How to Choose The Best Industrial Panel PC?

How to Choose The Best Industrial Panel PC?

Choosing the perfect industrial panel PC can be a daunting task given the myriad of options and specifications. Whether you are simply upgrading your current system or embarking on a new industrial automation project, selecting the right panel PC is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency that are suited for any human machine interface (HMI) applications.  

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an industrial panel PC, from understanding your specific applications requirements to evaluating hardware specifications and environmental conditions. We’ll walk through the needed knowledge to make an informed decision that best suits your operational needs and helps drive your industrial process forward.  

What should you consider when choosing an Industrial Panel PC?

When choosing an industrial panel PC, several critical factors must be considered to ensure the device meets your specific application need. First assess the environmental conditions where the panel PC will be deployed, such as temperature extremes, humidity, dust, and potential exposure to water or chemicals. Look for ruggedized models with appropriate IP ratings for protection against these elements. Next, consider the performance requirements of your applications, including processing power, memory, and storage capacity, to ensure smooth and efficient operation. Connectivity options are also vital; ensuring the panel PC supports necessary interfaces such as USB, Ethernet, COM Ports, and etc. Additionally, evaluate the display size and type, ensuring it provides adequate visibility and touch functionality for the operator. And lastly, how will you mount the panel PC? These are all questions that you should think about when looking for a panel pc, and we’ll break them down together.  

1. How Rugged Does My Panel PC Have to be?  
2. How Much Performance Do I Need?  
3. What Connectivity Do I Need?  
4. What Screen Do I Need? (Size & Touch)  
5. How Will I Mount My Panel PC?  
6. Final Steps 

1.) How Rugged Does My Panel PC Have To Be? 

When determining how rugged your panel PC needs to be, it's essential to consider the specific environmental conditions in which the device will operate. Industrial settings often present harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, high humidity, dust, vibrations, and potential exposure to water or chemicals. The ruggedness of your panel PC will significantly impact its durability and reliability in these challenging environments. 

One of the key indicators of a panel PC's ruggedness is its IP (Ingress Protection) rating. The IP rating system classifies the degree of protection provided by an enclosure against solid objects (indicated by the first digit) and liquids (indicated by the second digit). For example the Stainless Steel SIO Series has an IP66/IP69K rating, meaning the device is dust-tight and protected against water jets from any direction, making it suitable for environments with significant dust and aggressive high pressure and high temperature washdowns.  

Choosing a panel PC with the appropriate IP rating is crucial for ensuring it can withstand the specific conditions of your industrial environment. For instance, in a food processing plant, where equipment is frequently washed down, a high IP rating is necessary to prevent water ingress and ensure longevity. In a dusty manufacturing facility, a dust-tight panel PC is essential to avoid internal contamination that could impair performance and so on so forth.  

In addition to IP ratings, consider other rugged features such as humidity and vibration resistance, which are vital in environments with heavy machinery or vehicles. Panel PCs designed with industrial-grade components and robust construction will offer greater resilience and longer operational life, reducing the risk of downtime and maintenance costs. 

2.) How Much Performance Do I Need? 

Determining the level of performance required for your industrial panel PC depends on the specific demands of your application. Performance factors include the processing power, memory, and storage capacity, all of which play crucial roles in ensuring that your system runs smoothly and efficiently. 

• Processing Power 
• Memory (RAM) 
• Storage 
• Graphics and Display 
• Wireless Connectivity  

Premio's industrial panel PCs are designed with modularity in mind, allowing them to support various processors to tailor performance to specific application needs. This modular design means that users can choose from a range of processor options, from low-power CPUs for energy-efficient tasks to high-performance processors for demanding applications. Such flexibility not only enhances the adaptability of the panel PC to different industrial environments but also provides an upgrade path for future performance enhancements without needing to replace the entire system, such as the Modular IP65 VIO Series. This makes modular panel PCs a cost-effective and versatile solution for dynamic industrial operations.

3.) What Connectivity Do I Need?

It's crucial to consider connectivity in an industrial panel PC, as it will determine how well it integrates with your system and supports your operational needs for M2M communication. Connectivity can be broadly categorized into I/O (Input/Output) connectivity and wireless connectivity.  

