Personal Environment Unit (PEU)

Advanced Control Room Environmental Controls

In mission-critical environments, operator performance depends on more than equipment and technology. Critical variables like comfort, clarity, and stability of the workstation itself become pillars to rely on. Tresco’s Personal Environment Unit (PEU) is a centralized control system that gives operators intuitive access to the core environmental factors that influence focus and fatigue.

Lighting, airflow, temperature, acoustics, sit-stand ergonomics, and workflow visibility are all managed from a single touchscreen interface designed specifically for 24/7 control room operations.

What Is the PEU? A Complete Environmental Control System for Control Rooms

The PEU is a purpose-built control room environmental control system that allows operators to personalize and manage their immediate workspace without impacting nearby consoles or requiring intervention from facility systems.

Nexus Console with PEU |

Developed under ISO 11064 ergonomic principles, the PEU transforms a console from a static workstation into an adaptive, operator-first environment. Key achievements include:

  1. Improved operator focus and reduced cognitive load
  2. Better alertness during extended monitoring tasks
  3. Smoother shift transitions through saved personal profiles
  4. Reduced fatigue through ecosystem-level ergonomic control
  5. Reliable performance during continuous 24/7 operation

Compatible with all Tresco console lines: AEGIS, NEXUS, and VANGUARD. The PEU adds a new level of environmental precision and personalization to mission-critical furniture.

Key Capabilities of the PEU

Multi-Zone Lighting Controls

Under Desk RGB Lighting |
Acrylic Backwall Lighting |
RGB Controls |
Monitor Task Light |
Backwall Task Light |

The PEU provides advanced lighting controls across four independent lighting zones:

  1. Monitor task lighting with warm/cool color temperature blending
  2. Backwall task lighting for glare-free visibility near video walls
  3. Under-desk RGB lighting for ambient visual comfort
  4. Acrylic RGB lighting for edge glow and status signaling

Operators have complete control over brightness (0–100%), RGB values (0–255), and can save up to five presets per zone. The system supports balanced illumination ratios to minimize glare and visual fatigue as recommended by ISO 11064-6.

Airflow and Thermal Controls

Console Equipment Fan |
Operator Fan |
Kickspace Heater |
Radiant Heater |

Maintaining personal comfort in a multi-operator environment is a known challenge. The PEU solves this through localized airflow and heating that do not interfere with adjacent workstations. Features Include:

  1. Low-noise fan module (31–41 dBA) delivering up to 80 CFM
  2. Choice of radiant heater (150W output) or kick-space heater (500W output)
  3. Independent temperature and airflow adjustments per operator

This creates a stable micro-climate at each console while keeping the overall control room environment within recommended comfort ranges.

Tresco PEU close up edited |

Sit-Stand Height Adjustments

Sitting Hot Key |
Standing Hot Key |
Sit Stand Controls |

Operators can adjust the console’s height with 0.1-inch precision and store two preset positions (Sit and Stand). The PEU’s sit-stand controls enable ergonomic postures throughout the shift, reducing discomfort and improving long-term readiness.

The sitting and standing positions are saved to each operator profile, with up to 100 different operator profiles active in a single console.

The system accommodates operators from the 5th to 95th percentile of body dimensions, effectively matching ISO 11064-4’s guidelines for workstation adjustabilit

Acoustic Masking & White Noise Controls

White Noise Generator |

Control rooms can be acoustically dynamic environments. The PEU integrates a white-noise generator with volume control from 1 to 100, helping mask background speech and distractions.

This supports the ISO 11064 acoustic guidance that recommends maintaining controlled background sound levels to preserve operator concentration.

Operator Experience & Personalization

Operator profiles |
RGB Controls |
Sit Stand Controls |
Up to 100 Operator Profiles

With up to 100 individual user profiles, each operator can maintain personalized settings for:

  1. Lighting
  2. Sit-stand height
  3. Noise masking
  4. Airflow and heating
  5. Interface layout

Profiles load instantly upon login, improving shift handoff and maintaining consistency.

