Demand for panel computers

Most people are familiar with PCs ("Personal Computers"), but far fewer, however, understand the difference between PCs for commercial use and panel computers. While PCs are commonly used in offices, panel PCs are specialized devices designed for use on or near machinery in industrial environments, such as factory floors or plants in remote locations. Panel computers are built specifically to run HMI/SCADA software that allows operators to monitor and control processes in virtually any industry, including food and beverage, oil and gas, automotive, plumbing and many others.

Characteristics of panel computers

Panel computers are integrated all-in-one devices equipped with a display and computing system. The displays take the form of touch screens, which can be either capacitive or multi-touch, or resistive, meaning they can be used with gloves. Regarding the resistive aspect, some panel computers also provide a choice between capacitive (PCAP) and resistive screens. PCAP screens work by maintaining a constant electrical charge on a sensor that extends across a contact surface - in this case, a touchscreen - where changes in electrical charge can be detected by the proximity of a stylus, finger or other capacitive bodies. In terms of performance, PCAP offers much better visibility, brightness and reliability. A resistive screen, on the other hand, is more valuable in applications that require operators to wear standard, non-specialized gloves, such as in remote locations with harsh weather conditions.

Functions of an industrial panel computer

Panel computers are generally more rugged than their office counterparts, and therefore more ideal for long-term use in manufacturing environments. Operating over a wide temperature range, panel computers are also IP (Ingress Protection) tested, meaning the effectiveness of the case in protecting against dust, moisture and other liquids. Panel computers have the ability to display multiple screens in both portrait and landscape orientations, allowing them to adapt to a variety of industrial, factory and field conditions. In addition, many panel computers include integrated camera, microphone and proximity sensor options to consolidate all the accessories they may need while maintaining compatibility.

For similar reasons, panel computers adjust their operating temperature differently than commercial or retail computers. Office computers typically use fans to cool their internal systems. However, fans, like any other internal moving parts, are not ideal for industrial environments where dust, large temperature fluctuations, shock and random vibration are common. To keep cool in such situations, panel PCs use fanless heat sink technology. The heat sink is a passive heat exchanger that gives off heat to regulate the overall temperature of the panel computer.

panel computer application in medical industry

Most important benefits and advantages of panel computers used in industrial environments

  • By now, most people associate touchscreens with battery-powered mobile devices such as phones and tablets. Although it can't fit in a pocket like a phone, a panel computer runs on wired power to avoid downtime while charging. Panel computers also offer greater mounting and placement flexibility than commercial computers, as they can be mounted where they are needed without having to run wiring to a separate computer.

  • Space on the production floor is extremely important. The panel computers are designed to be compact, while providing convenient and easy operation. Utilizing a touchscreen instead of a keyboard and mouse, panel computers eliminate excess wiring, the need for cumbersome countertops or overhead, and reduce overall installation space.

  • Panel computers are designed with a focus on reliability, high performance and overall reduction of system failures, so they are most often considered a long-term investment to save on maintenance and software updates, especially when combined with a software platform.

  • Although compatibility testing is often required, it is usually done by the manufacturer in advance in the case of panel computers, so those responsible for equipping their companies with various types of equipment do not have to worry about whether the display and computer will work together.

panel computer used in self-service cash registers
.

CONSTEEL Electronics has a wide selection of panel computers that meet all standards, ideal for use in harsh industrial environments. Take a look at our offer and choose a device that meets your requirements today.

.