Not all computers are created equal. Industrial environments demand industrial strength computers that are tough and reliable enough to operate in extreme environments, continuously, for years. You can’t take just any PC off the shelf and install it in an industrial environment. It is important that the devices selected are suitable for the intended application.

Primarily used in Machine Automation tasks, like packaging or inspection, Industrial Panel PCs are quickly becoming the go-to HMI device for many automation applications, due to their ability to interact as well as control peripheral devices.

Surviving in today’s demanding industrial environments is no easy task however, and many system integrators have to rely on quickly replaceable components, rather than reliable ones, because it is so difficult to create truly reliable HMI devices.

First, the design must have no moving parts, especially when used in field devices, with distributed I/O modules, or even in network appliances such as Ethernet switches. Furthermore, no cooler should be required for the CPU, the power supply must not require a fan, and there should be no system fan either. Moreover, these requirements should not be met at the expense of power or performance.

In the industrial environment, it is imperative that the embedded device function over a wide range of ambient conditions. Industrial environments demand better construction than the commercial environment, as well. Embedded computing devices must meet industrial standards for enclosures, such as IP65 rating to ensure resistance against dust and water.

Fanless IPPCs are also designed with very high levels of component integration and VLSI circuit boards. Fewer components and lower power requirements improve the overall reliability of the computer. Mean time between failures (MTBF) are lengthened when this combination of lower component counts running at lower power levels is extended to Advantech’s IPPCs as well.

High level integration and fanless makes Fanless systems less costly, both to manufacture and to purchase. Furthermore, higher reliability makes the total cost of ownership lower than older designs, as well.