Industrial Computers for Factory Automation
Factory automation equipment manufacturers require computing hardware that is robust, reliable, and capable of operating in demanding industrial environments. Industrial computers are specifically engineered to meet these needs, offering features like fanless cooling for silent, dust-resistant operation, wide operating temperature ranges, and enhanced durability to withstand vibration and shock. These systems serve as the central brains for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), machine vision systems, and data acquisition units on the factory floor.
Key Specifications for Automation
When selecting an industrial PC for automation, key technical considerations include:
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Rugged Design: Fanless, all-metal chassis with wide voltage input (e.g., 9-36V DC) for stable operation amidst electrical noise.
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Extended Temperature Range: Capable of operating from -20°C to 60°C or beyond to handle non-climate-controlled factory settings.
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Rich I/O Connectivity: Multiple serial ports (RS-232/485), Gigabit Ethernet ports for industrial networks (PROFINET, EtherCAT), and sufficient USB ports for peripherals.
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Reliable Storage: Industrial-grade SSDs or eMMC storage resistant to data corruption from power fluctuations.
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Long-Term Availability: Component supply and software support guaranteed for the multi-year lifecycle of industrial machinery.
Applications and Use Cases
Industrial PCs are deployed across the manufacturing sector:
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Machine Control: Directly interfacing with PLCs to execute control algorithms for CNC machines, robotic arms, and assembly lines.
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Process Monitoring: Running SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software to visualize and log production data in real-time.
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Quality Inspection: Powering machine vision systems for automated optical inspection (AOI), defect detection, and barcode reading.
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Edge Computing: Performing data preprocessing and analytics at the source to reduce latency and bandwidth usage to central servers.
Comparison: ARM vs. Intel for Industrial Use
| Feature | ARM-based Industrial PCs | Intel-based Industrial PCs |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Use | Dedicated HMI, thin client, lightweight control | Complex HMI, machine vision, data-intensive edge computing |
| Power & Heat | Ultra-low power, minimal heat generation | Higher performance, may require thermal management |
| Real-Time OS Support | Excellent for real-time Linux variants | Supports real-time extensions for Windows/Linux |
| Performance Profile | Consistent, deterministic performance for set tasks | High computational power for variable workloads |
| I/O & Expansion | Often fixed configuration | Greater expansion via PCIe, M.2 slots |
Thinvent Solutions for Factory Automation
Thinvent offers a comprehensive range of industrial computing solutions built for the rigors of factory automation. Our product lines include:
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Industrial PCs (IPCs): Such as the IPC series with Intel Core i3, i5, and N-series processors, featuring rugged metal enclosures, wide operating temperatures, and multiple industrial I/O options. These are ideal for demanding control and monitoring tasks.
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Fanless Mini PCs: Compact, silent systems like the Treo and Aero series, perfect for space-constrained environments where dust resistance and reliability are paramount.
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ARM-based Thin Clients: Devices like the Micro series provide ultra-efficient, low-heat operation for terminal services, lightweight HMIs, and dashboard displays.
All Thinvent systems are designed for 24/7 operation and can be configured with a choice of operating systems, including Windows IoT, Ubuntu Linux, and our proprietary Thinux™ embedded platform, to match your software ecosystem.
