LAUER PCS950 Operator Panel

General Description

The LAUER PCS950 is a high‑end operator panel designed for complex human‑machine interface applications in process and manufacturing industries. It features a large, high‑resolution colour display with optional touchscreen, a powerful embedded processor, and extensive communication capabilities. The panel is built for 24/7 operation in harsh environments and is suitable for supervisory control, batch management, and equipment monitoring.

Display and Touch Technology

The PCS950 is equipped with a 15‑inch XGA (1024 x 768) TFT colour display with an LED backlight, offering 450 cd/m² brightness and a contrast ratio of 700:1. The screen has a wide viewing angle (80° in all directions) and an anti‑glare surface. An analog resistive touchscreen is standard; a projected capacitive multi‑touch version is available as an option. The touch interface supports gloved operation and is durable against scratches and chemicals.

Processor and Memory

Powered by an Intel Core i3‑7100U processor (2.4 GHz, dual‑core) with 4 GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 16 GB) and a 64 GB M.2 SSD. The panel runs Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC (or Windows 7 Embedded as an option) and includes a hardware watchdog, a real‑time clock with battery backup, and a TPM 2.0 security module. The SSD is industrial‑grade with a wide temperature range.

Communication and I/O

• Ethernet: 2x Gigabit (RJ45) with redundancy (teaming).

• USB: 4x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0 (internal).

• Serial: 2x RS‑232 (9‑pin), 1x RS‑422/485 (software‑selectable).

• Fieldbus (optional): Profibus DP, CANopen, or EtherCAT via plug‑in module.

• Digital I/O: 4x inputs (24 V), 4x outputs (24 V, 0.5 A) for direct machine interfacing.

• Audio: Line‑out, mic‑in.

Mechanical and Environmental Specifications

• Housing: Die‑cast aluminium, front IP66, rear IP20.

• Mounting: Panel‑mount with clamps (cut‑out 338 mm x 248 mm) or VESA 100.

• Dimensions: 372 mm x 282 mm x 62 mm (W x H x D).

• Weight: 4.0 kg.

• Operating Temperature: 0 °C to 50 °C.

• Storage Temperature: –20 °C to 70 °C.

• Humidity: 10 – 90 % RH (non‑condensing).

Software and Development

The PCS950 is delivered with LAUER ProVisIT runtime, which supports vector graphics, animation, alarms, recipes, and data logging. The panel is also compatible with third‑party HMI software (e.g., WinCC, InTouch, Ignition). The development environment – ProVisIT Studio – allows offline screen design and simulation. The panel supports OPC UA (client and server) and a wide range of communication drivers for PLCs from Siemens, Allen‑Bradley, Mitsubishi, and others.

Installation and Commissioning

Mount the panel in the cabinet using the provided clamps. Ensure a proper seal for IP66 rating. Connect the 24 V DC power (terminal block, 18‑36 V) with a 3 A fuse. Attach Ethernet and serial cables. For first power‑up, the panel boots into Windows and automatically launches the ProVisIT runtime. Configure the network settings and communication drivers via the system menu. Download the project from the development PC via Ethernet or USB. Calibrate the touchscreen if needed (via the Windows control panel). Test the application thoroughly before production.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular cleaning of the screen with a soft cloth and mild cleaner is recommended. The internal cooling fan is temperature‑controlled; check its operation periodically. The CMOS battery (CR2032) should be replaced every 5 years. Common issues: “No Communication” – verify Ethernet cable and IP settings; “Touch Calibration Off” – recalibrate; “Application Crashes” – check memory usage and update drivers. For recovery, use the system recovery partition (press F11 at boot). Hardware failures beyond the fan and battery require return to service.

Variants and Ordering

The PCS950 is available with either resistive (PCS950‑R) or capacitive (PCS950‑C) touchscreen. Other options include stainless steel bezel, extended temperature range, and higher performance processors (Core i5/i7). When ordering, specify the full model code, e.g., PCS950‑C‑i3‑4G‑64G.