Lauer EPC series industrial computer configuration

Lauer EPC series industrial computer configuration

Product Overview and Application Positioning

Systeme Lauer's EPC (Embedded PC) series is an industrial tablet computer based on Windows CE. NET 4.1, covering four sizes: 6.4 ", 10.4", 12.1 ", and 15" (models EPC 640, 1000, 1200, 1500). This series uses the National Geode GX-1 300MHz processor, comes standard with 64MB SDRAM (expandable up to 256MB) and 32MB internal CompactFlash, supports resistive touch screens, and has a front panel protection level of IP65. It is designed specifically for process monitoring and control in harsh industrial environments.

The device integrates dual Ethernet ports, dual USB 1.0, PS/2 keyboard and mouse interfaces, VGA output, serial port (COM1 RS232), and PC/104 expansion slot, and can install communication modules such as MPI, Profibus, CAN, etc. Its uniqueness lies in the pre installed Lauer EPC Manager - a graphical configuration interface that allows for quick network setup, automatic startup, touch calibration, backlight control, and greatly simplifies on-site debugging. This article will focus on hardware installation, system configuration, remote management, and practical engineering skills to help engineers quickly master this platform.

Key points for installation and electrical connection

2.1 Power Requirements

EPC must use protection extra low voltage (PELV) power supply that complies with EN60950 standard, rated at 24V DC ± 20%, with reverse polarity protection. Typical power consumption is about 0.7A, it is recommended to use a 2.5A slow melting fuse. The power terminal is a two core Phoenix MSTBT 2.5/2 pluggable type, with the 0V end connected to the low impedance of the casing, making the grounding system design particularly critical.

2.2 Grounding and anti-interference

The equipment and the electrical cabinet must be connected to the central grounding point through the shortest path, and the cross-sectional area of the grounding wire should not be less than 4mm ² (yellow green line).

All data cables must be shielded cables, with both ends of the shielding layer grounded, and the connection impedance between systems must be low.

Installed in a metal HF protective cabinet, leaving at least 100mm of heat dissipation space around the equipment to ensure effective dissipation of internal heat.

2.3 Mechanical Installation

EPC adopts front panel embedded installation, fixed on the cabinet door opening with 6 or 8 hex nuts. The opening size varies for different models (e.g. EPC 640 is 197 × 142mm, EPC 1500 is 429 × 334mm). During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the front sealing ring is correctly positioned, otherwise IP65 protection cannot be guaranteed. Sufficient depth should be reserved at the rear (maximum 94mm when EPC 1500 with expansion card slot).

2.4 First Power On

After power on, the system automatically starts Windows CE and loads EPC Manager (if it exists in the external CF card). If the Manager does not start automatically, it can be manually started through the rear toggle switch or Windows Explorer.

Windows CE operating system and file structure

EPC comes pre installed with Windows CE. NET 4.1, supporting multi language interface, TCP/IP v6, RDP, FTP, Telnet, HTTP server,. NET Compact Framework 1.0, and ActiveX. System files are stored on an internal CF card (recognized as Storage Card2), while user files and registry are stored on an external CF card (recognized as Storage Card). Please note that the contents of the following RAM folders (My Documents, Program Files, Temp, etc.) are lost after power failure, so user data and configurations must be saved to the CF card.

Key Catalog:

Lauer EPC  Software  Lauer EPC Manager - Manager Main Program and Modules

Lauer EPC  www  wwnpub - Web Server Root Directory

Documents and Settings - Registry and User Configuration

Due to the dynamic allocation of CF card indexes, it is recommended to avoid using absolute paths and try to access them through environment variables or relative paths.

Detailed explanation of core functions of Lauer EPC Manager

Manager is the device configuration hub, with the main interface divided into buttons such as "Runtime", "Configuration", "About", "Control Panel", "Touch Calibration", "Date/Time", "Reboot", and "Backlight".

4.1 Runtime Mode

Click on Runtime to launch the user specified runtime software (usually zenOn visualization or PLC runtime). Before execution, a confirmation dialog box will pop up. If the runtime has been registered, it will be executed directly. Otherwise, there will be no response.

4.2 Configuration Panel

Configuration provides commonly used system settings and only displays basic items by default. Click on Show Extended System Configuration and enter the password (factory blank) to unlock advanced modules, including serial module configuration, auto start editor, ActiveX connection, zenOn runtime management, network connection, file browser, eVC remote tool connection, etc.

4.2.1 Serial port module configuration

The PC/104 slot at the rear of the EPC can be used to insert communication modules (S1 is RS232/TTY, S2 is RS422/RS485). This module allows for dynamic switching of interface types, which can take effect immediately after modification or after restart.