LAUER PCS 110FZ Operator Panel

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

LAUER PCS 110FZ Series Technical Notes

The LAUER PCS 110FZ is a member of the PCS (Process Control Station) operator panel family manufactured by LAUER Systemtechnik GmbH, Germany. This series has established a significant installed base across heavy industrial sectors including chemical processing plants, oil refineries, nuclear auxiliary systems, and continuous manufacturing lines throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The PCS 110FZ variant is characterized by its compact front-panel-mount form factor, membrane keypad interface, and RS-485/RS-232 serial communication capability, making it a standard HMI terminal for legacy SIMATIC S5, S7, and third-party PLC architectures. Its IP65-rated front panel and wide operating temperature range (0–55°C) qualified it for deployment in harsh industrial enclosures where more fragile touchscreen panels were not viable. As of 2026, the PCS 110 series is in its end-of-life phase; however, the installed base remains active in facilities with long asset lifecycles, sustaining consistent demand for spare units, repair services, and functional replacements.

The Evolution of PCS 110FZ Architecture

LAUER's PCS operator panel line was introduced in the late 1980s as a cost-effective alternative to full SCADA terminals for machine-level HMI tasks. The original PCS 100 series used proprietary LAUER protocol over RS-232 and supported a limited character-based display. The PCS 110 generation introduced expanded memory, multi-protocol support (including PROFIBUS DP slave capability on select variants), and a modular firmware architecture that allowed field-configurable communication parameters.

The PCS 110FZ specifically introduced a function-key-extended keypad layout (the "FZ" suffix denotes Funktionstasten-Zusatz, or supplementary function keys), enabling operators to assign up to 16 direct-access softkeys mapped to PLC data registers. This made the 110FZ the preferred variant for process visualization tasks requiring rapid operator intervention without menu navigation.

Subsequent generations — the PCS 200 and PCS 300 series — introduced graphical TFT displays and Ethernet connectivity, but required complete panel replacement rather than backward-compatible upgrades. As a result, many facilities operating PCS 110FZ units have maintained them in service rather than undertaking full HMI migration projects, particularly where the controlling PLC is itself a legacy S5 or early S7-300 system.

Compatible communication drivers exist for: SIMATIC S5 (3964R, RK512), SIMATIC S7-200/300/400 (MPI, PPI), Modbus RTU, and LAUER proprietary LCA protocol.

PCS 110FZ Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified models within the LAUER PCS 110 operator panel family, classified by primary function and interface type.

Operator Panels — Standard & Function-Key Variants

• PCS 110FZ: Compact operator panel, membrane keypad, 2×20 char LCD, RS-232/RS-485, 16 function keys
• PCS 110: Base variant without extended function-key block; 2×20 char LCD, RS-232 only
• PCS 110D: Diagnostic variant with extended status LED array; used in fault-monitoring applications
• PCS 110E: Enhanced memory variant; supports larger recipe and message text libraries
• PCS 110FZ/S: Stainless steel front bezel version for food and pharmaceutical environments
• PCS 110FZ/P: PROFIBUS DP slave interface variant; integrates directly into PROFIBUS network segments
• PCS 110FZ/M: Modbus RTU master/slave variant; used with non-Siemens PLCs
• PCS 110FZ/E: Extended temperature range variant (−10 to +60°C); for outdoor enclosure applications

Communication & Interface Modules

• PCS 110-COM1: RS-232 to RS-485 interface converter module for PCS 110 series
• PCS 110-COM2: Dual-port serial communication expansion; supports simultaneous PLC and printer connections
• PCS 110-USB: USB programming adapter for firmware upload and project transfer to PCS 110FZ
• PCS 110-MPI: MPI bus adapter enabling direct S7-300/400 MPI network connection without additional gateway

Power Supply & Mounting Accessories

• PCS 110-PSU24: 24 VDC panel power supply module, DIN-rail mount, rated for PCS 110 series
• PCS 110-MT: Panel cutout mounting template and hardware kit for PCS 110FZ front-panel installation
• PCS 110-CBL3: 3-meter shielded serial cable assembly, DB9 to terminal block, for PCS 110 to S7-300 connection
• PCS 110-CBL5: 5-meter variant of the PCS 110-CBL3 cable assembly
• PCS 110-MEM: Replacement EEPROM memory module for PCS 110FZ project data retention

Quality Control for the PCS 110FZ Range

Each PCS 110FZ unit processed by DriveKNMS undergoes a structured verification protocol prior to dispatch:

• Visual inspection: Front membrane keypad integrity, LCD contrast uniformity, connector pin condition (DB9, terminal block), and enclosure seal assessment
• Power-on test: 24 VDC supply application, boot sequence verification, firmware version identification
• Communication test: RS-232 and RS-485 loopback test using LAUER LCA protocol; verification of baud rate configuration registers (300–19200 bps range)
• Function key test: Sequential actuation of all 16 function keys with register write verification via connected test PLC
• Display test: Full character matrix test, backlight intensity check, contrast adjustment range verification
• Burn-in: 48-hour continuous operation at 40°C ambient prior to final packaging