Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | 136-551733-B-02 |
| Manufacturer | NEC |
| Module Type | HMI Touch Panel |
| Display | 10.4″ TFT LCD, 800×600, 65,536 colors |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 500:1 |
| Backlight | LED, ~30,000 hour lifespan |
| Viewing Angle | 45°/65°/65°/65° (T/B/R/L) |
| Touch Type | 4-wire resistive, continuous touch |
| Touch Durability | ≥1,000,000 actuations |
| Processor | 32-bit RISC, 400MHz |
| RAM | 64MB DDR2 on board |
| Flash Memory | 128MB on board |
| User Project Size | 16MB |
| Data & Event Log | 48MB |
| Serial Ports | COM1 (RS-232 / RS-485 2W/4W), COM2 (RS-232), COM3 (RS-232 / RS-485 2W) |
| Ethernet | 1× 10/100Base-T |
| USB | 1× USB 1.1 Host, 1× USB 2.0 Client |
| SD Card Slot | Yes |
| Audio Output | Yes |
| Power Input | 24±20% VDC, 300mA @ 24VDC |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 286 × 212 × 50 mm |
| Cutout Size (W×H) | 259 × 201 mm |
| Weight | ~1.6 kg |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 50°C |
| Humidity | 10%–90% @ 40°C, non-condensing |
| Front Panel Protection | IP65 / NEMA 4 |
| EMI Compliance | FCC Class A |
| CE Certification | EN 55022:2006 Class A, EN 61000-3-2:2006, EN 61000-3-3 |
| Configuration Software | EB8000 V3.4.0 or later |
Product Introduction
This is a workhorse HMI panel — the kind you find mounted on the front of a machine cabinet in a packaging line, a CNC station, or a process control skid. The NEC 136-551733-B-02 gives operators a 10.4-inch color touchscreen to monitor what’s happening inside the controller, tweak setpoints, acknowledge alarms, and pull up trend logs — all without needing a laptop or a separate workstation.What makes it practical in the field is the connectivity. Three serial ports mean you can wire it to a PLC, a VFD, and a barcode scanner (or a legacy instrument) without needing extra communication hardware. The Ethernet port handles SCADA or networked data logging. The fanless design and IP65 front panel mean it can sit in a dusty, warm cabinet environment without choking on particulates or needing frequent filter changes.The 400MHz processor and 64MB RAM aren’t going to win any benchmarks, but for HMI duty — rendering screens, logging events, passing serial data — it’s more than adequate. The LED backlight rated at 30,000 hours means you’re looking at roughly 3.4 years of continuous 24/7 operation before backlight dimming becomes noticeable. In most plants with day shifts and weekend shutdowns, that translates to many years of service.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report (Pre-Shipment Testing Protocol)
Here’s what should happen before this panel ships to your site:
- Visual & counterfeit inspection: Check the LCD for dead pixels, pressure marks, or delamination. Verify the NEC branding and model number on the rear label match the physical unit.
- Power-on test: Apply 24VDC and confirm the unit boots into the EB8000 runtime environment without hanging or displaying error codes.
- Touch calibration check: Run the built-in touch calibration utility. Verify that all four corners and center register accurately with no dead zones.
- Communication port test: Loop back test on COM1/COM2/COM3 to verify serial data integrity. Ping test on the Ethernet port.
- Backlight uniformity check: Display a full-white screen and inspect for dark spots, uneven illumination, or flickering.
- Anti-static packaging: Seal in ESD-safe packaging with moisture protection.
The Engineer’s Warning (Pitfalls)
- Wrong software version is the most common headache. The panel requires EB8000 V3.4.0 or later. If your existing project was built on an older version, it won’t load. Check your project file version before ordering the replacement.
- RS-485 wiring mistakes. COM1 and COM3 both support RS-485, but the wiring (2-wire vs. 4-wire) must match what the connected device expects. Swapping these or wiring 2-wire to a 4-wire device will give you silent communication failures — no error message, just no data.
