Key parameters when choosing an industrial computer for automation applications

Key parameters when choosing an industrial computer for automation applications
Key parameters when choosing an industrial computer for automation applications

Industrial computers play a key role in automating production processes, controlling machines, and analyzing data in real time. Unlike standard office computers, they must be highly durable, reliable, and adaptable to specific industrial conditions. What parameters are most important when choosing them? Let's find out!

 

Environmental Resistance - Industrial environments can be harsh – high temperatures, humidity, dust, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference are commonplace. Therefore, it is important for a computer to have:

  • Operating temperature range – e.g., from -40°C to +85°C for extreme applications
  • Shock and vibration resistance – especially in production lines and autonomous vehicles
  • IP (Ingress Protection) certifications – e.g., IP65 or IP67, which indicate dust and water resistance

Example: Computers for automation in the metallurgical industry must operate in extreme temperatures and be resistant to metal dust.

 

Processor type and performance - Choosing the right processor depends on the computer's application. In automation, the following are important:

  • Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen processors – for demanding applications, e.g., AI image analysis
  • Intel Atom and ARM processors – for energy-efficient IoT systems and simple controllers
  • GPU and TPU support – essential for image processing and AI

Example: Vision systems in factories use GPU graphics cards to recognize product defects in real time.

 

Type of RAM and storage media - Industrial computers often process large amounts of data, so they need:

  • Minimum RAM. 8GB (preferably 16-32GB) for stable operation in automation systems
  • NVMe or eMMC SSD drives – fast and shock-resistant
  • RAID for data redundancy – ensures safety in the event of a failure

Example: In assembly line control systems, every millisecond of delay can cause downtime. Fast SSDs eliminate this risk.

 

Communication Interfaces - An industrial computer must support a wide range of interfaces for communicating with sensors, PLCs, and SCADA systems:

  • RS-232/RS-485 – for older industrial devices
  • USB 3.0 / USB-C – for fast data exchange
  • Ethernet (1GbE / 10GbE) – for industrial networks
  • Wi-Fi 6 / 5G – for IoT and remote control systems
  • CAN, Modbus, PROFINET – industrial automation standards

Example: In modern factories Industrial computers must support TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) Ethernet networks to ensure precise machine synchronization.

 

Operating system and software - The operating system should be stable and adapted to the requirements of the industry:

  • Windows IoT Enterprise – for easy integration with Microsoft software
  • Linux (Ubuntu Core, Debian, Yocto) – for flexibility and security
  • RTOS (Real-Time OS, e.g. QNX, VxWorks) – for applications requiring real-time
  • Support for Docker and Kubernetes containers – crucial in modern IoT solutions

Example: In automation, containerization is increasingly used, which allows for easy implementation and Control software update.

 

Power Supply and Energy Efficiency - In industrial plants, reliable power supply and low energy consumption are key:

  • Supply Voltage 12V / 24V / 48V – Compatibility with Industrial Systems
  • Protection against Surge and Voltage Spikes
  • Low Energy Consumption – Especially in Battery-Operated IoT Systems

Example:In solar installations and wind farms, industrial computers must operate in energy-saving mode, often on battery power.

 

Cooling and Fanless Design - In industry, dust and dirt can lead to computer failures, so it's worth choosing fanless designs. with passive cooling:

  • Aluminum housings with heat sinks – effective heat dissipation
  • No moving parts – greater reliability
  • Water cooling in extreme conditions

Example: Computers in mines often use passive cooling because traditional fans quickly become clogged with dust.

 

Summary – how to choose the perfect industrial computer?
When choosing a computer for industrial automation, it's worth paying attention to:

  • Resistance to harsh conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration)
  • Powerful processor and fast data storage
  • Support for various communication interfaces
  • Stable operating system and compatibility with automation software
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