Description
📌 Product Introduction
The B&R Automation 4P0420.00-490 is a Power Panel PP21 operator interface and controller unit designed for industrial machine automation. It combines a monochrome LCD operator display, function keys, PLC control capability, integrated digital I/O, RS232 communication, CAN bus communication, and expansion slots in one compact panel.
The PP21 uses a 4 × 20 character LCD with LED backlighting and provides 34 operator keys. It is compatible with the B&R System 2003 architecture and includes 700 kB SRAM, 1.4 MB FlashPROM, one PCMCIA slot, six slots for B&R 2003 screw-in modules, 10 digital inputs, and 8 digital outputs.
⚙️ Key Features
- B&R Automation Power Panel PP21
- Part number 4P0420.00-490
- Rev. M0
- 4 × 20 character monochrome LCD
- LED backlight
- 34 operator/function keys
- Integrated B&R 2003-compatible CPU
- 700 kB SRAM
- 1.4 MB FlashPROM
- 1 PCMCIA memory slot
- RS232 interface
- Electrically isolated CAN interface
- 10 × 24 VDC digital inputs
- 8 × 24 VDC digital outputs
- 1 potential-free relay contact
- Six slots for B&R 2003 screw-in modules
- Front protection rating IP65
- 24 VDC power supply
📊 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | B&R Automation |
| Model | PP21 |
| MPN | 4P0420.00-490 |
| Revision | M0 |
| Product Name | Power Panel LCD Display Unit |
| Series | B&R Power Panel 21 / System 2003 |
| Display | Monochrome LCD |
| Display Resolution | 4 × 20 characters |
| Backlight | LED |
| Function Keys | 10 with LED |
| Soft Keys | 12 with LED |
| Number Block | 12 keys |
| Standard Memory | 700 kB SRAM |
| System PROM | 600 kB FlashPROM |
| User PROM | 1.4 MB FlashPROM |
| RS232 | 1 ×, 9-pin D-sub, up to 115.2 kbit/s |
| CAN | 1 × electrically isolated, up to 500 kbit/s |
| Digital Inputs | 10 × 24 VDC |
| Digital Outputs | 8 × 24 VDC, 0.4 A each |
| Relay Output | 1 × dry contact |
| Expansion Slots | 6 × B&R 2003 screw-in modules |
| PCMCIA | 1 slot |
| Supply Voltage | 24 VDC |
| Max. Power Consumption | 20 W |
| Front Protection | IP65 |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to 50°C |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 60°C |
| Dimensions | 155 × 190 × 84.4 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 1.25 kg |
| Condition | Used / Pre-Owned |
The specifications above are based primarily on B&R’s product documentation for material number 4P0420.00-490.
🖥️ Display & Operator Interface
The PP21 provides a compact text-based HMI using a 4 × 20 character monochrome LCD and LED backlight. Its keyboard combines function keys, soft keys, and a numeric block, allowing operators to view machine information and enter commands directly from the panel.
The display and control interface are integrated with the PP21’s PLC functionality, allowing the unit to serve as both an operator terminal and a controller rather than functioning as a display-only HMI.
🔌 Communication & I/O
The 4P0420.00-490 provides one RS232 interface through a 9-pin D-sub connector and one electrically isolated CAN interface supporting communication speeds up to 500 kbit/s.
The integrated I/O includes 10 digital 24 VDC inputs and 8 digital 24 VDC source outputs rated at 0.4 A nominal current per output. One additional dry relay contact is also available.
The six screw-in module slots allow the PP21 to be expanded with compatible B&R System 2003 modules for additional analog, temperature, communication, or specialized I/O functions.
🏭 Application Areas
The B&R PP21 can be used in a wide range of machine-control applications, including:
- Industrial machine automation
- Packaging machinery
- Production and assembly equipment
- Material handling systems
- Process-control equipment
- Conveyor systems
- Motion-control applications
- OEM machine control
- Factory automation
- Legacy B&R System 2003 installations
Its integrated PLC, HMI, I/O, and communication functions make it particularly useful where an older B&R control panel needs to be maintained without redesigning the complete machine-control architecture.
