Aug. 18, 2025

Linux panel pc: an ideal platform for Hmi, data acquisition and IOT that goes beyond a PLC

by Mect

In the increasingly advanced world of industrial automation, technology solutions must be able to meet increasingly complex needs. Traditional PLCs, while still fundamental, may be limited in the face of the new challenges of Industry 4.0. That's where Mect's Linux Panel PC comes in, an advanced solution designed to meet modern needs for reliability, scalability and connectivity.

1. HMI (Human Machine Interface) Evolved

An effective human-machine interface (HMI) is crucial for the control and supervision of industrial plants. The Panel PC Mect LPC4100 offers a 10-inch touchscreen display with capacitive technology, providing an intuitive and accurate user experience. With a Linux operating system, based on Raspbian, and the ability to customize the software, this device is perfectly suited to the specific needs of each application.

The LPC4100 Panel PC supports tools such as Grafana for real-time data visualization and ScadaBR for plant supervision. These features make it ideal for SCADA in environments such as chemical, food and packaging.

2. Data Acquisition and Industrial Connections

Data acquisition is a key aspect in modern automation. The Panel PC Mect features extensive connectivity options, including Ethernet, USB, RS485 and GPIO, enabling easy integration with existing sensors, devices and systems. The ability to handle digital and serial signals, combined with a real-time-optimized Linux kernel, ensures fast and reliable data acquisition and processing.

This device is perfect for monitoring production lines, energy systems, and complex machinery, ensuring accurate collection and logging of information.

3. IoT and Edge Computing

In the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) era, the ability to manage and analyze data at the edge of the network (edge computing) is essential. The LPC4100 Panel PC supports protocols such as MQTT and OPC-UA, facilitating communication between devices and integration with cloud platforms. In addition, tools such as TensorFlow Lite and Edge Impulse allow artificial intelligence inferences to be performed directly on the device, without the need for a constant connection to the cloud.

These features make it a versatile solution for applications such as predictive maintenance and advanced plant supervision.

4. Beyond the PLC: Flexibility and Customization

Unlike traditional PLCs, the Mect Panel PC offers unprecedented flexibility. It supports development environments such as Python, C/C++, Node.js and Docker, allowing software to be customized to the user's specific needs. In addition, the ability to configure kernels, libraries and protocols in real time makes it suitable for both embedded installations and complex industrial systems.

Conclusion

Mect's LPC4100 Industrial Linux Panel PC represents a quantum leap into the future of automation. With its advanced HMI capabilities, robust data acquisition and IoT capabilities, this device overcomes the limitations of traditional PLCs, offering a complete and flexible solution for the industrial world.

To find out how the Panel PC Mect can revolutionize your production process, contact our team for a quote or a customized demo. Together, we can build the future of automation.