I. Structural Advantages of Embedded Industrial Computers
Embedded industrial computers, more modernly known as box-type computers or fanless industrial computers, are compact computers specifically designed for industrial environments.
Industrial PCs often operate in harsh environments and have higher requirements for data security. Therefore, industrial PCs are usually designed with special features such as ruggedization, dustproofing, moisture-proofing, corrosion resistance, and radiation protection.
Industrial PCs also have very high requirements for expandability, and the interface design needs to meet the needs of specific external devices. Therefore, in most cases, industrial PCs need to be customized to meet the requirements.
Compared to traditional industrial PCs, embedded industrial PCs are application-centric, based on computer technology, and offer customizable hardware and software. They are suitable for dedicated computer systems where application systems have strict requirements regarding functionality, reliability, cost, size, and power consumption. They generally consist of four parts: an embedded microprocessor, peripheral hardware devices, an embedded operating system, and user applications, used to control, monitor, or manage other devices. Their main advantages are:
1. Stable and Reliable: Due to structural and size constraints, embedded industrial PCs generally employ a fanless cooling design. This passive cooling method places higher demands on the power consumption of embedded industrial PCs; therefore, they typically use low-power CPUs. Embedded industrial PCs are also equipped with highly reliable industrial power supplies featuring overvoltage and overcurrent protection, and a watchdog timer that automatically resets in the event of a crash due to a fault, requiring no manual intervention. Therefore, they can operate for extended periods with low redundancy.
2. Compact size: Embedded industrial control computers occupy little space and are simple and flexible to install and maintain.
3. Robust and enclosed: The embedded industrial computer uses a metal casing, which reduces the damage caused by impact, increases the heat dissipation area, and relies on the casing for heat dissipation, thus achieving operation in a closed space.
4. Flexible Expansion: A certain degree of expansion and development capability is a necessary condition for the operation of a BOX PC. Through its built-in mini-PCIe, PC, and other enterprise expansion options, it provides company customers with more flexible expansion and upgrades, such as 3G expansion and data acquisition system input.
When discussing the advantages of embedded industrial PCs, one must mention the issue of product function compatibility. Strong expandability and good compatibility are among the advantages of embedded industrial PCs. Embedded industrial PCs can be almost completely matched with the functions of the object being tested or controlled. Through the built-in mini-PCIE, PCI and other expansions, they provide customers with flexible expansion and upgrades, such as 4G/5G expansion and data acquisition input, thus making the products very cost-effective.
Embedded industrial computers are widely used in industrial automation, video surveillance, machine vision, rail transportation, communications, medical equipment, self-service terminals, vehicle equipment, intelligent transportation, financial monitoring, power and other fields due to their low power consumption, small size, fanless operation and high stability.
II. Differences between Embedded Industrial PCs and Regular Industrial PCs
Firstly, embedded industrial control computers are often located at the front end of the entire measurement and control system. The upper-level connections of embedded industrial control computers are often ordinary industrial control computers. The computing power, software resources, and database support of ordinary industrial control computers are all difficult for embedded industrial control computers to match.
Secondly, in the construction of large-scale systems, the system expansion capabilities and data collection and communication capabilities of ordinary industrial control computers are difficult for embedded industrial control computers to replace;
Furthermore, in fields such as visualization design, process embedded industrial control computers, data statistics, scientific computing, prototype simulation design, and in-the-loop simulation, ordinary industrial control computers have inherent disadvantages.
Compared to ordinary industrial PCs, embedded industrial PCs, due to the harsh industrial environment, feature high-quality hardware components and external packaging materials, giving them a strong ability to adapt to different environments. While most computers are open with numerous ventilation holes, industrial PCs have completely enclosed chassis. Inside, they not only have a power supply fan but also utilize larger internal fans or even fanless designs, making them suitable for high temperatures, cold temperatures, and humidity.
