Industrial PC a computer for industrial application. Industrial purposes such as production of services or goods. Industrial PCs have greater reliability and industry standards and typically cost more than consumer grade computers.
An industrial PC is a computer intended for industrial purposes (production of goods and services), with a form factor between a nettop and a server rack. Industrial PCs have higher dependability and precision standards, and are generally more expensive than consumer electronics. They often use complex instruction sets, such as x86, where reduced instruction sets such as ARM would otherwise be used.
Industrial PC Features and Architecture
Industrial PCs are characteristically designed with components selected to withstand harsh and trying conditions. Encased within rugged housing, the internal components are housed within controlled environments.
Common Features:
- Solid state, fanless cooling
- Metal construction and enclosures
- Mountable enclosures (such as VESA wall mount, panel mount)
- Expansion card retention
- Watchdog times for automatic system reset
- Extreme operating temperature ranges, including freezing and scorching temperatures
- Robust power supply
- IP Ratings, such as dust proof, water resistant, immersion proof
- Sealed connectors, MIL-SPEC or Circular-MIL
- Heavy-duty controls and screens
- Controlled access to the controls through the use of locking doors
- Controlled access to the I/O through the use of access covers
Industrial PC Manufacturing
Industrial PCs are manufactured in smaller quantities.
Industrial PC Applications
Industrial PCs are used in virtually all industrial applications including outdoor kiosks, indoor farming, correctional facilities, self-driving vehicles, schools, fast-food restaurants, fitness centers, and airports.