Networking
6.1
System settings
6.1.1
Thin Client Unit (TCU)
TCU overview
The Thin Client Unit (TCU) for the distributed configuration permits spatial separation of the
SINUMERIK operator panel front (OP/TP) and the SINUMERIK PCU/SIMATIC IPC or NCU. With
SINUMERIK solution line, the TCU is used to visualize the user interface of the PCU 50, SIMATIC
IPC for SINUMERIK with PCU basic software or NCU.
One TCU can be connected to multiple PCUs/IPCs/NCUs. All TCUs and PCUs/IPCs/NCUs that are
connected to one other via a Gigabit switch form the "system network". The user interface of
a PCU/IPC/NCU is copied to several OPs each with one TCU. This means that all TCUs display
the same screen. Operator actions can only be performed on one TCU at a time. This TCU
then has user authorization. The PCU can also have its own OP connected directly to it.
The classic operator panel fronts can be used with an IPC 427E if a TCU is available.
The following diagram shows a configuration example for a distributed topology:
The mobile SINUMERIK HT 8 handheld terminal works on the thin client principle and
combines the functions of an operator panel with a machine control panel.
The configuration and cabling of the whole system based on a permissible configuration is
described in Section "Network configurations (Page 52)".
TCU 30.3
Equipment Manual, 03/2023, A5E40874197B AD
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