Industrial control computers possess important computer attributes and characteristics, such as an industrial control computer motherboard, CPU, hard drive, memory, peripherals and interfaces, as well as an operating system, control network and protocols, computing power, and a user-friendly human-machine interface. The products and technologies of the industrial control industry are highly specialized, belonging to intermediate products, providing stable, reliable, embedded, and intelligent industrial computers for other industries.
1. Types of industrial control computers
Industrial control computers are mainly classified into five types: IPC (PC bus industrial computer), PLC (programmable control system), DCS (distributed control system), FCS (fieldbus system), and CNC (numerical control system).
2. Commonly Used Industrial Computer Types
Common types of industrial PCs include standard 4U industrial PCs, fanless embedded industrial PCs, customized BOX hosts, industrial servers, industrial panel PCs, and multi-port network security devices.
3. Composition of an industrial control computer
1) Industrial PC CPU
CPUs are mainly manufactured by two major companies: Intel and AMD. Due to the high power consumption and heat generation of AMD CPUs, the industrial control industry primarily uses Intel CPUs. Common Intel CPUs include Core, Pentium, Celeron, Xeon, and Atom.
2) Industrial control motherboard
A motherboard is generally a rectangular circuit board on which the main circuitry of a computer is installed. It typically includes components such as a BIOS chip, I/O control chip, keyboard and front panel control switch interfaces, indicator light connectors, expansion slots, and DC power supply connectors for the motherboard and expansion cards.
3) Industrial computer memory
Memory is one of the most important components in a computer, acting as a bridge for communication with the CPU. Its function is to temporarily store data processed by the CPU, as well as data exchanged with external storage devices such as hard drives. As long as the computer is running, the CPU will load the data it needs to process into memory, perform the calculations, and then send the results back out. The operation of memory determines the stable operation of the computer. Memory consists of memory chips, circuit boards, gold fingers, and other components.
4) Industrial computer hard drive
Hard drives include solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), and hybrid hard drives (HHDs are a new type of hard drive based on traditional hard disk drives). SSDs use flash memory chips for storage, HDDs use magnetic platters for storage, and hybrid hard drives integrate magnetic hard drives and flash memory into one.
Hard drive sizes: Mechanical hard drives include 2.5-inch laptop hard drives and 3.5-inch desktop hard drives, while solid-state drives include mSATA and 2.5-inch SSDs.
5) Industrial computer power supply
An industrial computer power supply is a closed, independent component installed inside the computer case. Its function is to convert AC power into stable DC power (5V, -5V, +12V, -12V, +3.3V, etc.) through a switching power transformer to supply power to system components such as the motherboard, optical drive, hard drive, and various adapter expansion cards inside the computer case. The power supply's wattage, current, and voltage stability directly affect the computer's performance and lifespan.
Industrial computer power supplies include AT power supplies, ATX power supplies, switching power supplies, and redundant power supplies.
6) Industrial computer chassis
The standard height of industrial control computer enclosures is measured in U, with common sizes including 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, 5U, and 6U. Industrial control computer enclosures are typically used in harsh environments, such as places with high levels of noise and dust.
1U = 4.45cm
2U = 8.9cm
3U = 4.45cm³
4U = 4.45cm4
This refers to the server's height.
Industrial control chassis offer advantages such as resistance to compression, corrosion, dust, vibration, and radiation, as well as good heat dissipation and expandability. They are primarily used in harsh environments, such as power plants, chemical plants, mines, and underground operations.