Customizable Interface and Branding

Administrators can configure:

  1. Corporate logos
  2. Background images
  3. Color schemes
  4. Icon layout
  5. Feature access by role

This creates a unified visual identity across all consoles and ensures each operator sees only the controls relevant to their workflow. (Points 1-3 need to be configured during the initial setup with Tresco technicians)

Programmable Power & Workflow Status Indicators

Custom Power Outlets |
Status Indicator Light Phone Light |
Do Not Disturb |

The PEU integrates essential workflow tools directly into the control panel, including:

  1. Two programmable AC outlets with surge protection
  2. Automatic status indicator lighting (Busy, Available, Do Not Disturb) connected to phone activity
  3. Manual Do Not Disturb mode to eliminate interruptions during critical tasks

These features enhance situational awareness across the room without generating additional noise or requiring verbal cues.

Control room console 1 env dark |

Designed Around ISO 11064 Ergonomic Guidelines

The PEU was engineered by Tresco’s design, human-factors, and engineering teams using the ergonomic principles of ISO 11064 – Ergonomic Design of Control Centres chapters 1 through 7.

Its functions align with key sections of the standard, including environmental design, task lighting, acoustic performance, thermal comfort, workstation geometry, and display interaction. While our full compliance matrix maps every PEU feature to specific ISO clauses, the summary below highlights how key environmental controls are supported by the standard’s core principles.

ISO requires that workstations support operators from the 5th to 95th percentile.
The PEU delivers this through:

  1. 22.5–48” sit-stand actuation with 0.1″ precision
  2. Movable interface module for left- or right-hand use
  3. Controls positioned inside primary reach envelopes

These elements support neutral posture, safe movement, and reduced fatigue for operators in control room environments

ISO emphasizes balanced luminance, glare control, and adjustable lighting controls to protect visual performance.
The PEU provides:

  1. Multi-zone task and ambient lighting with dimming
  2. Warm/cool CCT blending
  3. RGB lighting for controlling contrast around video walls

Each operator can adapt light levels to maintain ISO-recommended visual comfort levels.

To reduce distraction and maintain concentration, ISO recommends minimizing disruptive noise and supporting clear communication.
The PEU includes:

  1. White-noise masking (1–100 range)
  2. Low-noise fans (<41 dBA)
  3. RGB status indicators (Busy/Available/DND) for silent communication

This stabilizes the acoustic environment while improving situational awareness.

ISO defines recommended temperature and airflow conditions for 24/7 control rooms.
The PEU enables localized operator control through:

  1. 150 to 500 W heater (radiant or kick-space)
  2. Low-noise fan up to 80 CFM
  3. Independent micro-climate adjustments at each workstation

This allows operators to fine-tune personal comfort without affecting the room as a whole.

ISO specifies requirements for clear icons, fast feedback, and logical grouping of controls.
The PEU adheres to these through:

  1. Simplified Open Source iconography
  2. Real-time UI feedback (<0.2s)
  3. Grouped environmental controls on one screen
  4. Confirmation prompts on high-impact actions
  5. Auto shut off for heaters after 2 hours of use.

This ensures operators remain confident and error-free during fast, repetitive tasks.

Control room environment with a large video wall and 3 nexus control room consoles |

Competitive Advantage

Most environmental control add-ons in the control-room industry were designed as simple comfort tools, not as fully integrated operator-centric systems. The PEU exceeds the category by delivering a depth of customization, ergonomic intelligence, and system integration that typical “task light and fan” modules simply can’t match.

Below is a high-level comparison of where the PEU goes beyond what’s commonly available from other manufacturers.

CategoryPEU (Tresco)Typical Industry Systems
Environmental ControlsFull system: lighting, airflow, heating, acoustic masking, sit-stand, status indicatorsBasic comfort tools: light + small fan/heater
Operator ProfilesUp to 100 profiles with personalized presets2–4 profiles (or none)
Lighting Capabilities4 independent zones + RGB + CCT blending + presetsSingle task light, limited brightness, no RGB or CCT tuning
Workflow Status IndicatorsIntegrated Busy / Available / DND lighting tied to phone activityUsually not included
User Interface & BrandingCustom logos, background, and colors with a drag-and-drop UI for each roleStatic, non-brandable
Role-Based AccessAdministrator vs Operator permissionsTypically no role-based access or restrictions
Acoustic MaskingBuilt-in white noise generator (1–100 volume range)Rarely included
Thermal & Airflow ControlLow-noise fan + a choice of 500W forced or 150W radiant heating + personalized comfortBasic fan/heater toggles no choice of heat source.
ISO 11064 AlignmentFully mapped to Parts 1–7 with traceability matrixLimited or no ISO-based development
MaintenanceSwappable components. No reprogrammingComponents often require full replacement or system downtime
System ArchitectureA single main user interface, that controls the system brain, and from there all available accessories. Closed, hard-wired (no Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) for cybersecurity purposes.Fragmented user Interfaces to control comfort functions, lighting functions, and sit-stand adjustments. Some available wireless conections posing a cybersecurity risk.
Warranty & Reliability5-year warranty on electrical componentsStandard 1 year warranty
Consistency Across ConsolesIdentical UI across AEGIS, NEXUS, VANGUARDInconsistent system behavior across console lines given the fragmented user controls

