What is an embedded industrial computer?
Literally, an embedded industrial computer is composed of a key system + a computer. From Wikipedia, we see that embedded system is defined as an embedded system that is programmed and controlled by a controller. The real-time operating system has special functions (RTOS) in a larger mechanical or electrical system, often constrained with real-time computing. It is embedded as part of a complete device, usually including hardware and mechanical components.
In our production, many products are applied to embedded technology, such as mobile phones, video game consoles, digital cameras, GPS receivers and printers. Household appliances such as microwave ovens, washing machines and dishwashers.
Therefore, the full name of the embedded industrial computer is an industrial control computer with an embedded control system. At present, the mainstream systems that industrial computer is applied to embedded are: Windows7/8/10, Linux and Android.
Embedded industrial computer has the basic characteristics of computer, such as external chassis, IO interface, internal CPU, memory, hard disk, graphics card, sound card, network card, embedded industrial computer samples are available.
Generally speaking, there are two ways to dissipate heat for embedded industrial computers, that is, an embedded industrial computer with a fan. Compare 1U, 2U, 4U, 5U, and other high-performance industrial computers. The other is a fanless embedded industrial computer, which mainly relies on a large heat dissipation area for effective heat dissipation. Of course, the power consumption of the fanless embedded industrial computer is low power consumption on the CPU.
In application, the application scenarios of the two embedded industrial computers will be different. For example, the customer's working environment is highly dusty and foggy, and generally use fanless embedded industrial computers. If the customer’s working environment is simple in proportion, but requires superb processing performance, it is necessary to use an embedded industrial computer with a fan.
Features of embedded industrial computer:
Embedded industrial computer (IPC) is developed from the popularization and application of general-purpose microcomputers. Its hardware structure and bus are highly standardized, with strong varieties compatibility, and rich software resources. Especially with the support of real-time operating systems, it is required Fields with strong nature and complex system models have an advantage. However, the standardization of PLC is poor, and the products are not compatible, so development is more difficult.
Compared with ordinary computers, embedded industrial computers have the following characteristics:
1. In order to ensure that the fanless industrial computer can be embedded in different machines, the structure design of the model is relatively compact.
2. The chassis is generally an industrial chassis with an all-metal structure, which has the ability to resist strong electromagnetic interference.
3. it relies on the heat dissipation block (aluminum block or pure copper) in the chassis is pasted with a thermally conductive silicone sheet, and then heat is dissipated through the chassis designed with aluminum fins. (For specific heat dissipation knowledge, please click on the article "The heat dissipation method of fanless industrial computer" written by Xiaoxiao.)
4. With reliable input power adapter, over-voltage and current protection can be added.
5. Support 7*24 hours non-stop work.
6. Watchdog timer can be added, and it can reset automatically without manual intervention.
7. small size, light weight, can be embedded in different application machines.
8. High temperature resistance, low temperature resistance, support -20 to 60 degrees Celsius for normal boot operation.
9. dust-proof, anti-vibration, the corresponding level of industrial computer can be applied to the corresponding application scenarios.
10. Support a variety of installation methods, such as rail-mounted installation, wall-mounted installation and desktop installation.
