What is a Panel PC?

A panel PC combines a touchscreen and computing unit in a compact industrial housing. These devices are specially designed for installation in machines or control cabinets and allow direct operation – even with gloves or in harsh environments.

What is an Industrial PC?

An industrial PC (IPC) is a rugged computer designed for professional use. It is used wherever conventional desktop PCs are overwhelmed: in production halls, vehicles, construction sites, or control cabinets.

What are the differences between a Panel PC and an Industrial PC?

• Panel PC: Integrated display, ideal for visualization and operation
• Industrial PC: Modular, often without a display – highly expandable
• Both variants are available fanless, vibration-resistant, and for DIN rail or 19" rack mounting

Where are panel and industrial PCs used?

Industrial PCs have become indispensable in modern manufacturing and automation. Typical application areas include:

• Automation and control technology
• Logistics, warehousing, and transportation
• Laboratory and measurement technology
• Building management and smart factories
• Vehicle technology and mobile applications
• Vision systems and edge AI

Which operating system is suitable for industrial PCs?

In industrial applications, long-term stability, security, and resource-efficient operation are crucial. Standard desktop Windows versions or mainstream Linux distributions often reach their limits. Therefore, we recommend specially adapted versions such as:

• Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC
• Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC
• Ubuntu LTS / Debian Stable
• IGEL OS for thin client applications

Why is Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 ideal for industrial systems?

• Long-term support: Up to 10 years of support – ideal for systems with long lifecycles
• Maximum security: Integrated Secure Boot, virtualization, zero-trust architecture
• Performance-oriented: Resource-optimized for modern hardware and edge computing
• Edge-ready: Ideal for decentralized data processing and real-time analysis
• Stability without forced updates: No feature updates, only scheduled security patches

Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 is the modern backbone for automation, control, and machine communication.

What are the advantages of industrial PCs compared to standard PCs?

• Fanless & low maintenance – ideal for 24/7 operation
• Expandable – e.g., via PCIe, M.2, mini-PCIe
• Wide-range power supply, ignition logic, CAN bus, COM ports, etc.
• Long-term availability – often over 5–7 years
• Robust housings and mounting options (DIN rail, rackmount, VESA)

What touch technologies are available for panel PCs?

• Resistive touch: Responds to pressure – e.g., usable with gloves
• Capacitive touch (PCAP): Fast and multitouch-capable
• Infrared touch: Contactless, suitable for special environments

Which protection classes (IP ratings) are available?

Depending on the application site, panel and industrial PCs offer different protection classes:

• IP65: Dust-tight & protected against water jets – standard in industry
• IP67: Protected against temporary immersion
• IP69K: High-pressure and steam-jet cleaning – e.g., in the food industry

Does OMTEC offer consulting and customized solutions?

Yes – at OMTEC, consulting is a top priority. Whether for single devices, series solutions, or OEM projects: we analyze your requirements and deliver the optimal hardware – from power supply to operating system to mounting method.

What is an Embedded PC and when is it used?

An embedded PC is a compact, specially designed computer that operates as part of a larger system. Typical application areas include machine controls, mobile devices, IoT gateways, or medical technology applications. Embedded PCs are characterized by robustness, small size, and energy-efficient continuous operation.

Why are fanless systems important in industry?

Fanless systems prevent dust accumulation, reduce failure risks, and minimize maintenance efforts. Especially in harsh environments – such as food production or dusty workshops – fanless industrial PCs are the first choice. They also operate very quietly and are shock- and vibration-resistant.

What expansion interfaces do industrial PCs offer?

• PCIe and mini-PCIe slots for additional cards (e.g., graphics cards, fieldbus modules)
• M.2 interfaces for fast SSDs or wireless modules (Wi-Fi, 5G)
• Serial interfaces such as RS232, RS485 for machine communication
• CAN bus for automotive or automation applications
• PoE ports (Power over Ethernet) for simplified wiring of cameras or sensors

How energy-efficient are modern industrial PCs?

Modern industrial PCs use power-saving processors like Intel Atom, Core-U, or ARM architectures. Compared to conventional desktop PCs, they can reduce energy consumption by up to 70%. This not only saves operating costs but also enables use in battery-powered or solar-supported systems.

Are there options for remote maintenance and management?

Yes – many industrial PCs support technologies such as Intel vPro, iAMT (Intel Active Management Technology), or specialized remote management software solutions. This allows devices to be monitored, updated, and maintained even outside the operational site – ideal for distributed production facilities or IoT applications.