Pro-face SP5000 Series HMI Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Pro-face SP5000 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Pro-face SP5000 series represents one of the most widely deployed Human-Machine Interface (HMI) platforms in global heavy industry. Manufactured by Schneider Electric's Pro-face division (formerly Digital Electronics Corporation), the SP5000 family is installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power auxiliary systems, chemical processing plants, and continuous manufacturing lines throughout Asia, Europe, and North America. Its modular architecture — separating the display unit from the logic unit — made it a preferred platform for system integrators requiring flexible panel configurations without full controller replacement. The series supports multi-protocol communication, enabling integration with Mitsubishi, Siemens, Omron, Rockwell, and Modbus-based PLCs, which accounts for its broad installed base across mixed-vendor automation environments.

The Evolution of SP5000 Architecture

The SP5000 series was introduced in the mid-2000s as a successor to the GP3000 and GP4000 lines, retaining backward compatibility with Pro-face's GP-Pro EX programming environment. Early SP5000 units used a split-body design: a display front unit (PF series) paired with a separate logic/communication unit (PS series), connected via a proprietary backplane interface. This architecture allowed operators to replace display panels without disturbing the control logic unit, reducing downtime in 24/7 industrial environments.

Over successive hardware revisions, Pro-face introduced enhanced variants with higher-resolution displays (from 640×480 VGA to 1024×768 XGA), expanded onboard RAM (from 64MB to 256MB), and support for additional fieldbus protocols including PROFIBUS-DP, DeviceNet, and EtherNet/IP. The transition from the SP5000 to the SP5B and subsequently the iX HMI platform (SP-5B00 series) marked the series' maturity phase. As of 2024, the SP5000 core hardware is classified as a mature/end-of-life product line by Schneider Electric Pro-face, with no new hardware development. Long-term maintenance support is available exclusively through authorized spare parts distributors and third-party MRO suppliers.

SP5000 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced models within the Pro-face SP5000 ecosystem. Units are classified by functional role:

Display Front Units (Touch Panel)

• PFXPF160DA33P00N00: 15-inch TFT color touch display front unit, 1024×768 XGA, IP65 front face, for SP5000 split-body configuration
• PFXPF120DA33P00N00: 12.1-inch TFT color touch display front unit, 800×600 SVGA, IP65 front face, SP5000 compatible
• PFXPF100DA33P00N00: 10.4-inch TFT color touch display front unit, 640×480 VGA, analog resistive touch, SP5000 series
• PFXPF080DA33P00N00: 8.4-inch TFT color touch display front unit, 800×600 SVGA, SP5000 split-body front panel
• PFXPF057DA33P00N00: 5.7-inch STN color touch display front unit, 320×240 QVGA, compact panel mount, SP5000 series

Logic/Communication Units (PS Series)

• PFXPS1600WA: SP5000 logic unit, 800MHz CPU, 256MB RAM, 512MB flash, dual Ethernet, USB host/device
• PFXPS1600WB: SP5000 logic unit enhanced variant, expanded protocol support, PROFIBUS-DP slave option
• PFXPS1600CA: SP5000 logic unit with CompactFlash slot, legacy communication card support
• PFXPS1600CB: SP5000 logic unit, CF slot, extended temperature range (-10°C to +55°C operating)

Communication Option Cards

• PFXZCBDP1: PROFIBUS-DP slave communication card for SP5000 PS logic unit
• PFXZCBDN1: DeviceNet slave communication card, SP5000 option slot compatible
• PFXZCBCC1: CC-Link slave communication card for SP5000 series
• PFXZCBFL1: FL-net (OPCN-2) communication card, SP5000 compatible

Power Supply & Accessories

• PFXZPBAT1: Lithium backup battery for SP5000 PS logic unit, 3.6V, clock and SRAM retention
• PFXZPBAT2: Extended-life lithium battery pack, SP5000 series, 5-year rated service life
• PFXZCFMEM1G: 1GB CompactFlash memory card, SP5000 PS unit compatible, industrial-grade
• PFXZPANEL1: Replacement gasket/seal kit for SP5000 PF display front units, IP65 maintenance

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete SP5000 Parts

The SP5000 series entered end-of-life status progressively between 2018 and 2023, with Schneider Electric Pro-face discontinuing standard production orders for most PF display front units and PS logic units. However, the installed base remains substantial: tens of thousands of SP5000 units remain in active service in refineries, power generation facilities, and chemical plants where full HMI replacement requires significant engineering validation and downtime budgets that operators defer for years.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory program for SP5000 lifecycle extension. Stock is sourced through manufacturer-authorized excess inventory channels, decommissioned plant buybacks, and verified third-party MRO networks. All units are cataloged by hardware revision and firmware version to ensure compatibility matching. For obsolete display front units such as the PFXPF160DA33P00N00 and related PF-series panels, DriveKNMS provides cross-reference verification against the target PS logic unit revision to confirm backplane interface compatibility before shipment.

Customers operating SP5000 systems are advised to maintain a minimum 2-unit buffer stock of critical display front units and logic units, given lead times for sourcing end-of-life hardware that can extend to 8–16 weeks depending on market availability.

Quality Control for the SP5000 Range

SP5000 modules undergo a structured multi-stage inspection protocol at DriveKNMS prior to shipment. Display front units (PF series) are tested for touch panel linearity across the full active area using automated grid-point calibration, backlight uniformity (measured at ≥80% of rated luminance), and pixel integrity screening. The proprietary backplane connector between PF and PS units — a known wear point in high-cycle-replacement environments — is inspected under magnification for pin deformation and contact oxidation.

PS logic units are powered through a controlled 24VDC bench supply and subjected to a full boot sequence verification, Ethernet port link negotiation test, and USB enumeration check. Communication option cards (PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, CC-Link) are tested for bus termination resistance and protocol handshake response using dedicated fieldbus analyzers. Units that fail any stage are quarantined and not returned to serviceable stock. All passed units are shipped with an inspection record and 90-day functional warranty.