With the continuous development of industry, the market demand for industrial control computers (ICCs) is constantly rising. Initially, ICCs were only used for measurement, control, and management in industrial production processes. However, with the emergence of embedded ICCs and industrial panel PCs, the application of ICCs is no longer limited to the field of industrial automation; they have now become the core of automation equipment and information industry infrastructure.
According to professional reports, the domestic industrial PC market is growing at an average annual rate of over 15%. The potential of industrial PCs in various industries is being continuously explored, market demand is booming, and the role of industrial PCs is becoming increasingly important. Against this backdrop, manufacturers of industrial PCs, industrial motherboards, data acquisition boards, application systems, and other related products and services will usher in significant development opportunities.
Currently, the domestic industrial control market is mainly dominated by international brands such as Siemens, Beckhoff, B&R, Omron, and Kontron. However, well-known domestic brands such as Advantech, AEM, Huabei Industrial Control, AAEON, and AEMK have also captured a portion of the market share due to their rich industry experience. Emerging brands such as TouchThink, Guangzhou CNC, and Aptech are also gradually opening up the market. It can be said that as market demand continues to rise, domestic brands are also constantly emerging.
So, in the context of the major trend of industrial automation, let's learn together about what an industrial control computer is and its latest classifications!
What is an industrial control computer?
An industrial PC, or industrial control computer, is now more commonly known as an industrial computer or industrial PC. Its English abbreviation is IPC, short for Industrial Personal Computer. Simply put, an industrial PC is a computer specifically designed for industrial environments.
What are the classifications of industrial control computers?
The main categories of industrial control computers are: IPC (PC bus industrial computer), PLC (programmable control system), DCS (distributed control system), FCS (fieldbus system) and CNC (numerical control system).
1. IPC
This refers to industrial computers based on the PC bus. Due to their low price, high quality, high production volume, and abundant software/hardware resources, they have become widely known and accepted by technical personnel, which is the basis for the popularity of industrial computers. At the same time, IPCs are characterized by reliability, real-time performance, expandability, and compatibility, and can solve problems such as electromagnetic interference, vibration, dust, and high/low temperatures in industrial environments.
Applications: It can be connected to various peripherals and boards in industrial settings, such as road controllers, video surveillance systems, and vehicle testing instruments, to complete various tasks.
2. PLC
A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a digital electronic system specifically designed for industrial applications. It uses a programmable memory to store instructions for performing logical operations, sequential control, timing, counting, and arithmetic operations, controlling various types of machinery or production processes through digital or analog inputs and outputs.
Applications: It can be widely used in various fields of industrial control and is a huge driving force for promoting the mechatronics process.
3. DCS
This refers to a distributed control system. It is a series of high-performance, high-quality, low-cost, and flexibly configurable distributed control systems that can form various independent control systems, distributed control systems ( DCS ), and monitoring and data acquisition systems (SCADA) to meet the process control and information management needs of various industrial fields.
Applications: Widely used in distributed control of various large, medium and small power plants, upgrading of power plant automation systems, and industrial production process control in steel, petrochemical, papermaking, cement and other industries.
4. FCS
This refers to a fieldbus control system. It is a fully digital serial, bidirectional communication system. Measurement and control devices within the system, such as probes, actuators, and controllers, can be interconnected, monitored, and controlled. In the hierarchy of factory networks, it serves both as a local network for process control (such as PLCs, LCs, etc.) and the application of intelligent instruments (such as frequency converters, valves, barcode readers, etc.), and also has embedded functions for distributing control applications on the network.
Application scope: It has a wide range of application prospects. There are more than 40 known types of fieldbuses internationally. Typical fieldbuses include: FF, Profibus, LONworks, CAN, HART, CC-LINK, etc.
5. CNC
This refers to a computer numerical control system. It is a numerical control system that uses a microprocessor or dedicated microcomputer. The control logic is implemented by a system program (software) stored in memory, which realizes some or all numerical control functions and connects to peripheral devices through an interface.
Applications: Mechanical manufacturing technology; information processing, manufacturing, and transmission technology; automatic control technology; servo drive technology;
Sensor technology; software technology, etc.
Disclaimer: This article is a reprint. If it involves copyright issues, please contact us promptly for deletion (QQ: 2737591964). We apologize for any inconvenience.
