So how do you select the right industrial PC for your needs? Here are some key features to look for and consider:
Suitability in Extreme Environments
Not all industrial PCs will be deployed on busy factory floors or in dusty warehouses. Often, they will be found in more extreme environments.
This is something to consider when you choose your computing system components. In our range, the EPM-1722 power module, for example, is intended to handle harsh oceanic and marine environments. Meanwhile, the EPM-1721 power module is built for use within the specific conditions of rail yards and other logistical spaces.
As technological capabilities improve, operability in extreme conditions is becoming increasingly important for facility managers. The ECM-ASL 3.5” SBC is a good example of the potential offered by the latest hardware releases, remaining functional between -40°C to 85°C, depending on CPU configuration.
Status Monitoring
Businesses always need to remain aware of computing system performance. If a system is running below capacity, there might be a problem that could end up costing you money. If the system is running beyond capacity, you run the risk of expensive damage and replacement. In an industrial environment, however, this need is even more acute.
The harsh conditions found in different industrial applications can exacerbate problems with hardware. Catching these problems early is key to saving money and achieving operational efficiency. The ATX BC680R embedded computer motherboard, for instance, supports CPU temperature monitoring and fan speed control, as well as voltage monitoring, offering insight and peace of mind when the component is deployed.
Display and Interface Inputs and Outputs
While a laptop is a fairly self-contained unit, with a display monitor, keyboard, and trackpad all built into it, a desktop PC requires a system of connections to provide full functionality. A keyboard and mouse, as well as a monitor and other accessories, will need to be plugged into the unit.
An industrial PC could be similar to a laptop, more like a desktop, or somewhere in between.
- An embedded computer will be installed directly within the system it powers. Often, this will be a single-board computer in which all the required components are installed together on just one circuit board.
One application of this could be the control and monitoring system for a manufacturing production line. This production line may feature a unit with control mechanisms and monitoring sensors, and the CPU and other components are embedded into this system. This embedded system may only need to be compatible with the hardware it is housed within. As such, you might not need additional display and interface inputs and outputs or connectivity with external storage.
- Other industrial PC devices may require more flexibility. You may need to connect the computer to other systems via USB ports or link the components to external hard drives for data access and storage.
Consider your specific needs as you select the right industrial PC for your specific application. The MX610HD product, for example, supports HDMI, low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS), and USB 3.2 and USB 2.0 connections. On the other hand, the MX610H offers all of this plus two Dual-Mode DisplayPort (DP++) connections.
Computing Power
In an industrial environment, there is always a balance to be struck. You will need enough computing power to handle the specific operational requirements of the system, but you also want to keep energy and resource costs low.
For embedded computers, there may be a very specific set of tasks the system needs to complete. This makes it relatively easy to gauge how much CPU power is needed. For more general-use PCs, the tasks may be more flexible, making it more difficult to select the right level of processing power.
We stock a variety of components across many different performance levels. Within our 3.5" single board computer range, you will find the ECM-TGUC, with 11th Gen. Intel® Core™ SoC i5/i3 BGA Processor and Intel® Core™ i3-1115G4 or Intel® Core™ i5-1135G7 integrated into the system.
In this same range, you'll also find the ECM-CFS. This features non-integrated Intel® LGA1151 Socket supports and Intel® Core™ i7-8700T, i5-8500T, i3-8100T, i7-9700TE, i5-9500TE, and i3-9100TE processor options. Intel® Pentium® Gold G5400T and Intel® Celeron® G4900T options are also available.
Improved computing power does not need to reduce operational efficiency. The EAX-R680FP ATX Motherboard, among other examples, is designed to achieve optimal output without overloading the power supply.