I/O Connectivity 
I/O connectivity is essential for interfacing the panel PC with various peripheral devices, sensors, and control systems. Key I/O ports to look for include: 

• USB Ports  
• COM Serial Ports (RS-232/RS-485) 
• Ethernet Ports 
• Digital and Analog I/O 
• HDMI/DisplayPort 
• M12 Locking Connection 

Wireless Connectivity 

Wireless connectivity enhances the flexibility and mobility of your industrial panel PC, enabling it to communicate with other devices and networks without physical cabling. Key wireless technologies include Wi-Fi, 5G Connectivity, and more: 

4.) What Screen Do I Need? (Size, Touch, & Features) 

Choosing the right screen for your industrial panel PC is crucial, as it directly affects usability, readability, and overall user experience. Key factors to consider include screen size, touch options, and optical bonding. 

Screen Size 

The screen size of your panel PC should align with the requirements of your application and the available space in your operational environment. Larger screens (15 inches and above) are ideal for applications that require detailed visuals, extensive data display, or user interfaces with complex controls. They provide better visibility and ease of use for operators. Conversely, smaller screens (under 15 inches) can be suitable for compact spaces or applications where minimal interaction is needed. It's important to balance the screen size with resolution and with aspect ratio to ensure clear and sharp image quality. 

Touch Options 

Touch functionality enhances the interactivity and efficiency of industrial panel PCs. There are several types of touch technologies to consider such as Capacitive & Resistive Touch. 

Optical Bonding 
Last, optical bonding is an important decision to be applied whether your Industrial Panel PC requires it or not. This enhances the display in several ways: 

• Improved Readability: Optical bonding reduces reflections and glare, making the screen easier to read in bright or outdoor environments. 

• Increased Durability: The adhesive adds structural strength to the display, making it more resistant to shocks and vibrations. 

• Enhanced Touch Performance: The elimination of the air gap provides a more direct touch response, improving the overall user experience. 

By carefully considering the screen size, touch options, and the advantages of optical bonding, you can select a display that enhances the functionality and usability of your industrial panel PC, ensuring it meets the specific needs of your operational environment. 

5.) How Will I Mount My Panel PC? 

Mounting your industrial panel PC correctly is crucial for ensuring optimal functionality, accessibility, and durability. The mounting method you choose will depend on the specific requirements of your operational environment and the available installation space. Key mounting options include VESA mounting, panel mounting, wall mounting, and desktop mounting. Additionally, you'll need to decide whether an open frame design is necessary for your application. 

In certain applications, an open frame design may be necessary. Open frame panel PCs lack an outer casing, making them ideal for custom enclosures, embedded systems, and integration into machinery or equipment. This design allows for greater customization and flexibility, enabling the panel PC to fit seamlessly into existing systems. 

When deciding on the mounting method, consider the specific needs of your operational environment, the available space, and the level of accessibility required for users. By selecting the appropriate mounting option and determining whether an open frame design is necessary, you can ensure that your panel PC is installed in a manner that maximizes its functionality, durability, and ease of use. 

6.) Final Steps 

Choosing the right industrial panel PC involves a careful consideration of various factors, including ruggedness, performance, connectivity, screen requirements, and mounting options. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing especially when some Industrial Panel PCs include extra features such as:  

• The Automatic Air pressure Valve on the SIO-200 Series  
• The Fully Modular Design on the VIO-200 Series 
• The Removable SATA Drive on the VIO-200 Series  
• The Open Frame Design on the HIO-200 Series 
• The 6xAntenna Connectivity on the AIO-200 Series 
• And more  

By taking these extra features into account, you can make a more informed decision that not only meets your current operational demands but also provides futureproofing and adaptability. Whether you prioritize ruggedness, screen size, performance, or specialized features, the right industrial panel PC will significantly enhance your industrial application’s workflow, productivity, and overall operational efficiency. 

For help on picking the right industrial panel PC for your application, contact our embedded edge computing experts at sales@premioinc.com