What is an Embedded Computer?

In this article, we’ll show different types of embedded computers and their uses.

• Compact Size: Ideal for space-constrained applications
• High Reliability: Built for harsh environments and 24/7 operations
• Low Power Consumption: Efficient for battery-operated device’s
• Customizable: Tailored I/O, processors, and connectivity’s
• Real-Time Processing: Essential for time-sensitive tasks.

• Enhanced Security: Features like secure boot and hardware encryption
• Longevity: Long product life cycles and stable supply.
• Rugged Design: Fanless, solid-state, and durable.
• Cost-Effective: Lower costs in high-volume applications.
• Strong Connectivity: Multiple ports for easy integration.

Rugged Industrial Box PCs

Rugged Industrial and Embedded Computers are engineered to perform reliably under extreme conditions, such as intense vibrations, severe temperatures, and moisture or dusty environments.

Applications

A prime example of deploying ruggedized, embedded systems (box) PCs effectively is on offshore oil rigs. These platforms are often situated in remote, unmanned ocean locations, surrounded by heavy machinery that generates noise and vibration, and in proximity to potentially volatile substances.

Similar to other remote facilities, offshore oil rigs require constant connectivity. This need ranges from basic WiFi Internet access for staff to advanced cloud-based surveillance systems and IoT monitoring sensors. In these settings, industrial-grade rugged networking equipment outperforms traditional consumer-grade hardware. These PC solutions must ensure continuous operation in varied extreme temperatures and withstand exposure to wet and corrosive environments.

Industrial Panel PCs

Panel PCs feature an integrated touchscreen display (complete with an onscreen keyboard) and can be augmented with various I/O modules. These devices are engineered to facilitate seamless interaction between users and the systems they control.

Applications

Panel PCs, equipped with integrated touchscreens (typically resistive or projective capacitive (pCAP)), and various I/O options, are versatile for multiple applications. They are vital in sectors like Industrial Automation & Control, Medical (critical care and ward uses), and Transportation (rail, marine, in-vehicle). These devices often include pre-certifications (e.g., EN 50155) to ensure compliance and safety.

Panel PCs excel in general control and automation processes. They monitor assembly line performance, gather and analyze data, and adjust parameters to enhance efficiency. Additionally, Panel PCs guide assembly workers by providing instructions on manufacturing processes, quality checks, and maintaining product standards.

Fanless Small Form Factor “box” PCs

Space-efficient, compact fanless PCs are engineered for robust application support across diverse environments, including Kiosk operations, Industrial Automation, and Digital Signage. These systems come either fully configured or as ‘bare bones’ units (excluding memory, storage, and operating system) for user customization.

Deployment Scenarios

Digital Signage in retail, hospitality sectors, airports, and railway stations exemplify prominent use cases for SFF (Small Form Factor) PCs. Their ability to be mounted securely in compact spaces—especially behind TFT monitors using VESA mounts—makes them exceedingly versatile. These PCs are network-ready, capable of connecting via Local Area Networks (LANs) using RJ45 ports or WLAN (WiFi), facilitating seamless data exchange with central networks or the cloud, and outputting content to single or multiple displays.

Industrial Rack Mount PCs

Industrial Rack Mount PCs offer a spectrum of configurations, from power-efficient Atom processors to high-performance Intel iCore (i3/i5/i7) and Xeon processors. The most prevalent configuration is the ‘1U’ rack PC, where ‘1U’ signifies the industry-standard height unit. For applications demanding greater internal complexity, we also provide ‘3U’ and ‘4U’ formats, offering enhanced accommodation for expansion cards, rider cards, and backplanes, thus ensuring extended functionality. These systems also feature varying levels of external I/O, tailored to meet specific application requirements.

Applications and Deployment

Industrial rack mount PCs are ubiquitous, especially where space efficiency and rapid component accessibility are critical. They are indispensable in server-based environments, ranging from the IT server rooms of contemporary office complexes to AV (audio visual) broadcast setups and military applications, including naval frigates and submarines. Moreover, these systems are engineered for resilience in challenging conditions, capable of operating within extreme temperature ranges (-40°C to+85°C) and enduring environments with high vibration, making them suitable for a wide array of industrial applications.

In-Vehicle PCs

Commonly referred to as MDTs (Mobile Data Terminals), in-vehicle PCs are engineered to endure extreme conditions including severe temperature fluctuations, constant and intense vibrations, and inconsistent electrical power characterized by voltage spikes and electrical noise.

Applications

A prime example of MDT application is in emergency response vehicles, such as police cruisers, ambulances, and fire trucks. These vehicles operate at high speeds, often traverse rough terrains, and require reliable, high-speed connectivity. Typically, this connectivity is provided by cellular networks—3G, 4G, and increasingly, 5G. Additionally, in-vehicle PCs must handle, store, and transmit substantial volumes of data, often including real-time video footage, functioning as Network Video Recorders (NVRs) during critical missions to support instant feedback and decision-making processes.

Other types of Embedded PCs

• ATEX certified explosion proof Panel PCs,
• IP rated Stainless Steel waterproof and Marine PCs,
• Easy clean with an anti-bacterial finish Medical PCs,
• EN50155 and EN50121-4 Railway PCs and Panel PCs
• High Performance Deep Learning AI Ready PCs,
• GPU/VPU Accelerated Machine Vision AI Ready PCs,
• Ultra Compact Iot Gateway PCs,
• Marine certified Panel PCs,
• DIN-Rail mount PCs,
• 4″ X 4″ AMD Ryzen and Intel NUC PCs and more…