21.5-Inch Industrial Panel PC for Advanced HMI

Kontron has expanded its KPanel S industrial Panel PC series with a 21.5-inch display variant designed for demanding on-machine visualization tasks. The system targets industrial automation environments requiring multi-window process views, detailed HMIs, and parallel execution of visualization and control applications.

Designed for Complex Machine-Level Visualization
The 21.5-inch KPanel S addresses applications where operators need simultaneous access to multiple process parameters, diagnostics, and control interfaces. Typical use cases include machine tools, packaging systems, production lines, and process automation installations.

To support such workloads, the platform is available in two performance classes. The KPanel S-AML/ADN integrates processors from the Intel Atom x7000RE series, Intel Core i3 N series, and Intel N series. For compute-intensive visualization and control scenarios, the KPanel S-RPL version incorporates 13th Generation Intel Core processors. This allows computationally intensive graphical interfaces to run in parallel with background control processes.

All variants are based on Kontron 3.5-inch single-board computers (SBCs), also used in other Kontron Panel and Box PC systems. This common hardware architecture enables software reuse across platforms and reduces maintenance complexity in industrial automation deployments.

Industrial-Grade Display and Touch Interface
The 21.5-inch display is designed for readability in industrial lighting conditions. An anti-glare and anti-fingerprint surface supports consistent visibility, while hardened glass compliant with IK06 impact protection enhances durability.

The projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreen supports up to 10-point multi-touch operation and can be used with gloves. Drop and palm rejection mechanisms are implemented to reduce unintended inputs in demanding production environments.

The flush-mounted, scratch-resistant front design eliminates dirt-collecting edges and simplifies cleaning, an important factor in continuous industrial operation.

Robust Construction for Continuous Operation
The enclosure meets IP65 protection on all sides, supporting deployment in environments exposed to dust and water spray. A fully enclosed metal housing with passive cooling enables fanless operation, reducing maintenance requirements and improving long-term reliability.

The device supports multiple support arm configurations for machine integration. I/O access is provided via a rear flap with hinge, and a two-stage strain relief system secures cable routing under mechanical stress.

An optional expansion unit allows integration of customer-specific control and signaling components, including switches, displays, RFID modules, and emergency stop buttons. This modularity enables adaptation to specific workstation or machine concepts.

Storage, Connectivity and System Architecture
The system supports DDR5 memory and M.2 SSD storage up to 1 TB, with optional RAID 0 or RAID 1 configurations for performance or redundancy. An optional CF card slot is available for additional storage flexibility.

Standard interfaces include two DisplayPorts, two 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports, and four USB ports, including two USB 3.2 interfaces. On the AML/ADN variant, one USB port is implemented as USB-C. An optional IP65-protected USB interface on the front panel and a power button with status LED can be configured.

Wireless connectivity is supported via WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, enabling integration into distributed control architectures and the broader digital supply chain infrastructure.

Software and Security Options
With the optional QIWI toolkit, the KPanel S can function as a web-based HMI client, enabling browser-based visualization architectures. KontronOS, a hardened Linux-based operating system, is available for applications with increased cyber security requirements.

For real-time clock (RTC) applications or extended temperature ranges, a maintenance-free CMOS battery solution is offered, reducing service interventions in remote or sealed installations.

Positioning in Industrial Automation
The introduction of the 21.5-inch display variant expands the KPanel S portfolio toward larger-format HMI requirements without changing the underlying hardware ecosystem. By combining IP65 enclosure protection, passive cooling, multi-touch capability, DDR5 memory support, and high-bandwidth interfaces such as 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, the system addresses machine-level control and visualization tasks where reliability, maintainability, and software continuity are central design criteria.

www.kontron.com