Why the PEU Leads the Category

The PEU stands apart because it is:

  1. A complete environmental control system
  2. Ergonomically compliant and ISO-aligned
  3. Highly personalized and user-adaptive
  4. Integrated directly into the console’s workflow
  5. Reliable, serviceable, and designed for 24/7 operations

Rather than adding a few comfort toggles, the PEU transforms the operator’s console into a fully adaptive, mission-critical workstation.

Control room console 3 env |

PEU Architecture & System Components

Touchscreen Interface

  1. 8.7” anti-scratch display
  2. 1340 x 800 resolution TFT
  3. No wireless modules (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth disabled for cybersecurity reasons)

System Control Brain

  1. 120V AC input
  2. 15A total load
  3. Integrated power and logic distribution

Plug-and-Play Accessories

  1. Designed for rapid maintenance
  2. Fans, heaters, lights, and actuators are hot-swappable
  3. No reprogramming or downtime required

Accessory Replacement

The PEU is engineered for fast, low-disruption maintenance, a critical requirement in 24/7 control room environments. All core environmental modules are designed to be swappable, allowing qualified technicians to replace individual components without system downtime or reprogramming.

Modular, Service-Friendly Design

Each environmental control element connects through quick-disconnect harnessing, allowing a technician to remove and replace parts in minutes. Replaceable accessories include:

  1. Fan modules
  2. Radiant or kick-space heater
  3. Lighting modules (task, RGB, acrylic)
  4. Power outlets
  5. Height actuator modules
  6. Control brick peripherals

No Reprogramming Required

The PEU automatically recognizes replacement modules on power-up, ensuring seamless operation and reducing service time.

This modular approach minimizes operational disruption, lowers long-term maintenance costs, and ensures consoles remain mission-ready.

Firmware Updates

The PEU platform is designed to evolve. As new capabilities, improvements, and lighting/ergonomics logic are introduced, Tresco-certified technicians can update the system firmware on-site.

Secure, Technician-Managed Updates

To maintain cybersecurity and system integrity:

  1. Firmware updates are only performed by Tresco-authorized technicians.
  2. The system operates on a closed, hard-wired architecture (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled by design).
  3. Only approved firmware packages can be loaded.

Purpose of Firmware Updates

Updates may include:

  1. New lighting control behaviors
  2. Improved fan or heater logic
  3. UI refinements
  4. Expanded status-indicator functionality
  5. Additional operator profile options

Diagnostics and Logging

The PEU includes a built-in logger for technicians to review system events, module activity, and configuration changes. This supports long-term reliability and ensures ongoing alignment with mission-critical requirements.

Warranty

Every PEU is backed by Tresco’s commitment to reliability, durability, and safety in continuous-use environments.

5-Year Warranty on Electrical Components

Tresco provides a five-year warranty covering:

  1. Control brick
  2. Touchscreen
  3. Fans
  4. Heaters
  5. Lighting modules
  6. Power outlets
  7. Actuator modules

This warranty applies when the PEU is installed and serviced by Tresco or authorized partners.

What the Warranty Covers

  1. Manufacturing defects
  2. Failures in materials or workmanship
  3. Component malfunction under normal operation

What the Warranty doesn’t cover

  1. Misuse or operator damage
  2. Improper installation by unauthorized personnel
  3. Environmental or electrical damage (surge, water, etc.)
  4. Third-party modifications
  5. Unauthorized firmware changes

How to Request Service

To initiate warranty support, provide:

  1. Serial number
  2. Installation date
  3. Description of the issue
  4. Photos were applicable

Approved repairs can be performed on-site or via replacement shipment. Replaced components inherit the remaining warranty term automatically.

Reliability You Can Trust

The PEU is built with strong and reliable accessories, a closed control architecture for maximum security, and stringent quality controls. All backed by an industry-leading warranty and a holistic human-first customer service. Ensuring reliability in the most demanding 24/7 operational environments.

Small security control room with Aegis consoles and PEU units |