Industrial PCs are crucial component of countless industrial operations. However, selecting the correct PC for a specific application can be daunting. Fortunately, Relec Electronics is on hand to provide advice.
When it comes to selecting the perfect industrial PC, the choices can feel as complex as the applications they support. Whether the requirement is for automating a production line, running data acquisition software, or managing industrial IoT systems, the industrial PC chosen needs to align with the specific requirements. But with so many options available — from compact embedded systems to rugged, high-performance machines — how do buyers decide?
What is an Industrial PC?
An industrial PC is a computer specifically designed for harsh environments, built to withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, dust, and sometimes even water or chemicals. Unlike consumer PCs, industrial PCs prioritise reliability and long-term operation, often running 24/7 in demanding conditions.
Industrial PCs can come in a variety of form factors, from fanless compact designs to larger, fully rugged enclosures. The industrial PC market has grown rapidly, with leading manufacturers like DFI producing systems that meet the needs of smart manufacturing, automation, transportation, and energy industries.
Key factors to consider when choosing an Industrial PC:
- Performance requirements (CPU & memory)
Your choice should start with understanding your processing needs. Machine vision applications need significant GPU power, while basic data logging requires low processing overhead.
- For heavy processing: consider the VC500-CMS-MXM, which supports Intel® Xeon processors and up to 64GB memory.
- For lighter applications: the EC700-ADN offers efficient Intel® Atom® performance with a compact footprint.
- Environmental conditions
Will the system operate on a clean production floor, or will it be exposed to outdoor conditions, dust, vibration, or moisture?
- For rugged environments: the ECX700-ADP with IP67/IP69K certification offers superior protection against water and dust.
- For controlled environments: the EC543-ADS balances performance with cost for standard industrial setups.
- Form factor and mounting options
Space constraints are common in industrial settings, so understanding the size and mounting flexibility matters.
- For ultra-compact installations: the EC70A-ADP (181.6 x 57 x 118.4mm) fits where space is extremely limited.
- For expandable systems: the VC500-CMS offers flexibility without compromising on processing power.
- Connectivity, expansion, and OS compatibility
What peripherals and devices will the system need to interface with? Check for necessary ports — DisplayPort, HDMI, USB, VGA — and expansion slots for future upgrades.
Another critical factor is the operating system (OS). Relec’s partners can pre-load or offer Windows 10, Windows 11, and for select models, Linux — giving the flexibility to choose the platform that best supports the industrial application.
- Operating temperature range
From freezing cold outdoor sites to scorching hot factory floors, an industrial PC needs to endure it all.
- Extreme temperature tolerance: both the VC500-CMS and ECX700-ADP handle temperatures as low as -20°C and up to 70°C.
- Moderate climates: systems like the EC543-ADS work well in standard industrial temperatures up to 60°C.
Why choosing the right industrial PC matters
Selecting the wrong system can lead to unexpected system failures and costly downtime, compatibility headaches with sensors, cameras, or machinery, and leads to performance bottlenecks that slow down operations. On the flip side, investing in a tailored industrial PC ensures long-term reliability in harsh environments, seamless integration with existing infrastructure, and scalable performance. Choosing the right industrial PC isn’t just about specs — it’s about ensuring seamless operation, long-term reliability, and adaptability to future demands. By carefully assessing the environment, processing needs, and connectivity requirements, it is possible to select the perfect system.
