Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | HITACHI PS6000 Series |
| Manufacturer | Pro-face by Schneider Electric |
| Operating System | Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC (64-bit) |
| CPU Options | Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Celeron |
| Memory (RAM) | 4GB to 32GB (Depends on CPU tier) |
| Storage | M.2 SSD x1, 2.5″ HDD/SSD x1 or x2 |
| Ethernet Ports | 2x RJ45 (Dual LAN for IT/OT separation) |
| USB Interfaces | 2x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB Type-C |
| Expansion Slots | Up to PCI x1 + PCIe x1/x2 (Advanced Box) |
| Display Output | 1x DisplayPort |
Product Introduction
Merging IT infrastructure with OT shop floors usually means dealing with fragile consumer PCs that choke on factory dust. The HITACHI PS6000 was built to stop that bleeding. It takes the open architecture of a standard PC and hardens it into a rugged terminal, giving you the flexibility to run edge computing, IIoT data management, and traditional HMI tasks from a single, reliable chassis.I’ve seen plants try to save money by shoving standard desktops into electrical cabinets, only to watch them fail when the summer heat hits. The PS6000 actually handles this. You can spec it with a Core i7 and 32GB of RAM if you’re running heavy database functionalities and remote visualization, or drop down to a Celeron for basic operator terminals. It gives you the raw processing power of a PC without sacrificing the industrial reliability your PLCs expect.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report:
Edge computing PCs have a lot more moving parts than a standard PLC. Every PS6000 we handle gets a thorough visual inspection for shipping damage. We boot it up on the bench to verify the Windows 10 IoT LTSC license activation and check that both RJ45 ports negotiate correctly at 100/1000 Mbps. We also verify the M.2 SSD seating and run a quick thermal check under load to make sure the cooling solution is seated properly.The Engineer’s Warning:
Do not underestimate the power draw of the Core i7 models. If you are running this at max CPU load with dual displays and multiple PCIe expansion cards, your 24V DC power supply needs serious headroom. I’ve seen a system randomly reboot during peak production because someone used an undersized DIN rail power supply. Also, pay attention to the expansion slots. The Advanced Box gives you PCI and PCIe, but the Standard Box (Core i3) does not. Know exactly what your application needs before ordering.
Installation & Configuration Guide
- Pre-Installation: ⚠️ VERIFY POWER. Check your power supply sizing. Calculate the total wattage of the CPU, RAM, storage, and any PCIe cards you plan to install. Ensure your 24V DC supply can handle the peak load with at least a 20% safety margin.
- Mounting: Secure the panel PC using the provided brackets. Ensure there is adequate clearance for airflow. Do not block the ventilation grilles.
- Storage & RAM: If upgrading, install the M.2 SSD and 2.5″ drives before mounting. Ensure the RAM modules are fully seated and locked. Double-check that your Windows 10 IoT LTSC license is properly activated after first boot.
- Power-On & Testing: Apply 24V DC. Monitor the boot sequence via DisplayPort. Verify both Ethernet ports are recognized in Windows Device Manager. Test remote visualization and database connectivity before handing it over to operations.
Compatible Replacement Models
| Replacement Model | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HITACHI PS6000 (Same Spec) | ✅ Drop-in Replacement | Exact hardware match. Restore from your last system image. |
| PS6000 (Different CPU) | ⚠️ Software Compatible | Same chassis, but changing from i3 to i7 may require Windows reactivation or driver updates. |
| Standard Box (Core i3) | ❌ Hardware Mod Required | Lacks PCIe expansion slots. Cannot be used if your application requires add-in cards. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I run standard Windows 10 Pro on this instead of IoT Enterprise?
Technically yes, but don’t do it. The PS6000 is licensed and optimized for Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC. Standard Windows 10 Pro will force updates that can break your HMI application at the worst possible time. Stick to LTSC.What is the difference between the Standard Box and Advanced Box?
The Advanced Box (Core i7/i5/Celeron) includes PCIe expansion slots and supports more RAM and dual 2.5″ drives. The Standard Box (Core i3) is a simpler, single-slot design meant for basic HMI tasks without add-in cards. Check your I/O requirements carefully.Can I use this for remote visualization without adding extra software?
Yes. The PS6000 supports Pro-face Remote HMI Client for Windows and BLUE Open Studio Thin Client. You can view the HMI from a PC or tablet right out of the box, provided your network is configured correctly.Is the Core i7 model overkill for a basic HMI?
Usually, yes. Unless you are running heavy SQL databases locally, doing machine vision, or managing massive IIoT data streams at the edge, the Core i3 or Celeron will handle standard HMI and SCADA tasks just fine. Save the i7 for applications that actually need it.Does this support legacy serial communications?
Yes. It includes 1x RS-232C port. If you need to talk to older PLCs or barcode scanners, you’re covered. For additional serial ports, you’ll need to use the PCIe expansion slots on the Advanced Box models.
