Blog
24.Oct.2024
What is an Embedded Computer? (Definition and Examples Provided)
When you think of a computer, you might picture a large box sitting next to your office monitor. However, embedded computers are quite different. These specialized systems are designed for specific tasks and integrated into larger devices or environments, playing a crucial role across various industries. So, what makes embedded computers so unique and indispensable? In this blog, we' ll explore their key features, benefits, and the different types of embedded computers that are driving industrial automation innovations benifit modern society.
What is an Embedded Computer?
An embedded computer is a compact, purpose-built hardware device optimized for dedicated functions within larger systems. Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded computers are robust and tailored for tasks such as factory automation, in vehicle, or serving as IoT gateways. They come in various forms and types, from rugged embedded computers to In-vehicle embedded computers and from single motherboard to embedded panel PCs.
Benefits of Using an Embedded Computer
As technology advances, embedded computers have become essential across industries. Here are the key benefits that make them the top choice for specialized applications:
1. Durability in Harsh Environments
Embedded computers are built to withstand extreme environmental conditions, such as high or low temperatures, moisture, dust, and shock. With certifications like IP65/IP67, EN50155, UL Listed, they are ideal for outdoor applications or rugged industrial environments. This durability ensures the system can perform reliably even in the most challenging conditions, critical for sectors like transportation, defense, and field-based automation.
2. Compact Design with Scalability
Embedded computers are usually compact and space-saving, making them ideal for tight spaces like kiosks, medical equipment, and industrial automation, however they are also highly scalable. They can quickly expand from small, single-device deployments to large, high-computing requirements, providing the flexibility to grow with the needs of any application.
3. Low Maintenance & Longevity
For factories that always looking for hardware devices that can have a longer product life cycle and low maintenance to ensure productivity. Embedded computers are engineered for continuous, long-term operation with fanless designs and solid-state components, making them highly reliable and reducing maintenance. Unlike consumer PCs, embedded computers are designed for long-term deployments and typically have a longer product lifecycle and better support from manufacturers.
Embedded Computer vs. General Computer
Although embedded computers share many common components with the general computers we use for work or personal purposes, they have several distinct features that set them apart in terms of purpose and deployment. Here's how they differ:
Examples of Embedded Computers (Types of Embedded Computers)
1. Rugged Embedded Computer
Rugged embedded computers are specially designed to operate in extreme environments, built with robust materials and components to ensure durability and reliability. These computers can withstand harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and even water exposure. Their fanless and cableless designs enhance resilience, making them ideal for outdoor, industrial, and mission-critical applications where reliability is essential.
The C&T Ultra Rugged RCO-3000-RPL industrial computer, known for its rugged design and high performance, is often used in harsh factory environments and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) where extreme temperature changes are common. Its durability and strong computing power make it the perfect solution for users requiring a rugged computer that can reliably perform in challenging conditions.
2. Embedded Computer in Vehicles
Embedded computers in vehicles, such as cars and trains, are engineered to handle the unique challenges of transportation environments. These systems feature built-in CAN Bus protocols for vehicle communication, power ignition management, and EN50155 certification for railway reliability. Designed to endure frequent shocks, vibrations, dust, and unstable power voltages, these computers ensure reliable performance in demanding conditions, making them ideal for automotive and railway applications.
With C&T's ACO-6000-CML In-Vehicle/Railway computer with EN50155 certification, we have collaborated with multiple railway companies across Europe and India, as well as law enforcement agencies for mobile data terminals (MDTs), offering the embedded computers as a reliable choice for such applications.
3. Machine Vision Embedded Computer
Machine Vision Embedded Computers are built for graphic-intensive and compute-heavy applications like image processing, vision measurement, and machine automation. Equipped with powerful Intel processors, the latest RAM, and full-length GPUs, these systems offer excellent computing and graphic performance, making them ideal for real-time visual data analysis in industrial automation and inspection tasks.
The C&T's VCO-6000-RPL Machine Vision Computer is an ideal solution for Edge AI, machine vision, and medical inference analysis, helping various industries enhance their deployments. For instance, we partnered with Vital Vision to empower their AI Bean Sorting System, revolutionizing next-generation food processing.
4. Embedded Panel PC
Embedded panel PCs combine the functionality of an embedded computer with a rugged display in a single, durable unit. Often used as Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in industrial environments like factories, production facilities and kiosks. Built for harsh conditions, industrial panel PCs feature waterproof front panels and can operate in a wide temperature range, ensuring reliability in challenging environments.
For food and beverage factories that require a washdown HMI panel computer, C&T's Stainless Steel SIO-200 Series panel PC provided a perfect solution for dairy manufacturing. Its IP66/IP69K-rated stainless steel design integrates smoothly into systems, ensuring productivity and strict hygiene in wet, harsh environments, while its resistive/capacitive touch screen enables easy HMI for process monitoring.
