| Industrial PCs are primarily used for the purposes | | | | always chosen in terms of the capacity to run at |
| of data acquisition or/and process control. In | | | | cooler temperatures than other regular |
| some cases, Industrial PCs are often used in a | | | | components. Sturdier construction as compared |
| distributed processing network as a front end to | | | | to the typical office computer provides enhanced |
| some other control computer. It also offers | | | | durability to these PCs. |
| advantages in system costs and development. It | | | | Features: |
| is because of the use of PC-based software and | | | | |
| hardware. | | | | 1. It comes with an enclosure form factor which |
| The features of industrial PCs are widely different | | | | encompasses the provision to mount into the |
| from that of consumer PCs. They are generally in | | | | environment surrounding it. |
| terms of compatibility, reliability, long-term supply | | | | 2. It features additional cooling mechanisms, such |
| and expansion options. Besides, industrial PCs are | | | | as those based on conduction, liquid and forced |
| typically manufactured in lower volumes in | | | | air, along with air filtering. |
| comparison to office or home PCs. However, | | | | 3. Expansion card support and retention is present. |
| industrial PCs cost relatively more than | | | | 4. An improved EMI filtering and gasketing system |
| comparable office computers which have similar | | | | is present. |
| performance. Backplanes and single-board | | | | 5. It has improved environmental safeguards such |
| computers are primarily used in industrial PCs. | | | | as water spray, immersion proofing, dust |
| The industrial panel PC: | | | | proofing, etc. |
| The panel PC is actually a type of Industrial PCs, | | | | 6. It has either Circular-MIL connectors or Sealed |
| wherein an LCD display is placed in the same | | | | MIL spec. |
| enclosed space as the motherboard and other | | | | 7. The features and controls are stronger than |
| parts. These are characteristically panel-mounted | | | | ordinary PCs. |
| and at times also have touch screens for | | | | 8. It features a higher grade of power supply. |
| simplifying user interaction. These are available in | | | | 9. By means of locking doors, the access to the |
| low cost versions as well, without the | | | | controls can be regulated. |
| environmental sealing. | | | | 10. Access covers control access to the I/O. |
| Practically most Industrial PCs have a basic design | | | | 11. A Watch Dog Timer is included for resetting |
| idea of providing a restricted environment for the | | | | the system automatically if a software lock-up |
| installed electronics in order to endure rigors of | | | | occurs. |
| the factory floor. The electronic components are | | | | |