- Power supply ripple. This panel draws only 300mA at 24VDC, which means it’s often powered from the same supply as the PLC. If that supply has excessive ripple or voltage drops under load, the HMI will reboot randomly. Measure the actual voltage at the panel terminals under full system load before declaring the installation complete.
Installation & Configuration Guide
Phase 1: Pre-Installation
- ⚠️ De-energize the panel’s power supply and verify zero voltage before handling.
- Measure the cabinet cutout — it needs to be 259 × 201 mm. If the existing cutout is a different size, you’ll need an adapter frame or a cabinet modification.
- Photograph all existing wiring connections — every COM port, the Ethernet cable, USB connections, and power supply leads.
Phase 2: Removal (if replacing)
- Disconnect all cables from the rear of the old panel.
- Release the panel mounting clamps from inside the cabinet.
- Push the old panel out from the front.
- If the old panel is being kept as a spare, place it in an ESD-safe bag.
Phase 3: Installation
- Insert the new 136-551733-B-02 into the cutout from the front.
- Secure it from inside the cabinet using the mounting clamps. Tighten evenly — don’t overtighten one side, or you’ll warp the bezel and create a gap in the IP65 seal.
- Reconnect all cables according to your photos and labels:
- COM1 → PLC or primary serial device
- COM2 → secondary serial device (RS-232 only)
- COM3 → third serial device or RS-485 network
- Ethernet → plant network or direct PLC connection
- Power → 24VDC supply (verify polarity)
Phase 4: Power-On & Configuration
- Apply 24VDC power. The panel should boot into the EB8000 runtime.
- If loading an existing project, transfer it via USB (USB 2.0 client port) or SD card.
- Run the touch calibration utility if the touch response feels off.
- Verify communication on each port — confirm that the PLC is responding, data is updating on screen, and alarms are logging correctly.
- Monitor for at least 15 minutes to confirm stable operation with no unexpected reboots.
Compatible Replacement Models
- ✅ Drop-in Replacement: Another 136-551733-B-02 with the same part number is the only guaranteed drop-in. The existing EB8000 project file should load directly.
- ⚠️ Same Series, Different Size: NEC’s HMI line includes other screen sizes (7″, 12″, 15″) that run the same EB8000 software. The project file may transfer, but the screen layout will need resizing and the cabinet cutout will be different.
- ❌ Different HMI Brand: Swapping to a Weintek, Pro-face, or Siemens HMI means rebuilding the project from scratch in a different programming environment. Don’t assume any level of project file compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this panel outdoors?
The front panel is IP65 rated (dust-tight and protected against water jets), but the rear is not sealed. It’s designed for indoor cabinet mounting. If you need outdoor deployment, you’ll need a NEMA 4X enclosure with the panel mounted flush to the front.What happens if I lose the project file?
Without the original EB8000 project file (.emt), you can’t reprogram the panel. The project file contains all screen layouts, tag mappings, and communication configurations. If you don’t have a backup, you’ll need to rebuild it from scratch — or pull the project off the old panel via USB before it dies. This is why backing up project files should be part of your standard maintenance procedure.Can I upgrade the RAM or flash?
No. Both are soldered on board (64MB DDR2 RAM, 128MB Flash). There are no user-accessible upgrade slots.Is this panel still manufactured by NEC?
Based on available market data, the 136-551733-B-02 is being supplied through industrial surplus and aftermarket channels. Whether NEC is still actively producing this specific model requires direct confirmation from NEC or an authorized distributor. If this panel is critical to your operation, securing spare inventory now is a smart move.What’s the warranty situation?
Most aftermarket suppliers offer a 12-month warranty. Confirm whether the warranty covers functional failure only or also includes dead-on-arrival replacement. Get the terms in writing before payment.Can I connect this to a modern Ethernet/IP or PROFINET PLC?
The panel has a standard 10/100Base-T Ethernet port and three serial ports. Whether it supports Ethernet/IP or PROFINET depends on the EB8000 software configuration and driver availability. Check the EB8000 driver list for your specific PLC model before purchasing.
