Industrial control computers (ICCs) generally refer to industrial control computers, which is the simplest definition. To enhance everyone's understanding of ICCs, this article will introduce the main categories of ICCs and the differences between embedded ICCs and traditional ICCs.
I. What are the main categories 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).
IPC (PC Bus Industrial Computer): IPC is an abbreviation for IP Camera. IP is Internet Protocol, and Camera is a camera or video camera. As the name suggests, IP Camera is a network camera. It is a new generation of camera that combines traditional camera technology with network technology.
PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) is a digital control system with a microprocessor used for automation control. It can load control instructions into memory for storage and execution. A PLC consists of a CPU, instruction and data memory, input/output interfaces, power supply, and digital-to-analog converters, among other functional units.
DCS (Distributed Control System): DCS generally refers to a distributed control system (or distributed control system). A distributed control system is a new generation of instrument control system based on microprocessors, employing the design principles of decentralized control functions, centralized display and operation, and balancing decentralized autonomy with integrated coordination. The abbreviation DCS can also be translated as "distributed control system" or "distributed computer control system." It adopts the basic design concept of decentralized control and centralized operation and management, and uses a multi-level, hierarchical, cooperative, and autonomous structure. Its main characteristics are centralized management and decentralized control. DCS has been widely used in various industries such as power, metallurgy, and petrochemicals.
FCS (Fieldbus System): A Fieldbus Control System 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 across the network.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control System): A CNC system is short for Numerical Control System. It is a dedicated computer system that executes some or all numerical control functions based on control programs stored in its memory, and is equipped with interface circuits and servo drive devices. It uses digital instructions composed of numbers, text, and symbols to control the movement of one or more mechanical devices, typically controlling mechanical quantities and switching quantities such as position, angle, and speed.
II. Differences between Embedded Industrial PCs and Traditional Industrial PCs
Different structures
Traditional industrial PCs typically use a standard 4U chassis for easy installation. The chassis is made of steel and offers high resistance to electromagnetic interference and shock. It contains a dedicated power supply, enabling continuous long-term operation. The chassis requires a cooling fan; a fan failure can damage the power supply and the industrial motherboard.
The embedded industrial computer adopts a sealed, fanless design, which not only prevents dust, moisture, and vibration, and enhances its resistance to electromagnetic interference, but also enables it to operate over a wide temperature range.
1. Active heat dissipation
Embedded industrial PCs use heat sinks distributed on the surface of the chassis for heat dissipation, effectively solving the problems of high internal temperatures and the tendency for cooling fans to fail after prolonged operation. This improves the stability and reliability of the industrial PC during long-term field operation. Furthermore, the fanless operation eliminates the need for air convection, effectively preventing dust from entering the computer's interior.
2. Wireless design
All circuits are securely fixed inside the industrial computer using circuit boards, ensuring stable and reliable operation even in extremely harsh environments such as high temperature, high frequency vibration, and high dust.
3. Wide DC input voltage
Built-in industry-standard voltage and current regulators support wide DC input voltage, providing safe and reliable operation in various industrial environments. Service life.
Embedded industrial PCs are often organically integrated with specific applications, and their upgrades and replacements are also carried out in sync with specific products. Therefore, once embedded system products enter the market, they have a long service life.
Traditional industrial PCs have a broad and solid user base, and their system configurations are highly flexible, making them familiar and accepted by a large number of technical personnel. Embedded industrial PCs occupy less space and are suitable for applications with higher requirements for reliability, size, and power consumption. Both have their advantages; compared to traditional industrial PCs, embedded industrial PCs are better suited to complex and harsh field environments. Currently, embedded industrial PCs are widely used in industrial automation, intelligent transportation, networking, communications, medical equipment, automotive equipment, power, financial monitoring, machine vision, video surveillance, and other fields.
