Understanding Centre Com and Thinvent's Industrial Computing Solutions
Centre Com, in the context of Thinvent's product portfolio, refers to a centralized computing hub or a compact, powerful computing device designed for deployment in commercial and industrial environments. These systems bridge the gap between basic thin clients and full-scale workstations, offering versatile processing power for a wide range of business applications. They are engineered for reliability, connectivity, and efficient performance in space-constrained settings, from retail kiosks to factory floors.
Thinvent's Centre Com solutions are built on two primary processor architectures: energy-efficient ARM-based systems and performance-oriented Intel-based systems. ARM-based models, like the Micro 5 Wifi Thin Client and Micro 6 Pro Mini PC, feature quad-core ARM Cortex processors (A53/A55), onboard RAM (2GB-4GB), and eMMC storage (16GB-64GB). They are ideal for lightweight, always-on applications such as digital signage, thin client computing, and IoT gateways, where low power consumption and silent operation are critical. Intel-based systems offer a significant performance boost and are available across multiple product lines including Treo, Aero, and Industrial PC series. These utilize processors from the efficient Intel N100 up to the powerful Intel Core i5-1250P, with configurations featuring up to 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and support for full desktop operating systems like Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux.
The choice between an ARM or Intel Centre Com device depends heavily on the intended use case. For basic terminal services, web-based applications, and single-purpose kiosks, ARM systems provide a cost-effective and robust solution. For more demanding tasks such as multi-application point-of-sale systems, light CAD work, industrial automation control, or local data processing, the Intel-based mini PCs and industrial PCs are necessary. Their higher clock speeds, larger cache, and support for x86 software ecosystems enable them to handle complex workloads reliably.
| Feature / Use Case | ARM-Based Centre Com (e.g., Micro Series) | Intel-Based Centre Com (e.g., Treo, Aero, IPC Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Architecture | ARM (RISC) | x86-64 (CISC) |
| Typical Processor | Cortex A53/A55 (1.5-1.9 GHz) | Intel N100 to Core i5 (up to 5.0 GHz) |
| Best For | Thin clients, digital signage, IoT edge nodes | General business computing, industrial HMI, POS systems |
| Power Profile | Very low, often fanless | Low to moderate, some models are fanless |
| Software Ecosystem | Linux-based, web apps, Android | Full Windows/Linux desktop OS support, legacy x86 software |
| I/O & Expandability | Basic (HDMI, USB, WiFi) | Comprehensive (multiple displays, more USB, optional serial/GPIO) |
Thinvent's Range of Centre Com Products
Thinvent offers a comprehensive lineup of Centre Com devices to meet diverse global industrial and commercial needs. Our Micro Series represents the ultimate in compact, ARM-powered efficiency for connected display and terminal applications. The Treo and Aero Mini PC Series deliver the perfect balance of Intel performance and miniaturized form factors for office and retail environments. For the most demanding and rugged applications, our Industrial PC (IPC) Series provides enhanced durability, wider operating temperature ranges, and often additional industrial I/O like COM ports, making them ideal for manufacturing, logistics, and outdoor kiosks. Whether you need a simple web terminal or a powerful computing node for machine vision, Thinvent's Centre Com portfolio provides a reliable, scalable foundation for your digital infrastructure.
