ADLINK PanKonix Series HMI Panel Selection and Deployment Guide



ADLINK PanKonix Series HMI Panel Selection and Industrial Visualization Deployment Practice

In the wave of intelligent manufacturing and Industry 4.0, Human Machine Interface (HMI) has evolved from a simple display and control terminal to an intelligent gateway integrating data acquisition, edge computing, cloud connection and device management. Traditional HMI is often limited by closed protocol stacks, limited graphics capabilities, and weak networking capabilities, making it difficult to meet the demands of modern production lines for multi protocol fusion, remote monitoring, and big data analysis. ADLINK PanKonix series HMI panel computers are based on Intel Core i3/i5 or Atom processors, equipped with full-featured iFACE HMI software, native support for mainstream industrial protocols such as RESTful API, MQTT, OPC UA, Modbus, and BACnet, and provide built-in 100+vector graphics libraries, trend charts, alarm logs, and recipe management functions, providing equipment manufacturers and system integrators with a "out of the box" visualization and edge control solution. This article will comprehensively analyze the engineering application points of PanKonix series from product models, hardware selection, software functions, installation and deployment to typical application scenarios.

Product Family and Model Analysis

The PanKonix series is divided into two sub series: True Flat HMI (STC2 series) and Open Frame HMI (SP2 series), which meet different installation environments and appearance requirements.

1. True Flat HMI (STC2 series)

Adopting a flat frameless design, the front is IP65 protected, suitable for embedded panel installation, with a modern appearance, suitable for clean workshops and high-end equipment. Model naming convention: PKX-STC2- {CPU}- {Size}, for example:

PKX-STC2-AL-10/15: Equipped with Intel Atom x7-E3950 (1.6/2.0GHz, 4-core), 10.1 "or 15.6" screen, and optional iFACE HMI software.

PKX-STC2-KL-10/15/21: Equipped with Intel Core i3-7100U (10.1 ") or i5-7300U (15.6"/21.5 "), supporting iFACE HMI or SuperCAT (EtherCAT motion control function).

2. Open Frame HMI (SP2 series)

Open architecture, no front frame, suitable for embedding in third-party cabinets or customized devices, with dimensions ranging from 7 "to 21.5". The processor is available in Atom x5-E3930 (7 "/10"/15 "/21") and Core i3/i5 (10 "/15"/21 ") options. Models such as PKX-SP2-AL-07 (7-inch Atom) and PKX-SP2-KL-15 (15.6-inch Core i5).

Key selection indicators:

Screen size and resolution: 7 "(1024 × 600), 10.1" (1280 × 800), 15.6 "(1920 × 1080), 21.5" (1920 × 1080).

Brightness: up to 600 cd/m ² for 7-inch high brightness outdoor visibility, with the remaining 400~420 cd/m ².

Touch technology: PCAP projection capacitor, 10 point touch, support glove use operation, 7H surface hardness, anti fingerprint coating.

Processor performance: Atom series is suitable for lightweight HMI and basic data recording; Core i3/i5 is suitable for complex graphics, multitasking, and edge AI inference.

Special features: Some models can choose SuperCAT, support up to 8-axis EtherCAT motion control, integrate APS function library, and can directly implement motion logic through HMI programming, eliminating the need for an independent PLC.

Hardware interface and expansion capability

The PanKonix series offers a wide range of industrial I/O interfaces to meet the connectivity needs of field devices

Number/specification of interface types

Ethernet 2 x GbE (Intel I225), supports WOL, 1Gbps

Serial port 2 × RS-232/422/485 (programmable, automatic flow control)

USB 1×USB 2.0（Type-A，OCP，1000mA）

1×USB 3.0（Type-A，OCP，1600mA）

1 x USB 2.0 client (internal)

Video output 1 x DisplayPort (DP++, up to 4096 x) 2160@60Hz ）

Audio 1 x Mic in, 1 x Line out, internal 2W speaker interface

Expand 1 x Mini PCIe (Wi Fi/BT/4G module)

1 x SIM card slot (4G/5G)

Internal GPIO 8-pin GPIO (programmable)

32 physical buttons (BOM optional), or backlight/volume adjustment buttons

Power supply: Supports 9-36V wide voltage input (default AT mode, adjustable ATX), with overvoltage/undervoltage protection, suitable for power fluctuations in industrial sites.

Installation method: Supports panel installation (perforated) and VESA installation (75 × 75mm or 100 × 100mm, STC2 series supported through back cover).

Core functions of iFACE HMI software

The core value of the PanKonix series lies in the pre installed iFACE HMI configuration software, which is not a simple screen editor, but a complete device interconnection and data management platform.

1. Massive PLC driver library

Built in mainstream PLC brand drivers, including:

European and American brands: Beckhoff (TwinCAT), Siemens (S7), Rockwell (AB), GE, Schneider

Japanese: Mitsubishi (FX/Q/L series) Omron（CJ/CS/NJ）、Panasonic、Hitachi、Yaskawa、Yokogawa

Taiwan series: Delta, Koyo, Keyence

Building Automation: BACnet

Universal protocols: Modbus RTU/TCP, OPC UA, MQTT

No need to write communication code, just select the device model and configure serial/network parameters to achieve data label mapping.

