Pepperl+Fuchs is once again expanding its portfolio of industrial box thin clients (BTCs). The new BTC24 is the successor to the proven BTC14 and has been specially designed for long-term use in control rooms and demanding industrial environments. With its robust and compact design, it ensures maximum reliability and flexibility in 24/7 operation.
The latest BTC24 supports up to four 4K displays at 60 Hz simultaneously. This makes it ideal for use in modern control rooms, where detailed and extensive data has to be displayed on multiple screens at the same time. The 8 GB DDR4 RAM (configured as 2x 4 GB in dual-channel mode) ensures smooth and judder-free operation.
For the first time, Pepperl+Fuchs is integrating EDID emulation into the BTC24. This function ensures that the video output remains stable even in the event of temporary signal loss from the connected monitor. In industrial environments where continuous visualization is essential, EDID emulation prevents screens from having to be re-initialized after an interruption. In this way, the BTC24 ensures smooth operation. Additional cable locks prevent cables from accidentally falling out, therefore avoiding failures even when there is vibration in the control room.
The BTC24 comes with a third Ethernet port like the BTC22. This makes it possible to integrate a second network independently of the already redundant MES or DCS connections. This offers additional flexibility to operate different networks simultaneously and increases reliability through further redundancy. For example, a connection to the ERP system can be established without having to reconnect cables. The BTC24 also features a USB-C port that simplifies the use of modern peripherals. In addition, a further USB-A port has been added compared to the BTC14. This allows the connection of additional peripheral devices.
Like its predecessors, the BTC24 is characterized by its robustness and long-term availability. The fanless design and the absence of moving parts make it particularly resistant to temperature fluctuations and vibrations—typical challenges in industrial environments. Due to its compact design, the BTC24 can be flexibly installed. Mounting options include desk, wall, VESA, or DIN rail mounting. This makes it an ideal choice for applications with limited space.
In addition, the preinstalled VisuNet RM Shell 6 (based on Windows 10 IoT LTSC 2021) in combination with thin client management software, VisuNet Control Center, enables centralized and efficient management of the system, further increasing efficiency in day-to-day operations. Alternatively, the BTC24 can be configured and ordered with the IGEL OS 12 operating system (based on Linux) or as a ThinManager® Ready thin client (coming soon).
As with the BTC22, Pepperl+Fuchs relies on components with long-term availability for the BTC24, which protects the investment for years to come. The latest industrial box thin client therefore offers a future-oriented and flexible solution for industrial applications that place the highest demands on reliability and performance. With its advanced features and robust hardware, the BTC24 ensures that plant operators can rely on it in the long term, including in challenging environments.