B&R Automation PC 620 Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

B&R Automation PC 620 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The B&R Automation PC 620 (5PC600 series) is a panel-integrated industrial PC platform developed by Bernecker & Rainer Industrie-Elektronik GmbH (Austria). It is deployed across heavy-process industries including petrochemical refineries, nuclear auxiliary systems, offshore platforms, and continuous-process chemical plants. The platform integrates x86-based computing with B&R's APROL and Automation Studio environments, enabling deterministic real-time control alongside HMI visualization on a single hardware unit. Its fanless and compact variants are rated for 24/7 operation in environments with ambient temperatures up to 55°C and vibration loads consistent with IEC 60068-2-6. The 5PC600 line occupies a critical position in installed base management: thousands of units remain in active service at facilities where control system replacement carries multi-year capital expenditure cycles, making long-term spare parts availability a primary procurement concern.

The Evolution of Automation PC 620 Architecture

The Automation PC 620 was introduced as a successor to B&R's earlier Panel PC 700 and Automation PC 810 platforms, consolidating HMI and control functions into a single DIN-rail or panel-mount enclosure. Early revisions (circa 2005–2010) used Intel Celeron M and Pentium M processors with 400 MHz FSB, paired with B&R's proprietary X2X Link backplane for I/O expansion. Mid-generation revisions introduced Intel Atom and Core 2 Duo CPUs, expanding RAM support to 4 GB DDR2 and adding USB 2.0 and dual Ethernet ports for POWERLINK and standard TCP/IP networks.

Later variants (post-2013) adopted Intel Core i-series processors (Sandy Bridge / Ivy Bridge), enabling 64-bit OS support (Windows Embedded Standard 7, Windows 10 IoT, and B&R Linux). The display interface evolved from LVDS single-channel to dual-channel LVDS and DisplayPort, supporting resolutions up to 1920x1200. The backplane architecture retained backward compatibility with 5AC600 and 5PC600 accessory modules across generations, which is a key factor in the platform's longevity in installed base environments. As of 2024, the 5PC600 series is classified as a mature/end-of-active-production platform; B&R has transitioned new designs to the Automation PC 2100 and Automation PC 3100 lines. However, the 5PC600 remains supported under B&R's extended lifecycle program, and third-party MRO suppliers such as DriveKNMS continue to stock and test legacy units.

Automation PC 620 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified models within the B&R 5PC600 / Automation PC 620 platform, categorized by primary function:

Panel PC Main Units

• 5PC600.SX05-01: Automation PC 620, 5.7" QVGA display, Intel Celeron M 600 MHz, fanless, 256 MB RAM, CompactFlash slot, single Ethernet
• 5PC600.SX05-00: Automation PC 620, 5.7" QVGA, Celeron M, no onboard storage, base OEM configuration
• 5PC600.SX02-01: Automation PC 620, 2.1" display variant, ultra-compact panel mount, Celeron M, fanless design
• 5PC600.SX02-00: Automation PC 620, 2.1" display, base unit without CF card, for custom storage configuration
• 5PC600.SF05-01: Automation PC 620, 5.7" display, integrated fan cooling, Pentium M 1.1 GHz, 512 MB RAM
• 5PC600.SF05-00: Automation PC 620, 5.7" display, fan-cooled, base unit, no onboard storage
• 5PC600.SX10-01: Automation PC 620, 10.4" XGA display, Intel Celeron M, fanless, 256 MB RAM, dual serial ports
• 5PC600.SX10-00: Automation PC 620, 10.4" XGA, fanless, base configuration, no CF
• 5PC600.SF10-01: Automation PC 620, 10.4" XGA, fan-cooled, Pentium M, 512 MB RAM, USB 2.0 x2
• 5PC600.SF10-00: Automation PC 620, 10.4" XGA, fan-cooled, base unit, no onboard storage
• 5PC600.SX15-01: Automation PC 620, 15" XGA display, fanless, Celeron M, 256 MB RAM, panel-mount frame included
• 5PC600.SX15-00: Automation PC 620, 15" XGA, fanless, base unit, no CF card
• 5PC600.SF15-01: Automation PC 620, 15" XGA, fan-cooled, Pentium M 1.1 GHz, 512 MB RAM, dual Ethernet
• 5PC600.SF15-00: Automation PC 620, 15" XGA, fan-cooled, base unit, no onboard storage
• 5PC600.SX19-01: Automation PC 620, 19" SXGA display, fanless, Intel Celeron M, 256 MB RAM, large-format HMI panel
• 5PC600.SX19-00: Automation PC 620, 19" SXGA, fanless, base unit, no CF card, OEM configuration
• 5PC600.SF19-01: Automation PC 620, 19" SXGA, fan-cooled, Pentium M, 512 MB RAM, dual serial + dual USB

Accessory & Expansion Modules (5AC600 compatible)

• 5AC600.SDVR-00: DVD-ROM drive module for Automation PC 620 / 810 expansion bay
• 5AC600.HDDI-00: Hard disk drive interface module, 2.5" SATA, for 5PC600 expansion slot
• 5AC600.CFSS-00: CompactFlash solid-state storage module, 256 MB, for 5PC600 CF slot

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete Automation PC 620 Parts

The 5PC600 series entered end-of-active-production status progressively between 2018 and 2022, with individual SKUs discontinued at different intervals. B&R's official extended lifecycle support covers firmware and software patches but does not guarantee hardware unit availability beyond existing distributor stock. For facilities operating 5PC600 units under long-term service contracts (10–20 year plant lifecycles), sourcing replacement units requires engagement with MRO specialists who maintain tested surplus inventory.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of B&R Automation PC 620 units sourced from decommissioned plant equipment, authorized surplus channels, and controlled storage. Each unit undergoes functional verification before listing. DriveKNMS supports procurement for single-unit emergency replacements as well as multi-unit blanket orders for planned maintenance programs. For obsolete variants where new-old-stock is exhausted, DriveKNMS can assist with cross-reference identification to compatible successor models within the B&R Automation PC 2100 or 3100 series, including assessment of software migration requirements under Automation Studio.

Quality Control for the Automation PC 620 Range

The 5PC600 platform presents specific verification challenges due to its integrated backplane architecture, where the CPU module, display controller, and I/O interface share a common bus. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all 5PC600 units:

• Power-on and POST verification: Unit powered via regulated 24 VDC supply; BIOS POST completion and error-code-free boot sequence confirmed.
• Display interface test: LVDS output verified against native panel resolution; backlight inverter output measured for correct voltage and frequency.
• CompactFlash / storage interface: CF slot read/write cycle test using standardized test image; SATA interface continuity check on applicable variants.
• Serial and Ethernet port validation: RS-232/RS-485 loopback test on all COM ports; Ethernet link negotiation and packet integrity test at 10/100 Mbps.
• Thermal cycling: Unit operated through 0°C to 55°C thermal cycle to verify fanless thermal management integrity and capacitor stability.
• Backplane bus integrity: X2X Link interface tested for signal integrity using B&R-compatible diagnostic tools where applicable.
• Cosmetic and mechanical inspection: Panel gasket, connector pins, and mounting hardware inspected; condition graded and documented.

All units are issued a test report and assigned a condition grade (Grade A: fully functional, no cosmetic defects; Grade B: fully functional, minor cosmetic wear) prior to shipment.