UTC-W2172C RFID Panel PC

The UTC-W2172C shares the same core RFID functionality (13.56MHz HF reader, RS232/USB HID interfaces, 0–60mm reading distance) as the 10-inch and 15-inch RFID models, but stands out with two key differentiators: Front-mounted physical buttons and a large 21.5-inch display. The customizable function keys (start, stop, confirmation, etc.) are designed for gloved operators in tough industrial environments, providing tactile feedback that touchscreens cannot match for safety-critical operations like machine start/stop and emergency confirmations. The 21.5-inch 16:9 Full HD display provides the largest viewable area in the CESIPC RFID lineup — ideal for centralized monitoring stations, multi-operator scenarios, and applications that require displaying work instructions, process diagrams, or production dashboards alongside RFID authentication. Selection guide: Choose UTC-W2172C for centralized control rooms, multi-operator monitoring, or applications requiring physical button control. Choose UTC-S1062C (10-inch) for compact, space-constrained workstations. Choose UTC-S1562C (15-inch) for dedicated operator workstations with detailed job instructions.

The UTC-W2172C features front-panel physical function keys that can be customized via software to execute specific commands — start, stop, emergency stop, confirmation, next step, parameter increment/decrement, etc.. This design is critical for: Safety-critical operations — tactile buttons prevent accidental touches that can occur on capacitive screens in high-vibration environments; Gloved operation — physical buttons provide reliable actuation even with thick industrial gloves; Muscle memory efficiency — operators can execute frequent commands without looking away from the display; Redundant control — buttons serve as backup input when the touchscreen is wet or contaminated. Typical applications include: machine start/stop confirmation at RFID-authenticated workstations; quality pass/fail data entry; work order step progression; and emergency stop overrides. The buttons are fully customizable to match your specific workflow — no hardware modification required.

The 21.5-inch UTC-W2172C shares the same core RFID functionality (integrated reader, RS232/USB HID interfaces, 0–60mm reading distance) as the 10-inch and 15-inch models, but offers the largest 16:9 Full HD display (1920×1080) in the CESIPC RFID lineup. Key advantages: • Superior information density — Display complex SCADA dashboards, multi-step work instructions, process diagrams, and production metrics alongside the RFID authentication interface without scrolling or tab switching; • Multi-operator visibility — Ideal for control rooms where multiple operators need to view the screen simultaneously from distances up to 2–3 meters; • 16:9 widescreen format — Native support for modern HMI/SCADA software designed for widescreen monitors; • 300 nits brightness / 500:1 contrast — Clear visibility under typical factory lighting. Selection guide: Choose 21.5-inch for centralized control rooms, supervisor workstations, or high-information-density applications. Choose 15-inch for dedicated operator workstations on the production line. Choose 10-inch for space-constrained installations or simple log-in/log-out stations.

The UTC-W2172C’s integrated RFID reader operates at 13.56 MHz (HF) or 125 kHz (LF), selectable according to project requirements. It supports multiple card standards including IC (MIFARE®) and ID (EM) cards, compatible with ISO/IEC 14443A/B and ISO15693 standards. Specific features include: Reading distance: 0–60mm typical; Communication interfaces: RS232 serial (for direct PLC/controller integration) and USB HID (plug-and-play, driver-free); Operating voltage: 3.3V–5V, standard 5V. This versatility makes the UTC-W2172C suitable for a wide range of applications, from manufacturing operator authentication to pharmaceutical cleanroom access control and work order verification in MES-driven production lines. For higher-security applications requiring multi-factor authentication (e.g., pharmaceutical cleanrooms), CESIPC offers models with integrated fingerprint or face recognition alongside RFID — contact our engineering team for details.

Both interfaces are supported and share the same reading distance (0–60mm), but they serve different system architectures: RS232 serial is ideal for legacy PLC or microcontroller integration (e.g., direct connection to a Siemens S7-1200 via RS232 port) — no operating system or drivers required, the application reads tag data directly from the serial buffer. USB HID is recommended for Windows/Linux application integration — the RFID reader appears as a standard USB keyboard (HID), and scanned card data is typed into the focused application field without any driver installation. Selection guide: Use RS232 when connecting to PLCs or embedded controllers; use USB HID when integrating with Windows HMI/SCADA software (e.g., Inductive Automation, WinCC). For MES integrations, many factories use the USB HID approach, which lets operators tap their badge and have the ID automatically populate into a production tracking field — no software development required.

