VI

SCADA & data acquisition stations

One machine standing in the middle, collecting data from a dozen devices: PLCs, VFDs, power meters, scales, temperature sensors — mostly speaking Modbus RTU over RS-485. The machine runs for years on end with nobody sitting next to it, and when it fails the whole line’s data is lost.

Industrial computer Gathers data in the cabinet · 7 series · 37 models Panel PC Doubles as the operator display · 15 series · 209 models

A station that both gathers data and serves as the local operator display: HMI and collector in one unit, mounted on the cabinet face. One machine fewer, but the COM-port requirement is exactly the same as the box PC’s.

All Panel PCs in stock 727models
4 COM ports or more. RS-485 devices each run their vendor’s own speed and protocol — sharing one bus sounds tidy but clogs up in practice. Counting out enough ports up front is cheaper than discovering a shortage after the cables are pulled.

15 Panel PC series meet all the conditions

That is 209 specific configurations. Open a series to pick screen size and CPU.

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Where people get caught out

Things the filter above does NOT catch. Read before you commit.

  • Check which standard each COM port supports. A machine listed as "4 COM" may be 2 RS-232 ports and 2 switchable RS-232/422/485 ports — if you need 4 RS-485 lines, that 4 is not enough.
  • Optically isolated RS-485 ports cost more but are necessary when the cable runs between different cabinets, because the ground-potential difference between two cabinets is enough to destroy a port.

Where to go next

The machine picker comes pre-filled with the Panel PC conditions for this situation — you only answer a few more questions about your specific site.

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Further reading

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