2. Vector graphics library and editor

Built in 100+predefined graphic objects (buttons, indicator lights, numerical displays, bar charts, dashboards, sliders, trend charts, lists, tables, message displays, etc.), supporting drag and drop editing. Users can import external images (such as device CAD drawings or logos) to create realistic device monitoring interfaces. Supports multiple languages (16 types), and switching interface languages does not require repeated development.

3. Data Trends and Logs

Trend charts support up to 32 curves to be drawn simultaneously, with the ability to scale, pan, and replay historical data.

Data logs can be exported in TXT, CSV, or PDF formats for easy report generation and quality traceability.

The alarm system supports pop-up notifications, message push notifications, alarm level classification, and can store alarm records.

4. Formula management

Built in recipe table function, supports uploading, downloading, and batch editing of multiple sets of recipe parameters, suitable for switching production scenarios across multiple varieties.

5. Macro programming (LUA syntax)

Supporting LUA scripts, users can write custom logic (such as data preprocessing, conditional judgment, mathematical operations) without relying on external controllers, improving on-site flexibility.

6. Network and Remote Access

Built in VNC server, allowing remote desktop monitoring; Supports VPN and FTP file transfer, facilitating remote maintenance and data exchange.

7. Cloud Connection

Through RESTful API, MQTT, and OPC UA, device data can be directly uploaded to cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, and Alibaba Cloud, enabling predictive maintenance of devices and visualization of production lines through dashboards.

Deployment and installation precautions

1. Installation environment requirements

Working temperature: Atom series (SP2-AL) is -10~60 ℃, Core series (SP2-KL) is 0~60 ℃, STC2-KL series is -10~50 ℃. Ensure the heat dissipation of the cabinet in high temperature environments.

Humidity: 10%~95% (no condensation), be careful to avoid condensation.

Vibration and shock: 1Grms (5~500Hz), 20G/11ms shock, suitable for general industrial vibration environments (non heavy machinery).

2. Wiring Guide

Power supply: 9-36V DC, it is recommended to use a 24V regulated power supply. The wiring terminals should be labeled with V+and V -, and polarity should be noted. Power on in AT mode to start up immediately; ATX mode requires a power button (additional wiring is required).

Serial port: The COM port supports RS-232/422/485, and can switch modes through software. Pin definitions should refer to the detailed manual. When connecting multiple RS-485 stations, terminal resistors need to be added.

Ethernet: Dual network ports support independent IP, enabling one network to connect to PLC and the other network to connect to upper layer MES or cloud.

USB: It is recommended to use shielded cables to avoid electromagnetic interference causing touch misoperation.

3. Software installation and authorization

PanKonix comes pre installed with Windows 10 IoT Enterprise (or customized with Linux options), and the iFACE software has been activated. Users only need to import project files through a USB flash drive or network. Engineering development can be carried out offline on the PC and then deployed to the device.

Typical application scenarios and advantages

1. Machine vision and data monitoring

Paired with a USB camera or GigE camera, PanKonix can display real-time images and overlay HMI controls (such as inspection results and statistics), making it suitable for packaging inspection, appearance inspection, and other scenarios.

2. Production line data acquisition and edge computing

Aggregate data from multiple PLCs through Modbus and OPC UA, perform LUA macro operations locally (such as OEE calculations and device efficiency statistics), and then upload them to the cloud platform through MQTT to reduce the burden on the upper computer.

3. Remote operation and maintenance

By using VNC and VPN, engineers can remotely diagnose on-site HMI from headquarters, modify parameters or update screens, reducing travel costs.

4. Multi axis motion control (SuperCAT model)

Built in EtherCAT master station function, directly controls servo drives through HMI programming, without the need for an independent motion controller, suitable for small automation workstations such as winding machines and assembly machines.

5. Building automation (supported by BACnet)

Built in BACnet protocol, it can directly exchange data with Building Control System (BAS) to achieve energy management and environmental monitoring.

Comparison with competitors and selection suggestions

Compared to traditional HMIs such as Weilun Tong and Pro face, PanKonix's core advantages lie in:

High performance x86 platform, capable of running complex applications (such as C #, Python), not just configuration screens.

Native IT/OT Fusion: Supports RESTful, MQTT, OPC UA directly without the need for an additional gateway.

Open Expansion: The Mini PCIe slot supports wireless modules and has built-in GPIO for external buttons or indicator lights.

Selection suggestion:

Simple screen monitoring: Choose the Atom series (AL model) for high cost-effectiveness.

Need for computing or networking: Select Core i3/i5 (KL model) and equip with iFACE software.

Need motion control: Select KL model with SuperCAT.

Embedded installation: Choose the True Flat (STC2) series for better appearance; If you need to customize the opening, choose Open Frame (SP2).

Common Problems and Maintenance

Possible causes and solutions for the problem

Touch unresponsive calibration failure; Interference; Glove mode not turned on, recalibrate touch; Check the grounding; Enable 'Glove Mode' in the settings

Communication failure, PLC serial port parameter mismatch; Wiring error; Protocol selection error checking baud rate, data bits, and parity bits; Confirm the RS-485 terminal resistance; Check PLC address

Data logs cannot be exported due to insufficient storage space; Incompatible USB format for cleaning historical data; Format as FAT32 or NTFS

The system overheating shutdown environment temperature exceeds the standard; Install a cooling fan for poor ventilation; Reduce CPU load; Reduce graphics refresh rate

Remote VNC connection failed due to firewall blocking; Password error checking firewall rules; Reset VNC password