5. Embedded Single Board Computer
An Embedded Single Board Computer (SBC) is a compact, all-in-one solution that integrates the processor, memory, storage, and I/O interfaces on a single circuit board. Its small size, low power consumption, and customizable I/O options provide developers with flexibility while ensuring efficient performance in space-limited environments.
For example, in kiosk applications that require compact computing hardware with extensive I/O capabilities, C&T' s CT-DWL01 Motherboard, a 3.5-inch industrial SBC, integrates seamlessly into our customer' s kiosks, meeting all I/O requirements while enabling facial detection systems for sports arena security, making it an ideal solution for such setups.
How to Choose the Best Embedded Computer for Your Application?
Embedded computers come from different types, can be used in various deployments, and meet different needs. Selecting the right embedded computer requires an in-depth understanding of the specific demands of the applications. C&T Solution Inc. provides you with various embedded computer solutions for your industrial deployment. Learn more about our Fanless Embedded Computers and Contact Us to consult with our technical industrial experts and choose the best solutions that meet your needs.
FAQ
What are common types of embedded computers?
Common types include single-board computers (SBCs), system on modules (SoMs), industrial PCs, panel PCs, rugged embedded computers, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Box PCs and edge servers.
What industries use embedded computers?
Embedded computers are used in industries like industrial automation, healthcare, transportation, military, IoT, and smart cities.
What is the lifespan of an embedded computer?
The typical lifespan of an embedded computer is around 10-15 years, depending on the application and environment.
What' s the difference between embedded computers and edge computers?
Embedded computers are designed for specific tasks within devices or systems, while edge computers process data closer to the source in a network, reducing latency and reliance on cloud computing.
What are the benefits of fanless design?
The benefits of a fanless design include improved reliability, reduced maintenance, durability in harsh environments, and better energy efficiency, making them ideal for industrial and demanding applications.
What is an Embedded Computer?
An embedded computer is a compact, purpose-built hardware device optimized for dedicated functions within larger systems. Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded computers are robust and tailored for tasks such as factory automation, in vehicle, or serving as IoT gateways. They come in various forms and types, from rugged embedded computers to In-vehicle embedded computers and from single motherboard to embedded panel PCs.
Benefits of Using an Embedded Computer
As technology advances, embedded computers have become essential across industries. Here are the key benefits that make them the top choice for specialized applications:
1. Durability in Harsh Environments
Embedded computers are built to withstand extreme environmental conditions, such as high or low temperatures, moisture, dust, and shock. With certifications like IP65/IP67, EN50155, UL Listed, they are ideal for outdoor applications or rugged industrial environments. This durability ensures the system can perform reliably even in the most challenging conditions, critical for sectors like transportation, defense, and field-based automation.
2. Compact Design with Scalability
Embedded computers are usually compact and space-saving, making them ideal for tight spaces like kiosks, medical equipment, and industrial automation, however they are also highly scalable. They can quickly expand from small, single-device deployments to large, high-computing requirements, providing the flexibility to grow with the needs of any application.
3. Low Maintenance & Longevity
For factories that always looking for hardware devices that can have a longer product life cycle and low maintenance to ensure productivity. Embedded computers are engineered for continuous, long-term operation with fanless designs and solid-state components, making them highly reliable and reducing maintenance. Unlike consumer PCs, embedded computers are designed for long-term deployments and typically have a longer product lifecycle and better support from manufacturers.
Embedded Computer vs. General Computer
Although embedded computers share many common components with the general computers we use for work or personal purposes, they have several distinct features that set them apart in terms of purpose and deployment. Here's how they differ:
| Embedded Computer | General Computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed for specific tasks or dedicated | Designed for a wide range of general-purpose computing tasks |
| Design | Compact, rugged, often fanless and designed for industrial use | Larger, desktop or laptop form factors, less rugged and often requires cooling fans |
| Operating Environment | Harsh environments such as extreme temperatures (-40°C to 70°C), dust, moisture | Controlled environments (home, office) Operating Tempuratures: 0°C to 45°C |
| Power Consumption | Highly energy-efficient, low power | Higher power consumption, not optimized for energy efficiency |
| Reliability | Extremely reliable, designed for 24/7 continuous operation | Reliable but not designed for continuous operation in harsh conditions |
| Longevity | Long lifecycle, typically supported for 10-15years | Shorter lifecycle, often replaced every 3-4years |
Examples of Embedded Computers (Types of Embedded Computers)
1. Rugged Embedded Computer
Rugged embedded computers are specially designed to operate in extreme environments, built with robust materials and components to ensure durability and reliability. These computers can withstand harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, shock, vibration, and even water exposure. Their fanless and cableless designs enhance resilience, making them ideal for outdoor, industrial, and mission-critical applications where reliability is essential.
The C&T Ultra Rugged RCO-3000-RPL industrial computer, known for its rugged design and high performance, is often used in harsh factory environments and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) where extreme temperature changes are common. Its durability and strong computing power make it the perfect solution for users requiring a rugged computer that can reliably perform in challenging conditions.
