I. Characteristics of Industrial Control Computers
Secondly, industrial control computers (ICCs) offer excellent real-time performance. Because ICCs need to respond in real-time to changes in various parameters of the controlled object in order to perform real-time control and monitoring of the production process, they must be able to respond and issue alarms and handle issues in real time when process parameters deviate or malfunction. Therefore, ICCs are equipped with real-time multi-tasking operating systems and interrupt systems to ensure smooth operation.
Secondly, industrial PCs have a strong ability to adapt to the environment. Because the industrial environment is relatively harsh, industrial PCs almost always have high-quality hardware components and external packaging materials, and have a strong ability to adapt to the environment. They can withstand harsh environments such as high temperature, extreme cold and humidity, and have the characteristics of dustproof, corrosion-proof, vibration-proof and impact-resistant.
Furthermore, industrial PCs offer a wide range of input/output templates. They feature a rich array of multi-functional input/output templates, including analog, digital, and pulse signals, ensuring compatibility with process instruments and enabling interaction with various signals. This allows for more intelligent control and detection processes, ultimately improving production and work efficiency.
In addition, industrial PCs have excellent redundancy. In some applications with high reliability requirements, industrial PCs are required to have dual-machine operation and redundant systems, including dual control stations, dual operator stations, dual network communication, dual power supply systems, and dual power supplies, to ensure long-term uninterrupted system operation.
II. How to correctly select an industrial computer
1. Quality
The quality of an industrial PC is related to the workmanship of its motherboard and the selection of components. Workmanship differences are readily apparent between different products or manufacturers. The choice of components leads to significant variations in the factory price of industrial PCs, primarily due to differences in component prices. Component quality directly affects the quality, lifespan, and maintenance frequency of the industrial PC. Professional industrial PC manufacturers have strict requirements for component procurement, avoiding the use of second-hand or low-quality components, while less reputable manufacturers may opt for such components to cut costs. Furthermore, there are price differences between Taiwanese and mainland Chinese industrial PC manufacturers, mainly due to differences in profit margins, and not necessarily related to the quality of the industrial PC.
2. Functions
The functionality of industrial PCs is related to their assembly and operating environment. Assembly: Differences in assembly are the primary determining factor for differences in industrial PC functionality. Therefore, to compare the functions of two industrial PCs, first check if they have the same or similar assemblies. Assembly can be modified according to the customer's needs. Operating Environment: Traditional industrial PCs use fan-type cooling and have ventilation holes to ensure air circulation inside. If placed in a high-dust, high-humidity industrial environment, this will severely impact the performance of the industrial PC. For such environments, embedded industrial PCs should be used. Different industrial environments require different types of industrial PCs.
3. After-sales service
Industrial PCs are sold nationwide, so how can accurate and comprehensive after-sales service be ensured? There's a significant difference between professional and general industrial PC manufacturers in their after-sales service. Professional manufacturers typically have subsidiaries or offices in major cities or regions to establish a rapid response service system, enabling them to handle customer feedback promptly and efficiently. General industrial PC manufacturers, on the other hand, often lack comprehensive coverage, making after-sales service difficult to maintain. Furthermore, after-sales service for manufacturers outside mainland China is often handled by agents, which may lead to problems in after-sales processing.
(1) The source of the goods is a question that every industrial computer distributor must ask. If the products are from the same company, we will handle it. If not, it may be troublesome to handle.
(2) Maintenance. Since industrial computer dealers are only selling, they are lacking in maintenance. They can handle simple problems, but if there are problems caused by the industrial motherboard or components, they need to be sent to the subsidiary or headquarters for processing. This presents the problem of maintenance cycle.
