As always, the type of computer or PC you get depends on the purpose you are to use it for. While most individuals go for prebuilt PCs, others like gamers go for custom-built PCs. The difference is quite obvious as custom-built PCs are being made to meet the specifications of a particular user. When it comes to industrial computers, there are different types based on needs. One of the most common ones is the industrial-embedded computer. In this post, we will explore what these industrial-embedded computers are. What are they used for? And what features do they possess, walk with me.
What is an Industrial Embedded Computer PC?
An embedded PC, a small industrial computer, endures vibrations, extreme temperatures, and dust. These computers handle control, signal processing, and visualization systems. Unlike consumer devices, industrial embedded computers are built for harsher situations. They frequently use Intel-based microprocessors and strong thermal management to withstand severe temperatures.
Both consumer and industrial PCs can run Windows, but industrial versions use embedded or IoT editions. This ensures that only relevant functions are present, and the filesystem is protected to prevent distractions such as Solitaire.
Embedded PCs are suited for demanding applications in a variety of industries. When utilized in automobiles or machinery, they must be reliable, precise, sturdy, and have specialized connections. Industrial processes necessitate significant computational power and storage capacity. Depending on the application, these systems are also subjected to shock, dust, severe temperatures, and size limits.
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What is the Industrial Embedded PC used for?
An industrial embedded PC performs specific activities such as control, automation, and decision-making in a variety of applications. These applications include environmental monitoring, energy management, utilities, and manufacturing automation.
It offers dependability and precision through remote sensing, energy management, and humidity, particle, and radiation monitoring. Industrial embedded PCs also analyze shock and vibration and communicate with custom devices via WiFi or cellular networks.
Unlike traditional desktop computers, they meet industry temperature and durability standards, making them appropriate for use in hostile locations. They power daily devices such as ATM kiosks, self-checkout systems, and smart signs, and they work consistently even in adverse weather conditions.
Key Features of the Industrial Embedded PC
They are built differently from traditional PCs as they are made to handle large tasks and are usually built for specific purposes. General features of these gadgets include Built quality, Powerful components, integration features, remote monitoring, Passive and Active Cooling Systems, and Longer Lifespans and Usage.
1. Build Quality
They design these computers to survive extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, dust, and electromagnetic interference. Additionally, these computers are built tough and include mechanisms to guard against vibration and shock damage. They also frequently have sealed and dust-proof casings to keep out liquids and other pollutants.
2. Powerful Components
High performance is provided by the robust components of industrial PCs, which qualify them for demanding tasks. These systems range in size from little embedded computers to massive rack-mounted systems. Although they share many features with consumer-grade PCs, designers specifically build them for industrial use.
3. Integration Features
Industrial embedded PCs function in challenging situations where regular computers would malfunction and integrate seamlessly into larger systems. They are designed to survive extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, dust, and electromagnetic interference.
4. Remote monitoring and management capabilities
Numerous industrial computers can be remotely monitored and managed from a central location thanks to built-in remote monitoring and management features.
5. Longer Lifespans and Usage
Compared to commercial PCs, industrial embedded PCs usually have longer lifespans and include longer warranties and support services. To enable particular industrial automation applications, they provide increased I/O and communication capabilities. Providing dependable computing in difficult contexts is their shared objective.
6. Passive and Active Cooling Systems
In industrial environments where high processing power and durability are required, embedded PCs with passive cooling, such as the InoNet Concepion® series, are employed. These systems use cooling fins to regulate heat instead of fans, which requires less maintenance.
With strong processors like Dual-XEON® CPUs and high-performance graphics cards, InoNet’s actively cooled high-performance workstations are perfect for difficult automation tasks and AI applications. They also come with fans.
7. Operating Systems
Industrial embedded PCs run embedded operating systems, such as Linux® Embedded, Windows® Embedded, and VxWorks®. These PCs meet the need for real-time capabilities, security, and access rights while managing constrained hardware resources. These systems frequently use the newest CPUs from AMD® and Intel®, including Intel® Core i3, i5, i7, i9, and XEON® CPUs.
