What is an Industrial Computer?
An industrial computer, or industrial PC (IPC), is a ruggedized computing system designed for reliable operation in demanding environments. Unlike standard commercial PCs, these systems are built to withstand extreme temperatures, dust, moisture, vibration, and extended operational hours. They serve as the computational backbone for automation, control, and data acquisition in sectors where failure is not an option. Key characteristics include fanless designs for silent operation and dust resistance, wide operating temperature ranges, and support for industrial communication protocols and expansion cards.
Key Specifications and Architecture
Industrial computers are defined by their core components, which are selected for durability and performance. The processor is central, with options ranging from power-efficient ARM cores for lightweight tasks to high-performance Intel Core processors for complex computing. Memory and storage are typically soldered or use industrial-grade modules to ensure stability. Critical I/O includes multiple display outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort), serial ports (RS-232/485), and LAN ports. Expansion is facilitated through slots like Mini-PCIe or M.2 for adding cellular modems, additional storage, or specialized I/O cards.
Primary Use Cases and Applications
These robust systems are deployed across numerous industries. In manufacturing, they control machinery on the factory floor and run HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces). In retail and hospitality, they power digital signage, kiosks, and point-of-sale systems. For transportation and logistics, they are used in fleet management and automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Their reliability also makes them ideal for outdoor applications in smart cities, such as traffic control and environmental monitoring, and in healthcare for diagnostic equipment.
Comparing Processor Platforms: ARM vs. Intel
Thinvent's product range utilizes both ARM and Intel architectures, each suited to different performance profiles and use cases.
| Feature | ARM-based Systems (e.g., Micro Series) | Intel-based Systems (e.g., Treo, IPC, Aero Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Use | Thin clients, digital signage, lightweight kiosks | General-purpose computing, industrial automation, edge servers |
| Power & Heat | Very low power, often fanless | Moderate to high power; may require active cooling in higher tiers |
| Performance | Sufficient for dedicated applications & streaming | Higher, suitable for multitasking & complex computations |
| OS Support | Linux, Android, lightweight Windows variants | Full Windows, Linux, and other x86-compatible OSes |
| Example Model | Micro 6 Pro (ARM Cortex A55) | Industrial PC IPC5 (Intel Core i5-1250P) |
Thinvent's Range of Industrial Computers
Thinvent offers a comprehensive portfolio of industrial computers to meet diverse global needs. Our Micro Series provides ultra-compact, fanless ARM-based solutions perfect for space-constrained and always-on deployments like digital signage. The Treo and Aero Mini PC Series deliver a balance of Intel performance and compact form factors for office automation, interactive kiosks, and light industrial duty. For the most demanding applications, our Industrial PC (IPC) Series features ruggedized designs with high-performance Intel Core processors, ample RAM and SSD storage, and versatile I/O, engineered for harsh factory environments, machine vision, and edge computing tasks. All Thinvent systems are built with reliability and long-term availability in mind, supporting a wide range of operating systems including Windows IoT, Ubuntu Linux, and our proprietary Thinux™ Embedded Linux.
