WP400 / VP400 / CP400

From HMI to Full Control - Just Add Software

Traditionally, HMI and PLC systems were treated as two separate devices: one for visualization, one for control. This “classical solution” often meant added hardware costs, more cabling, and higher integration effort.

Not anymore.

With PlcVisu, a standard Web Panel like the WAGO WP400 can be transformed into a VP400 (Visual Panel) with a single software upgrade. And with a second upgrade, it becomes a fully functional CP400 (Control Panel) — combining visualization and control logic on a single device.

How It Works

  • Step 1: WP ➝ VP
    Install the WAGO PLC Visualization software to turn your device into a smart HMI.

→ WAGO PLC Visualization

  • Step 2: VP ➝ CP
    Add a Soft PLC (e.g. CODESYS, Node-RED, or a custom JavaScript runtime) to enable real-time control directly on the panel.

→ CODESYS Control for WAGO Web Panels WP400

What’s the Difference?

Understanding the roles:

  • WP – Web Panel (e.g. WP400)
    A Web Panel is a basic HTML5-capable HMI device. It connects to a PLC and displays a visualization served by the PLC itself.
    → All UI rendering and data processing is handled by the PLC — which increases its CPU load and may impact real-time performance.

  • VP – Visual Panel (e.g. VP400)
    A Web Panel with the WAGO PLC Visualization Software: The VP actively connects to one or more PLCs to fetch real-time data, visualize process values, manage alarms, trends, and input commands — independently of the PLC CPU.
    → The PLC focuses purely on control, while the VP handles all UI logic and load.

  • CP – Control Panel (e.g. CP400)
    A Visual Panel with an integrated Soft PLC runtime (e.g. CODESYS, Node-RED). Here, visualization and logic run together — on the same hardware. Ideal for compact machines or edge-control scenarios.
    → One device, full autonomy: visualization and control logic in one.

Key Differences

Feature WP400 (Web Panel) VP400 (Visual Panel) CP400 (Control Panel)
Visualization Support ■ PLC-driven UI ■ Local UI rendering ■ Local UI rendering
Control Logic ■ External PLC only ■ External PLC only ■ Onboard Soft PLC
CPU Load Handling ■ On PLC (shared load) ■ Offloaded to panel ■ Handled locally
Intended Use Basic + single-PLC setups Professional HMI + multi-PLC Full automation node (HMI + Logic)

■ = Feature included
■ = Not supported or handled externally

This separation of responsibilities means:

  • With a WP, the PLC does everything — including UI rendering
  • With a VP, the PLC does only control, while the panel handles the interface
  • With a CP, both control and visualization run directly on the panel — enabling compact, modular machine designs

This modular concept lets you start with the minimum — and scale up as your project grows.

You decide: Visualize only, or visualize and control — with just a software upgrade.

Your advantages

  • Hardware reduction: no more separate PLC and HMI hardware
  • Faster commissioning: less wiring, fewer compatibility issues
  • Lower cost: fewer devices to buy, configure, and maintain
  • Scalability: choose your level — visualization only, or full control
  • Flexibility: upgrade later, no need to replace hardware

Why It Matters

This modular software-first approach empowers you to grow from WP400 ➝ VP400 ➝ CP400 without changing your hardware.
You get full control over your architecture — and keep your options open.