing power of earlier models.

New Power Panel 300/400 generation expands B&R Industrial Automation Corp.’s Power Panel 100/200 product line. Devices are said to provide more than twice the computing power of the previous generation and cover a performance range once reserved for industrial PCs. Power Panel 300/400 also implements the product lines of BIOS devices (Power Panel 300) and embedded devices (Power Panel 400).

Power Panel 300 devices can be delivered with Microsoft Windows XP embedded or CE operating systems. They cover the entire range of PC systems, from simple thin clients and Web terminals to SCADA systems. Thin client technology makes it possible to work alternately on multiple distributed systems. Power Panel 400 devices integrate control and motion technology. They handle complete systems automation, providing integrated control functionality and drive technology with modular interfaces for connecting peripheral devices to the process. Visualization is programmed and configured with Automation Studio. I/O peripherals and drives are connected via a CAN bus, Ethernet Powerlink, or other network.

Models ranging from 5.7-in. QVGA to 15-in. XGA and meet the requirements for series machine manufacturing. Combination 5.7-in. diag/VGA TFT display can show a lot of information in a small space, including detailed images. Input is through a touchscreen or function keys. All 300/400 models can be operated without fans. CompactFlash storage medium allows operation without rotating parts and makes the devices able to withstand vibration. Panels are compatible with the 100/200 series for mounting.

www.br-automation.com

B&R Industrial Automation