🔧 Installation & Integration
Before installing a replacement PP21, verify the complete part number and hardware revision against the existing unit.
- Confirm the existing controller uses 4P0420.00-490 or an approved equivalent.
- Check the mechanical dimensions and panel cutout.
- Verify the 24 VDC supply and polarity.
- Confirm the RS232 and CAN communication wiring.
- Check the installed B&R 2003 screw-in modules.
- Transfer or verify the correct PLC/HMI application program.
- Check the PCMCIA memory configuration if used by the existing application.
- Verify all digital input and output wiring.
- Check the LCD and keyboard operation after power-up.
- Test machine functions under controlled conditions before returning the equipment to production.
The required terminal blocks should also be checked when preparing a replacement, as B&R specifies the TB712 field terminals separately for the panel’s I/O connections.
🛠️ Maintenance Recommendations
- Inspect the LCD for dead pixels, uneven illumination, or physical damage.
- Check the membrane keys for sticking or intermittent operation.
- Inspect RS232 and CAN connectors for oxidation or loose contacts.
- Verify the 24 VDC supply voltage before diagnosing controller faults.
- Check the internal battery condition when maintaining stored PLC data.
- Inspect installed screw-in modules and terminal connections.
- Keep the front panel clean and maintain the sealing surface required for IP65 protection.
- Back up the PLC/HMI application before replacing the panel.
- Record the original hardware revision and module configuration.
- Store spare PP21 units in a dry, temperature-controlled environment.
❓ FAQ
Q1. What is the B&R 4P0420.00-490?
It is a B&R Power Panel PP21 combining an operator HMI, PLC controller, integrated I/O, and communication interfaces.
Q2. Is the 4P0420.00-490 only an LCD display?
No. Although it is commonly described as an LCD display unit, the PP21 also contains controller functionality, digital I/O, communication interfaces, memory, and expansion slots.
Q3. What type of display does it use?
It uses a monochrome LCD with a 4 × 20 character display area and LED backlighting.
Q4. What power supply does the PP21 require?
The specified nominal supply is 24 VDC, with maximum power consumption of approximately 20 W.
Q5. Does the PP21 have CAN communication?
Yes. The 4P0420.00-490 has one electrically isolated CAN interface with a maximum transfer rate of 500 kbit/s.
Q6. How many digital inputs and outputs are integrated?
The unit has 10 digital 24 VDC inputs and 8 digital 24 VDC outputs, plus one dry relay contact.
Q7. Can it be used with B&R System 2003 modules?
Yes. The PP21 provides six slots for compatible B&R 2003 screw-in modules.
Q8. What are the dimensions?
The complete unit is approximately 155 mm wide, 190 mm high, and 84.4 mm deep, with a listed weight of approximately 1.25 kg.
Q9. What should I check before replacing an existing PP21?
Check the exact material number, hardware revision, PLC/HMI program, installed expansion modules, I/O wiring, RS232/CAN configuration, power supply, and panel dimensions.
Q10. Is this specific listing new or used?
The referenced eBay listing identifies the 4P0420.00-490 Rev. M0 unit as used and describes it as a salvage item.
🔗 Recommended Related B&R Models
- B&R Power Panel PP21 4P0420.00-490
- B&R Power Panel PP21 4P0420.00-510
- B&R Power Panel PP21 4P0420.00-590
- B&R Power Panel PP41 4P0410.00-490
- B&R Power Panel PP41 4P0410.00-510
- B&R Power Panel PP15 4P0150 Series
- B&R Power Panel PP35 Series
- B&R Power Panel PP41 Series
- B&R System 2003 CPU Modules
- B&R System 2003 Screw-In I/O Modules
📝 Product Summary
The B&R Automation PP21 4P0420.00-490 is an integrated HMI and controller designed for B&R System 2003 industrial automation systems. Its 4 × 20 character LCD, 34-key operator interface, PLC memory, RS232, isolated CAN, integrated 24 VDC I/O, PCMCIA slot, and six expansion positions make it a practical replacement for legacy machine-control installations. Verify the hardware revision and installed module configuration before replacement.