The UTC-W2172C serves as an HMI + identification + physical control workstation for centralized monitoring, MES-driven production lines, and high-security environments. Its large 21.5-inch display and physical buttons make it particularly suited for: • Smart Manufacturing — Operator login, process confirmation, secure machine access, and work order verification at centralized control stations; • Food & Pharmaceutical — RFID for staff authentication combined with keypad for quick operations in cleanrooms and regulated environments; • Warehouse & Logistics — Identity verification and inventory handling control at shipping/receiving stations; • Access Control — Real-time personnel tracking and equipment-level permission management; • Water Treatment & Energy — Parameter adjustment with key-lock verification for safety-critical operations; • Pre-operation identification — Verify operator identity, work orders, and process authorization prior to equipment operation on the factory floor.

The system supports scalable performance across multiple platforms, all sharing the same 21.5-inch enclosure and I/O layout — thanks to BlockCore™ modular design. Options include: Celeron J1900 (4 cores, 2.0–2.42GHz, 10W TDP) — entry-level, ideal for basic HMI and RFID data capture; Celeron J6412 (4 cores, 2.0–2.8GHz, 10W TDP) — improved efficiency for light SCADA workloads; 10th Gen Core i3/i5/i7 (i3-10110U / i5-10210U / i7-10510U, up to 4.9GHz, 15W) — balanced performance for data logging and moderate visualization; 12th Gen Core i3/i5/i7 (i3-1215U / i5-1235U / i7-1250U, hybrid architecture, 15W) — high-performance for data-intensive SCADA, industrial AI visualization, and real-time analytics. Memory ranges from 4GB DDR3L (J1900) to 32GB DDR5 (12th Gen). This consistent physical platform means you can standardize the 21.5-inch RFID workstation across your facility while deploying different compute power per station — no enclosure retooling required.

CESIPC’s BlockCore™ modular architecture separates the compute engine from the RFID-enabled display assembly, delivering three advantages for RFID workstation deployments. 1. Future-proof CPU upgrades: Upgrading from a Celeron J1900 to a 12th Gen Core i7 requires only swapping the compute board — the RFID reader, front-panel buttons, 21.5-inch touchscreen, sealed connectors, and panel-mount cutout remain unchanged, preserving your workstation mechanical design and installation labor. 2. Simplified spare parts: A single i-Core Board SKU works across standard (non-RFID) and RFID panel PCs — reducing inventory overhead. 3. Platform standardization: The same BlockCore compute board used in your standard W-series HMI terminals also powers the UTC-W2172C RFID workstation, enabling you to standardize compute spares across mixed deployments — RFID and non-RFID stations alike. Additionally, BlockCore™ supports DIY expansion of keys, camera, fingerprint, and face recognition modules without altering the overall system structure.

SafeCore™ is CESIPC’s power-loss protection technology. In RFID workstation environments, facilities often perform emergency shutdowns for shift changes or maintenance lockout/tagout procedures — events that can corrupt OS files if power is removed abruptly. SafeCore™ guards the operating system against file corruption during sudden power failure, preventing data loss and long-term OS degradation. Combined with auto power-on recovery (when power returns), it ensures the RFID workstation resumes normal operation after each shift without manual intervention — critical for production traceability logs, operator authentication records, and real-time MES data feeds. This feature is standard across all UTC-W2172C models and does not require additional configuration.

The front panel is IP65-rated (fully dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets), and the RFID reader and physical buttons are integrated behind the sealed front panel, meaning the reader and buttons are IP65-protected — not exposed to dust or moisture. This is a critical advantage over external USB RFID readers or industrial keyboards, which typically have no ingress protection and would fail in washdown or high-particulate environments. The UTC-W2172C is suitable for factory floors, machine tools, food packaging areas, pharmaceutical cleanrooms, and general manufacturing workstations cleaned with gentle hose-downs or regular wipe-downs. For high-pressure, high-temperature washdown environments (e.g., meat processing or dairy), CESIPC offers IP69K-rated stainless steel panel PCs with optional RFID integration — contact our engineering team for details.

The UTC-W2172C supports wall-mount and VESA mount for flexible installation options, with standard panel-mount cutout integration for control cabinet flush mounting. Overall dimensions: 614.6(W) × 326.1(H) × 81.6(D) mm; cutout dimensions: 417.9(W) × 266.8(H) mm; weight: 6.0 kg. Standard I/O includes: USB 2.0 ×2, USB 3.0 ×4, RS232 ×4, RS485 ×2, HDMI ×1, VGA ×1, dual Intel I210 Gigabit Ethernet, Audio, Mic. Expansion: Dual-drive M.2 NVMe and Mini PCIe SSD for storage, plus Mini PCIe socket for wireless module. Wireless: Optional 4G LTE Full Netcom module and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth (Intel N6235, 300Mbps, 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4G/5G). All I/O connectors feature sealed designs that maintain IP65 integrity of the front panel when properly installed.

