What Are Embedded Computers in the Internet of Things?
An embedded computer is a processing system built into a device or machine to control it, read its inputs, and produce outputs. The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and communication technologies, enabling them to connect to the Internet and exchange data automatically without direct human involvement. Embedded computers are the processing core of most IoT devices, because they gather sensor data, run control logic, and send information to other systems.
Core Components and Design Trade-offs
Embedded systems generally contain a processor, RAM for working memory, and ROM or flash memory to store program code and static data. The processing function is provided by a microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a system on a chip (SoC). Embedded systems are typically powered by utility electrical power, batteries, or power from the host system. Engineers balance hardware and software choices in IoT design. A higher-core processor and more memory support heavier data processing, while a low-power processor with less memory suits simple sensing and control tasks. Storage must be large enough for the device's planned lifecycle.
Networking and Connectivity
Many embedded systems support network communication, which enables remote monitoring, notifications, and data exchange with cloud services. IoT connectivity depends on Internet protocols and networking, so devices need either a wired network port or a wireless interface such as Wi-Fi. Dual LAN ports let a device connect to two networks at once, and Wi-Fi 6 with Bluetooth supports wireless links for sensors and peripherals.
Common IoT and Embedded Applications
Embedded systems support a wide range of uses, from reading button presses on a remote control to processing high-rate data from industrial sensors. Typical IoT applications include industrial monitoring and control, machine data collection, digital signage, kiosk and point-of-sale systems, and remote device management.
Thinvent Products for Embedded and IoT Use
Thinvent has embedded and IoT-ready computers across several processor families:
| Product | Processor | Cores | Max Frequency | Cache | RAM | Storage | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client | ARM Cortex A53 | 4 | 2.0 GHz | - | 2 GB | 16 GB eMMC | Thinux Embedded Linux |
| Thinvent Treo Mini PC | Intel N5095A | 4 | 2.9 GHz | 4 MB | 4 GB | 128 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Thinvent Industrial PC IPC3 | Intel Core i3-1215U | 6 | 4.4 GHz | 10 MB | 8 GB | 256 GB SSD | Ubuntu Linux |
| Thinvent Treo Mini PC | AMD Ryzen 5 7430U | 6 | 4.3 GHz | 16 MB | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i5-1240P | 12 | 4.4 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 IoT Value |
| Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 | Intel Core i7-1255U | 10 | 4.7 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
| Thinvent Aero Mini PC | Intel Core 5 120U | 10 | 5.0 GHz | 12 MB | 16 GB | 512 GB SSD | Windows 11 Pro |
The Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client suits low-power IoT endpoints, with WiFi 6, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.0 and speaker output. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 and IPC3 are built for industrial deployments, with the IPC5 offering dual LAN and dual band WiFi in some configurations. The Thinvent Treo and Aero Mini PCs provide compact systems for control and display tasks.
