Control panel
A control panel is a visualization device. It can only consist of a display or it can be equipped with function keys, numeric or alphanumeric keyboard . A control panel is used to operate a machine or to automate a building. It can be spatially separated from the actual controller, an industrial PC or embedded PC . Depending on the technology (CP-Link, DVI / USB, Ethernet), the distance between the computer and the panel can be between 5 m and 100 m.
A distinction is made between free-standing control panels and built-in control panels. The free-standing variant is mounted on a support arm. Particular attention must be paid to the protection class of the control panel. Built-in panels are either built into the front of a control cabinet, a machine or a wall.
Control panels with their own CPU are called Panel PC or Power Panel. They have an industrial PC on the back and therefore do not require a higher-level controller.
