Embedded Computers

The Power and Versatility of Industrial Computing

When precision, reliability, and real-time data are paramount, the ordinary computer has evolved into a rugged and purpose-built tool. Embedded industrial computers, particularly those designed for the edge, are the silent workhorses that power automation, manage complex systems, and ensure seamless data flow in the most demanding environments. Unlike standard consumer PCs, these machines are engineered from the ground up to withstand the rigors of factory floors, transportation, and other harsh settings, offering a level of durability and performance that is critical for mission-critical operations.

What Makes an Industrial Computer?

Industrial computers are distinguished by several key features that make them ideal for these challenging applications.

A defining characteristic is their robust, fanless design. The absence of cooling fans eliminates a common point of mechanical failure and protects internal components from airborne contaminants like dust, moisture, and debris that are prevalent in industrial settings. These systems are housed in durable enclosures, often made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel, which provide resistance to shock, vibration, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Many models also feature a wide-range power input and enhanced protection against electrical surges and electromagnetic interference, ensuring stable and reliable operation in an unpredictable environment.

Computing Form-Factors

The form factors of industrial computers are as varied as their applications, each designed to meet specific deployment needs.

• Fanless Box PCs: These compact and versatile units are the workhorses of industrial automation. Their small footprint and sealed construction make them perfect for mounting in control cabinets, on DIN rails, or directly on machinery. They serve as everything from IoT gateways and protocol converters to controllers for automated production lines. With a rich array of I/O ports—including multiple LAN, USB, and legacy serial ports—they can connect to a wide range of industrial equipment, sensors, and cameras.
   
• Single-Board Computers (SBCs): Representing the ultimate in compact computing, SBCs are complete computers built on a single circuit board. While their compact size is often associated with hobbyist projects, industrial-grade SBCs are a critical component for embedded systems and IoT devices. These boards are designed for long-term product availability and low power consumption, making them perfect for devices where space is at a premium. They can be found embedded within robotics, smart city infrastructure, and medical devices, providing a powerful, yet discreet, computing solution with a wide array of I/O and expansion options.
   
• Edge Computers: The fundamental principle behind industrial computing is to place processing power and data analysis as close as possible to the source of the data—a concept known as edge computing. This strategic approach offers significant advantages over centralized, cloud-based processing. By reducing the distance data must travel, edge computing significantly lowers latency, enabling near-instantaneous decision-making for time-sensitive applications such as robotics and machine vision. It also conserves network bandwidth and enhances data security by processing sensitive information locally, minimizing the need for constant data transmission over a network.
   
• Rugged Controllers: Built for mission-critical tasks, rugged controllers are the most durable and reliable systems available. These devices are specifically engineered for data acquisition and control in the harshest of environments, from offshore oil rigs to railway applications. They often feature specialized, lockable M12 connectors for secure and vibration-resistant connections, ensuring data integrity in high-vibration scenarios. Rugged controllers are the brain behind complex automation systems, providing the real-time control necessary for safe and efficient operations.
   
• Touch Panel PCs: Combining an industrial-grade computer and a display into a single unit, the touch panel PC (PPC) is a powerful human-machine interface (HMI). These devices are typically panel-mounted and feature a rugged, sealed front panel (with an ingress protection rating of IP65 or IP66) to protect against dust and water jets. The intuitive touch screen interface, which can be either resistive or capacitive, allows operators to interact with machinery and monitor processes directly on the factory floor, eliminating the need for a separate keyboard or mouse. This form factor is essential for process control, machine monitoring, and data visualization in manufacturing and logistics.

Performance is a key differentiator, and industrial computers are equipped with a variety of powerful processors from industry leaders like Intel and NVIDIA. For general-purpose tasks, processors from the Intel Core, Intel Atom, and Intel Celeron families offer a balance of performance and energy efficiency. For more demanding applications involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, and machine vision, systems with NVIDIA Jetson or other dedicated GPUs provide the parallel processing capabilities needed to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time. This combination of processing power, rugged design, and application-specific form factors makes industrial computing a cornerstone of modern technological advancement.

Contact Us About Your Industrial Computer Needs

Whether you are looking to build a fully automated production line, a real-time surveillance system, or a remote data acquisition solution, one of our industrial computers can meet your needs. To explore how these rugged, versatile solutions can enhance your operations and improve efficiency, contact Westward Sales today to request a quote or to speak with an expert.