The UTC-W2172C features a 21.5-inch 16:9 TFT LCD with 1920×1080 Full HD resolution, 300 nits brightness, 500:1 contrast ratio, and 10-point capacitive touch. The 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio is the native format for modern SCADA and HMI software (e.g., Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk), eliminating black bars or scaling artifacts common on 4:3 displays. Typical use cases made possible by the large 21.5-inch display include: Central SCADA dashboards — monitor multiple production lines, equipment status, and KPIs simultaneously on a single screen; Multi-operator visibility — operators standing at 2–3 meter distances can read tags and touch targets that would be too small on smaller displays; Work order + RFID combined workflow — display detailed work instructions, material lists, quality checklists, and process diagrams alongside RFID operator login and authentication status. Backlight lifespan exceeds 50,000 hours for long-term reliability.

The UTC-W2172C supports Windows 10/11 and Linux Ubuntu (12.04, 14.04, 16.04, 20.04). Certifications include CE, FCC, and BIS according to EN 55032 & EN 55035. The factory is ISO9001:2015 certified, and the product has an MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) of 60,000 hours, ensuring long-term reliability for 24/7 production environments. The UTC-W2172C also includes TPM 2.0 hardware security support for secure authentication key storage — an important feature for facilities that need to store operator credentials or encryption keys locally at the workstation. Operating temperature range: 0~50°C standard, with -40~70°C wide-temperature optional; storage temperature: -10~60°C; humidity: 10%~90% non-condensing.

Yes. CESIPC offers full OEM/ODM services for RFID-integrated panel PCs, including: • BIOS configuration and boot logo branding — for private labeling and consistent OEM branding; • I/O panel customization — alternative port arrangements or sealed M12 connectors for high-vibration environments; • RFID reader firmware customization — specific card encoding formats or data output protocols; • Physical button function customization — pre-programmed button actions specific to your workflow; • Additional authentication modules — fingerprint, face recognition, camera, or custom keypad integration alongside RFID; • Enclosure material upgrade — stainless steel front bezel for enhanced corrosion resistance; • Private label packaging and custom SKU part numbering for reseller programs. With in-house SMT assembly and sheet metal fabrication, CESIPC delivers custom RFID workstations with consistent quality and predictable lead times. Minimum order quantities vary by customization scope. Contact our engineering team for a detailed ODM assessment.

Both models are 21.5-inch RFID industrial panel PCs, but they serve different use cases: UTC-W2172C (this product) is a multi-functional RFID panel PC with front-panel physical buttons, designed for applications requiring tactile control in addition to RFID authentication — start/stop operations, parameter adjustment, and safety-critical confirmations on the factory floor. UTC-S2162C is a standard 21.5-inch RFID panel PC without physical buttons, designed for pure touch-based HMI workflows where physical buttons are not required. Selection guide: If your application benefits from tactile, gloved-friendly function keys for frequent or safety-critical operations, choose UTC-W2172C. If you only need touch-based RFID authentication and HMI interaction without physical buttons, choose UTC-S2162C. Both models share the same 21.5-inch 16:9 Full HD display, RFID reader (13.56MHz HF, 0–60mm reading distance, RS232/USB HID), processor options (Celeron J1900/J6412, 10th/12th Gen Core), 6×COM ports, dual GbE LAN, and 9–36V wide voltage input. The key differentiator is the physical button panel — UTC-W2172C’s front-mounted keys provide a distinct advantage in high-volume, gloved, or safety-critical environments where pure touchscreen operation may be less efficient or reliable.

All three share the same RFID reader technology (13.56MHz HF, 0–60mm reading distance, RS232/USB HID), BlockCore™ compute platform, SafeCore™ power-loss protection, processor options, and I/O capabilities. The differences are size, form factor, and physical input methods: 21.5-inch UTC-W2172C — Largest 16:9 Full HD display + front-mounted physical buttons; ideal for centralized control rooms, multi-operator monitoring, and safety-critical operations requiring tactile feedback. 15-inch UTC-S1562C — 4:3 XGA display; the most popular size for dedicated operator workstations, sewing machine terminals, and detailed work instruction viewing. 10-inch UTC-S1062C — Compact 4:3 XGA display; ideal for space-constrained installations, simple log-in/log-out stations, or side-of-machine authentication points. Pro tip: Because all models share the same BlockCore™ compute board, you can standardize on one processor SKU and one spare parts inventory across all three sizes — while selecting the screen size and button configuration that fits each workstation’s specific needs.