June 08, 2026

Product Specification: B&R 5PC720.1706-00 Panel PC (PLC-integrated Industrial Computer)

The 5PC720.1706-00 is a high-performance, rugged Panel PC with integrated PLC functionality from B&R’s Panel PC 720 series, designed as an all-in-one industrial control and visualization unit. It combines a 17-inch industrial TFT touch display, powerful embedded PC hardware, and soft PLC capability to unify HMI, motion control, logic control, and data processing in a single compact chassis. Built for 24/7 operation in harsh industrial environments, it features a front IP65 protection rating, wide-range DC power input, and industrial-grade shock/vibration resistance, making it ideal for machinery automation, process control, and factory monitoring applications where space optimization and system integration are critical. As a factory-calibrated, plug-and-play unit, it ensures seamless deployment with B&R Automation Studio and long-term lifecycle reliability.

Description

Product Specification: B&R 5PC720.1706-00 Panel PC (PLC-integrated Industrial Computer)

1. Product Overview

2. Basic Product Information

Manufacturer and Model Identity

Manufacturer: B&R Industrial Automation (Austria). Model: 5PC720.1706-00. Alternative reference: 5PC720170600. Description: 17-inch SXGA color TFT Panel PC, resistive touch screen, integrated soft PLC, Intel Atom processor, 0 PCI slots, IP65 front panel, industrial all-in-one control and visualization system. Product type: Industrial Panel PC, HMI-PLC integrated controller, embedded industrial computer, Panel PC 720 series flagship 17-inch model.

Core PC & PLC Hardware Specifications

Processor: Intel Atom N270 (single-core, 1.6 GHz, low-power embedded architecture), optimized for industrial real-time performance and energy efficiency.
Chipset: Intel 945GSE + ICH7-M, industrial-grade chipset with integrated graphics and I/O controller.
System Memory: 1 GB DDR2 SDRAM (onboard, non-expandable), sufficient for HMI, PLC logic, and real-time data processing.
Storage: 2 GB CompactFlash (industrial-grade, shock/vibration resistant), optional upgrade to larger CFast/SSD for extended data logging.
PLC Core: B&R soft PLC (integrated into Automation Studio), compliant with IEC 61131-3 (Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Function Block Diagram, Instruction List), supporting real-time logic control, motion control, and PID regulation.
Display: 17-inch SXGA (1280 × 1024 pixels) industrial color TFT LCD with LED backlight, 350 cd/m² brightness, 1000:1 contrast ratio, 85°/85° viewing angles.
Touch Screen: Analog 5-wire resistive touch (AMT), 4096 × 4096 resolution, ≤30 ms response time, supports gloved operation, ≥10 million touches lifespan.

I/O & Communication Interfaces

Ethernet: 2 × 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports (RJ45), support TCP/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, and B&R Automation Net for PLC and HMI networking.
Serial: 2 × RS-232 (DB9), support Modbus RTU, ASCII, and industrial serial protocols for connecting PLCs, sensors, and peripherals.
USB: 3 × USB 2.0 (Type A), for keyboard, mouse, USB storage, and industrial peripherals.
Display: SDL (Smart Display Link) / DVI (internal, for display-touch integration).
Audio: AC97 sound (line in/out), for alarm notifications and voice prompts.
PS/2: Keyboard/mouse port, for legacy industrial input devices.
PLC I/O: Expandable via B&R X20 series I/O modules (fieldbus connection), supporting digital/analog input/output, high-speed counters, and motion control channels.

Electrical Characteristics

Nominal Voltage: 24 V DC ±25% (18–30 V DC), wide-range industrial input, compatible with factory power systems.
Nominal Current: 4.2 A (typical, full load), including display, touch, PC, and PLC circuitry.
Power Consumption: 15–18 W (typical, full brightness and PLC active), energy-efficient for continuous operation.
Inrush Current: Typ. 12 A, max. 45 A for <300 μs, controlled startup to protect internal components.
Protection: Overvoltage, undervoltage, short-circuit, and ESD protection; galvanic isolation between PLC and PC circuits for noise immunity.

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Dimensions: 485 mm (W) × 365 mm (H) × 160 mm (D), compact all-in-one chassis for panel mounting.
Weight: Approximately 8.5 kg (complete unit, including display, touch, PC, PLC, and cabling).
Front Panel: Industrial aluminum alloy, anodized finish, IP65 / NEMA 4X (dust-tight, resistant to hose-directed water).
Rear Panel: IP20 (protected against finger contact and solid objects >12 mm).
Vibration Resistance: 2–9 Hz (1.75 mm amplitude); 9–200 Hz (0.5 g continuous, 1 g occasional, EN 61131-2 compliant).
Shock Resistance: 15 g (11 ms pulse, operational); 30 g (15 ms pulse, non-operational).
Mounting: Flush-mount or panel-mount, standardized cutout for easy installation and replacement.

Environmental Limits

Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C (full PLC/HMI functionality), optimized for industrial ambient conditions.
Storage Temperature: -20°C to +60°C, safe for long-term storage.
Relative Humidity: 10%–95% (non-condensing), resistant to moisture in humid facilities.
Pollution Degree: 2 (EN 61131-2), suitable for typical factory floors.
Altitude: Up to 3,000 m (no derating); above 3,000 m, derate 1°C per 300 m.

Compliance and Certification

Compliant with EN 61131-2, EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-4, EN 60529. Certifications: CE, UKCA, cULus, RoHS, REACH. 100% factory tested for display quality, touch accuracy, PLC logic, communication, and environmental durability; calibrated for real-time PLC performance and display uniformity.

