What is a Panel PC 2100?

The Panel PC 2100 is a compact, fanless industrial computer series from B&R Industrial Automation. Designed for seamless integration into machinery and control panels, it combines a display, computing unit, and I/O interfaces into a single, robust housing. Its defining characteristic is a completely maintenance-free design with no moving parts, ensuring high reliability in demanding industrial environments. The system is based on Intel® architecture and is engineered to deliver an optimal price-to-performance ratio for automation applications.

Key Specifications and Features

The Panel PC 2100 integrates all critical interfaces directly into its ultra-compact form factor. Standard connectivity includes 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports for robust network communication and high-speed data transfer, alongside 1x USB 2.0 and 1x USB 3.0 port for peripheral connectivity. The fanless cooling system eliminates dust ingress points and mechanical failure points associated with fans, making it ideal for 24/7 operation in harsh conditions. It is available in both single-touch and multi-touch variants, often designed for integration with systems like the Automation Panel 5000.

Primary Use Cases and Applications

This type of panel PC is purpose-built for industrial automation and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) tasks. Common applications include:

• Machine Control: Serving as the primary operator interface on factory floors for CNC machines, packaging lines, and assembly robots.

• Process Visualization: Displaying real-time data, alarms, and control parameters in SCADA systems for water treatment, chemical processing, and energy management.

• Kiosk & Interactive Terminals: Used in environments requiring a durable, always-on touchscreen, such as in logistics hubs or manufacturing workstations.

Thinvent Industrial Panel PCs

Thinvent offers a comprehensive range of robust Industrial Panel PCs that share the core principles of the Panel PC 2100—reliability, compact integration, and fanless operation for harsh environments. Our solutions are built with industrial-grade components and support a wide array of modern processors, from efficient Intel® N-series chips to powerful Intel® Core™ i3, i5, and i7 processors.

Thinvent Panel PCs feature versatile mounting options (panel-mount, VESA, rack-mount), wide operating temperature ranges, and multiple display size choices to fit any application. They come pre-configured with your choice of operating system, including Windows 11 IoT, Ubuntu Linux, or a lightweight embedded OS, providing a flexible and powerful alternative for your automation and HMI projects.