Benefits of Industrial Embedded Computers
Built for Harsh Environments: Industrial-embedded computers can withstand harsh circumstances. Basic fanless variants to tough waterproof systems are available. Their lean architecture eliminates failure spots and improves dependability by eliminating unneeded components. These computers function well in industrial, outdoor, and remote applications despite severe temperatures, dampness, dust, and vibrations.
- Low Maintenance: Embedded computers operate deep in complicated systems, making reliability essential. These computers run 24/7 and have enclosures to protect internal components from dust, debris, severe temperatures, and vibrations.=
- Cost-Effective: Optimized design makes embedded computer systems cost-effective. Custom hardware and software reduce functionality and complexity for specialized tasks. This method improves performance and cuts electricity and production costs.
- Flexible with Legacy Hardware: Industrial embedded computers connect old and new technology, essential for Industry 4.0. They support VGA and older expansion cards to work with older display terminals.
- Efficient Cooling: Unlike consumer-grade systems, embedded computers use passive cooling without fans. Improves component space, and reduces failure rates, and noise. New passive cooling technologies allow these systems to function without fans and vents, improving reliability.
- Task specialized: Embedded computers thrive at specialized tasks, creating excellent performance. They focus all resources on one job for fast reaction, low delays, and efficient power use. Technology has made these computers more powerful, enabling IIoT and automation.
- Small Form Factor: Mini-ITX or Intel NUC motherboards power embedded computers. This facilitates installation in unsuitable locations for regular towers. Solid-state storage and flexible installation allow use in any orientation.
Applications: What Industry Needs the Industrial Embedded PC
Industrial embedded computers are used in any sector, both public and private. These sectors include the transportation sector, Health sector, AI and IoT, and generally industrial automation.
1. Transportation Sector
In vehicles, industrial embedded computers integrate with sensors and actuators to monitor status and environmental information, improving vehicle handling and safety through stable control algorithms and intelligent decisions. They also process flight data, control aircraft stability, and manage spacecraft tasks and operations. In traffic signal control, they collect real-time traffic data, optimizing signal lights to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
2. Industrial automation
Industrial automation relies on industrial embedded computers, which control production lines, robots, and intelligent manufacturing processes, enhancing efficiency and product quality. These computers process sensor data in real time, ensuring smooth operations and using advanced algorithms and AI to optimize production. They are smaller, consume less power, and adapt well to harsh industrial conditions, reducing downtime, lowering production costs, and boosting competitiveness.
3. Medical and Healthcare Sector
In medical and healthcare equipment, industrial embedded computers are vital in imaging equipment and monitoring instruments, ensuring efficient operation and real-time data processing, and providing accurate medical services. They acquire, process, and display images, aid doctors in diagnosis and treatment planning, and connect image data with medical information systems for seamless information sharing.
4. Internet of Things
Industrial embedded computers connect with sensors and devices to collect data, analyze it accurately, and enable remote monitoring. They serve as smart infrastructure in smart cities, supporting smart transportation, parking services, and smart homes. In transportation, they process traffic data, control signals, and optimize traffic flow, improving safety and efficiency.
Take Away
An industrial-embedded computer is a small, durable computer designed for harsh environments. It is used in various industries for control, automation, and decision tasks. These computers have powerful components, integration features, remote monitoring capabilities, and longer lifespans. They are cost-effective, flexible with legacy hardware, and efficient in cooling. Industrial-embedded computers are used in transportation, healthcare, AI and IoT, and industrial automation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between an industrial-embedded computer and a Traditional Computer?
The primary distinction between an industrial embedded computer and a traditional computer is that engineers build industrial embedded computers to withstand harsh environments. They feature robust construction and resist extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and dust. In contrast, manufacturers design traditional computers for standard office or home environments.
Are industrial-embedded computers Pre-built or Custom-built?
Industrial embedded computers can be pre-built or custom-built to meet the user’s or application’s exact requirements and preferences.
What are the Best brands for industrial-embedded computers in 2024?
Advantech, Siemens, and Beckhoff are the top names for industrial embedded computers in 2024, known for their dependability, performance, and advanced features.
