Embedded PC control Guide

Embedded PC control is getting popular for industrial applications. What is embedded PC? It is basically single board computer. Now a days embedded hardware is very reliable. In the old days people were reluctant to use PC control for plant automation. But now a day Embedded Computing, Embedded Microprocessors and Embedded Controllers are most demanded. To know more about embedded pc control read this article.

Let me explain the reason. In your office, if your PC hangs, you simply reboot it to start your work. If this situation occurs for Plant control PC, your plant operation is stopped. You will have to reboot the system and then only you will be able to start the plant again. But in practical life, this is a problematic thing. As some of the plants can not be shut down during the process run. Shutting the plant during a continuous process results in huge losses. Many plants are designed for continuous 24 hour running.

Industrial Embedded PC for Reliable Industrial Control

Now the situation is changed. The single board computer comes with Real time operating system (RTOS) which is specifically designed for industrial applications. Because of this you get the reliable control system.

The fact that people are going for embedded PC control is the improved reliability. The industrial control is dominated by proprietary PLC and DCS control systems. The embedded PC’s are getting popular as they offer non proprietary open PC system.

Embedded PC-based solution is one of the easiest and effective system architectures to use. Its ease of development corresponds with the rapid move of the PC into the industrial market.

Intel’s x86 architecture with Linux OS backbone of Embedded PC control

Intel’s x86 architecture is the most popular design. It was used in both office and laptop PCs which resulted in dramatic improvements in price/performance, power dissipation and smaller size. This open x86 architecture standard has been used for industrial applications to form the embedded PC.

Embedded PCs come in all sizes, shapes, configurations, performance levels and prices. Options range from including a single board computer adaptation to full systems including the display and enclosure.

The popularity of an embedded PC is in the ability of a user to buy off-the-shelf hardware and customize it with software.

The standard commercial computer is not recommended for industrial control. Embedded PCs are designed to operate in harsh industrial atmosphere. They are very reliable. They can be operated over extended temperature range. They can work in dusty atmosphere as they are housed in IP67 enclosures which are dustproof.

Because of these advantages, the market for Embedded PC’s is growing exponentially. These small size PC’s are embedded in the instrument or the controller itself. As these PC’s are used for dedicated applications, the speed is not important but low power consumption is must. Many times, these PC’s have low power battery back up so that critical data is safe during power supply transients. In industrial environment whenever a motor or valve is operated, it generates spike in the power supply line. This does not affect the embedded PC operation.

Embedded PC boards are available in various sizes. The smallest size is equal to 3.5" floppy disk size. The size is reducing day by day.

The typical applications for embedded PC is in Industrial computers, Touch screen displays , industrial controllers etc. Most of the embedded PC’s are designed on Linux operating system as it is very robust and reliable.

Embedded PC’s are getting advanced as the PC technology is getting advanced. Designers have opted for open hardware and software standards to reduce cost and development time.

The embedded PC control is emerging as a clear winner for demanding industrial applications.

Subscribe to "COMPTECH" ezine to get the latest news and updates on Windows Vista.

Google Search