2. Embedded Computer in Vehicles
Embedded computers in vehicles, such as cars and trains, are engineered to handle the unique challenges of transportation environments. These systems feature built-in CAN Bus protocols for vehicle communication, power ignition management, and EN50155 certification for railway reliability. Designed to endure frequent shocks, vibrations, dust, and unstable power voltages, these computers ensure reliable performance in demanding conditions, making them ideal for automotive and railway applications.
With C&T's ACO-6000-CML In-Vehicle/Railway computer with EN50155 certification, we have collaborated with multiple railway companies across Europe and India, as well as law enforcement agencies for mobile data terminals (MDTs), offering the embedded computers as a reliable choice for such applications.
3. Machine Vision Embedded Computer
Machine Vision Embedded Computers are built for graphic-intensive and compute-heavy applications like image processing, vision measurement, and machine automation. Equipped with powerful Intel processors, the latest RAM, and full-length GPUs, these systems offer excellent computing and graphic performance, making them ideal for real-time visual data analysis in industrial automation and inspection tasks.
The C&T's VCO-6000-RPL Machine Vision Computer is an ideal solution for Edge AI, machine vision, and medical inference analysis, helping various industries enhance their deployments. For instance, we partnered with Vital Vision to empower their AI Bean Sorting System, revolutionizing next-generation food processing.
4. Embedded Panel PC
Embedded panel PCs combine the functionality of an embedded computer with a rugged display in a single, durable unit. Often used as Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in industrial environments like factories, production facilities and kiosks. Built for harsh conditions, industrial panel PCs feature waterproof front panels and can operate in a wide temperature range, ensuring reliability in challenging environments.
For food and beverage factories that require a washdown HMI panel computer, C&T's Stainless Steel SIO-200 Series panel PC provided a perfect solution for dairy manufacturing. Its IP66/IP69K-rated stainless steel design integrates smoothly into systems, ensuring productivity and strict hygiene in wet, harsh environments, while its resistive/capacitive touch screen enables easy HMI for process monitoring.
5. Embedded Single Board Computer
An Embedded Single Board Computer (SBC) is a compact, all-in-one solution that integrates the processor, memory, storage, and I/O interfaces on a single circuit board. Its small size, low power consumption, and customizable I/O options provide developers with flexibility while ensuring efficient performance in space-limited environments.
For example, in kiosk applications that require compact computing hardware with extensive I/O capabilities, C&T' s CT-DWL01 Motherboard, a 3.5-inch industrial SBC, integrates seamlessly into our customer' s kiosks, meeting all I/O requirements while enabling facial detection systems for sports arena security, making it an ideal solution for such setups.
How to Choose the Best Embedded Computer for Your Application?
Selecting the right embedded PC for your application is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Here are five key factors to keep in mind when making your choice:
- Operating Environment: Consider the conditions where your embedded PC will operate. Will it need to endure extreme temperatures, moisture, dust, or constant vibrations? For applications in harsh environments, look for ruggedized PCs with fanless designs, IP-rated enclosures, and wide temperature ranges to ensure durability and long-term performance.
- Size and Placement: Evaluate the physical space where the PC will be installed. For confined spaces, compact or fanless models are ideal, while larger spaces may allow for more powerful, bulkier units.
- Required Certifications: Some industries and applications require specific certifications. For instance, rail applications may need EN50155-certified systems, while food and beverage manufacturing may require IP69K-rated waterproof PCs.
- Performance Needs: Identify the processing power, memory, and storage capacity your application requires. Applications like industrial automation or machine vision often need high-performance processors, whereas simpler data collection systems may function well with basic CPUs.
- Connectivity and I/O Options: Ensure that the PC has the necessary connectivity options to support your devices and communication needs.
Embedded computers come from different types, can be used in various deployments, and meet different needs. Selecting the right embedded computer requires an in-depth understanding of the specific demands of the applications. C&T Solution Inc. provides you with various embedded computer solutions for your industrial deployment. Learn more about our Fanless Embedded Computers and Contact Us to consult with our technical industrial experts and choose the best solutions that meet your needs.
FAQ
What are common types of embedded computers?
Common types include single-board computers (SBCs), system on modules (SoMs), industrial PCs, panel PCs, rugged embedded computers, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Box PCs and edge servers.
What industries use embedded computers?
Embedded computers are used in industries like industrial automation, healthcare, transportation, military, IoT, and smart cities.
What is the lifespan of an embedded computer?
The typical lifespan of an embedded computer is around 10-15 years, depending on the application and environment.
What' s the difference between embedded computers and edge computers?
Embedded computers are designed for specific tasks within devices or systems, while edge computers process data closer to the source in a network, reducing latency and reliance on cloud computing.
What are the benefits of fanless design?
The benefits of a fanless design include improved reliability, reduced maintenance, durability in harsh environments, and better energy efficiency, making them ideal for industrial and demanding applications.
