Panel PCs for HMI and control applications

Designed for mounting arm installation, Beckhoff's CP32xx Panel PC series delivers multi-touch functionality and high computing power in an all-in-one HMI and automation device.

By Beckhoff Automation July 23, 2015

Beckhoff’s CP32xx Panel PC series is an automation device with industrial multi-touch display technology designed for HMI and control applications. They feature IP65-protection and integrates multi-touch control panel technology with an industrial PC (IPC). The area at the rear of the CP32xx Panel PC, which is required for swiveling and tilting the connected mounting arm, is also used to accommodate the added IPC components. The components in this solution are thermally decoupled from each other.

The computer is built around the integrated mounting arm in a u-shaped housing with cooling fins for passive cooling. Another advantage is the excellent heat dissipation, which is achieved using internal fans. This is designed to even temperature distribution to all walls of the housing and results in an operating temperature range from 0 to 45 C. The connecting cables are laid through the support arm into the connection compartment for up to six IP65-rated connectors. In the basic configuration, two of the connection points are configured with an Ethernet interface or power supply; the remainder are optionally available for a further Ethernet, USB or serial interface, or for a Mini-PCI fieldbus interface.

The cylindrical connector hood in the center of the device is easy to remove. This enables convenient access to the connection compartment and also facilitates simple cleaning of the cooling fins if necessary. The aluminum housing design ensures the Panel PCs are exceptionally robust and ideally suited for industrial applications. A narrow, circumferential metal impact protector reliably protects the touchscreen surface, including the display against mechanical destruction. The all-glass surface is chemically hardened, has an anti-reflection coating, and is designed to resist environmental influences. 

Beckhoff Automation

Beckhoff | New Automation Technology | Beckhoff USA 

– Edited by CFE Media. See more Control Engineering industrial PC products.