An Industrial PC is an x86 PC-based computing platform for industrial applications.
History
IBM released the 5531 Industrial Computer in 1984 , arguably the first 'industrial PC'. The IBM 7531, an industrial version of the IBM AT PC was released May 21, 1985. Industrial Computer Source first offered the 6531 Industrial Computer in 1985. This was a proprietary 4U rackmount industrial computer based on a clone IBM PC motherboard.
Applications
Industrial PCs are used primarily for process control and/or data acquisition. In some cases, an Industrial PC is simply used as a front end to another control computer in a distributed processing environment. Software can be custom written for a particular application or an off-the-shelf package such as Wonder Ware, Labtech Notebook or LabView can be used to provide a base level of programming.
An application may simply require the I/O such as the serial port offered by the motherboard. In other cases, expansion cards are installed to provide analog and digital I/O, specific machine interface, expanded communications ports, and so forth, as required by the application.
Industrial PCs offer features different from consumer PCs in terms of reliability, compatibility, expansion options and long-term supply.
Industrial PCs are typically characterized by being manufactured in lower volumes than home or office PC's. A common category of industrial PC is the 19-inch rackmount form factor. Industrial PCs typically cost considerably more than comparable office style computers with similar performance. Single-board computers and backplanes are used primarily in Industrial PC systems. However, the majority of industrial PCs are manufactured with COTS motherboards.
A subset of industrial PCs is the Panel PC where a display, typically an LCD, is incorporated into the same enclosure as the motherboard and other electronics. These are typically panel mounted and often incorporate touch screens for user interaction. They are offered in low cost versions with no environmental sealing, heavier duty models sealed to IP67 standards to be water proof at the front panel and including models which are explosion proof for installation into hazardous environments. Makers can tailor-make industrial panel PCs to the performance requirements and budget considerations of buyers through the use of different processors and OS. Most entry-level models are designed with VIA processors and Linux platforms. Midrange industrial panel PCs are mostly based on AMD processors. Models incorporating Intel processors and Microsoft Windows OS are typically positioned as the high end. Some suppliers said that Windows 2000 and Windows XP are the easiest to work with in terms of installing and developing applications, as these are stable despite their poor environmental adaptability. Meanwhile, Linux is not stable enough, but has better in environmental adaptability. Windows XP Embedded is hard to install, but it has better environmental adaptability. Interviewed makers claim that their industrial panel PCs can support Windows Vista.
Construction and features
Virtually all Industrial PCs share an underlying design philosophy of providing a controlled environment for the installed electronics to survive the rigors of the plant floor. The electronic components themselves may be selected for their ability to withstand higher and lower operating temperatures than typical commercial components.
- Heavier metal construction as compared to the typical office non-rugged computer
- Enclosure form factor that includes provision for mounting into the surrounding environment (19" rack, wall mount, panel mount, etc.)
- Additional cooling with air filtering
- Alternative cooling methods such as forced air, liquid, and conduction
- Expansion card retention and support
- Enhanced EMI filtering and gasketing
- Enhanced environmental protection such as dust proof, water spray or immersion proof, etc.
- Sealed Mil-Spec or Circular-MIL connectors
- More robust controls and features
- Higher grade power supply
- Controlled access to the controls through the use of locking doors
- Controlled access to the I/O through the use of access covers
- Inclusion of a Watch Dog Timer to reset the system automatically in case of software lock-up
See also
- Rugged computer
- Embedded system
- Industrial PC in Taiwan
References
- ^ IMB 1984 Archives
- ^ IBM 7531 Industrial Computer Announcement
- ^ http://www.globalsources.com/gsol/I/Industrial-panel-PC/a/9000000101154.htm
- ^ 'Thinking inside the box: Boosting the effectiveness of air cooling' - Military Embedded Systems May 2008
- ^ 'Heat Kills:
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