3. Core Functions and Product Positioning

Core Functions

Integrated HMI & Soft PLC: Unifies 17-inch high-resolution visualization and IEC 61131-3 compliant soft PLC in one unit, eliminating separate PLC and HMI hardware to reduce system complexity and wiring.
Real-Time Industrial Control: Soft PLC supports deterministic logic control, motion control (e.g., positioning, synchronization), and PID regulation with microsecond-level precision, suitable for high-speed machinery and process automation.
Rugged Visualization: IP65 front panel, anti-glare overlay, and scratch-resistant touch screen withstand dust, water, grease, and abrasions in factory environments; LED backlight ensures 70,000 hours of reliable brightness.
Multi-Protocol Communication: Dual Ethernet and serial ports enable seamless integration with B&R I/O, third-party PLCs, sensors, and SCADA systems; supports Modbus, EtherNet/IP, and Automation Net for flexible networking.
24/7 Reliable Operation: Industrial-grade components, shock/vibration resistance, and wide temperature range ensure stable performance in harsh industrial settings; fanless design (optional fan kit available) minimizes maintenance.

Operational Features

Designed for 24/7 continuous operation in demanding industrial environments. The low-power Intel Atom processor and fanless cooling reduce heat generation and eliminate rotating parts, enhancing reliability. The soft PLC is programmed via B&R Automation Studio, enabling unified HMI design, PLC logic development, and system diagnostics in a single software environment. The resistive touch screen operates reliably with gloved hands, in wet or dusty conditions, without sensitivity loss. The compact all-in-one form factor saves control cabinet space and simplifies installation, while the expandable I/O via X20 modules allows scaling for small to medium-sized automation systems.

Product Positioning

A high-integration, rugged all-in-one HMI-PLC controller for the B&R Panel PC 720 series, the 5PC720.1706-00 targets medium-to-complex industrial automation applications requiring unified control and visualization in harsh environments. It is ideal for machinery automation (plastic processing, textile, woodworking), assembly line control, packaging machinery, and small-scale process automation (water treatment, food & beverage). It serves as a cost-effective alternative to separate PLC and HMI systems for new automation projects and as a direct replacement for aging B&R Panel PC 720 17-inch units in existing production lines, ensuring seamless B&R ecosystem compatibility and minimal downtime.

4. Core Performance Parameters

PC & PLC Performance

Processor: Intel Atom N270 (1.6 GHz, single-core).
Memory/Storage: 1 GB DDR2, 2 GB CompactFlash.
PLC Standard: IEC 61131-3 (5 programming languages).
Real-Time Precision: Microsecond-level loop time.

Display & Touch Performance

Display: 17-inch SXGA (1280 × 1024), 350 cd/m².
Touch: 5-wire resistive, 4096 × 4096 resolution.
Backlight Lifetime: 70,000 hours (25°C, half-brightness).

Communication & I/O Performance

Ethernet: 2 × 10/100 Mbps (Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP).
Serial: 2 × RS-232 (Modbus RTU).
USB: 3 × USB 2.0.
PLC Expansion: B&R X20 series I/O modules.

Environmental & Mechanical Performance

Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C.
Front Protection: IP65 / NEMA 4X.
Vibration Resistance: 0.5 g (9–200 Hz, continuous).
Weight: ~8.5 kg (complete unit).

5. Compatible Devices and Matching Accessories

Compatible Hardware

I/O Systems: B&R X20 series digital/analog I/O modules, X20 motion control modules.
Peripherals: Industrial keyboard/mouse, USB storage, barcode scanners, printers.
Fan Kit: B&R 5PC720.1706-00 PC fan kit (for high-temperature environments).
Mounting Accessories: Panel PC 720 mounting brackets, IP65 gaskets, screw sets.
Replacement Parts: Touch sensor, LED backlight, CompactFlash, front overlay film.

Compatible Systems & Software

Operating Systems: Windows 7, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise, Windows CE 6.0, Linux (real-time variants).
Programming Software: B&R Automation Studio (PLC logic, HMI design, diagnostics), Elo touch calibration tool.
Communication Protocols: Modbus RTU/TCP, EtherNet/IP, TCP/IP, B&R Automation Net.

Installation & Maintenance Tools

Tools: Phillips screwdriver set, anti-static ESD mat/gloves, panel cutout template, torque wrench.
Maintenance Kit: Microfiber cloth, approved touch screen cleaner, replacement IP65 gaskets, spare dust filter (if fan kit is used).

6. Application Scope and Usage Notes

Application Scope

Machinery Automation: Plastic injection molding machines, textile looms, woodworking CNC machines, metalworking equipment.
Factory Automation: Assembly line control stations, packaging machinery HMIs, material handling system terminals, factory monitoring workstations.
Process Automation: Water treatment control rooms, food & beverage processing lines, pharmaceutical packaging lines, chemical plant local control panels.
Retrofit Projects: Upgrading legacy systems with separate PLC and HMI to an all-in-one solution for reduced wiring and maintenance.

Usage Notes

This unit is exclusively designed for B&R Panel PC 720 series compatibility; it is incompatible with other B&R HMI/PLC models (e.g., Panel PC 800, Power Panel PP120) or third-party industrial PCs. When installing, ensure the front panel gasket is properly seated to maintain IP65 protection; tighten mounting screws to the specified torque to avoid chassis damage. Program the soft PLC only via B&R Automation Studio; do not install third-party PLC software that may conflict with the integrated soft PLC. Clean the touch surface regularly with a soft microfiber cloth and approved cleaner; avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. For high-temperature environments (≥40°C), install the optional 5PC720.1706-00 fan kit to prevent thermal throttling. Regularly inspect communication cables and connectors for wear; replace damaged cables promptly to ensure reliable PLC and HMI networking.

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