What Is a Rugged PC?
A rugged PC is a computer built to keep working in harsh conditions, such as heat, cold, dust, vibration and shock. Rugged designs use sealed or reinforced housings and components selected for durability. Buyers often check for test certifications before they choose a rugged device.
Rugged Certifications to Know
Two US Department of Defense standards are common in rugged computing:
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MIL-STD-810 (current version H, previously G): Tests a device against many conditions, including temperature, shock, vibration, dust and moisture.
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MIL-STD-461G: Evaluates electromagnetic compatibility, which covers how much interference a device emits and how well it resists interference.
Other common ratings include IP65 for dust and water resistance, and Class 1 Division 2 for use in hazardous locations.
Key Specifications to Compare
Compare these specifications when you choose a rugged PC:
| Specification | What It Affects |
|---|---|
| Processor (Intel Core i3, i5, i7; AMD Ryzen 5) | Speed for industrial control, data logging and machine vision |
| Memory (8 GB to 32 GB DDR4) | Number of applications and data sets a system can run at once |
| Storage (SSD, 128 GB to 1 TB) | Capacity and read/write speed |
| Power input (12V, 19V adapters) | Compatibility with industrial power supplies |
| Connectivity (Dual LAN, WiFi 6, Bluetooth) | Network links to machines, sensors and cloud systems |
| Operating system (Windows 11 IoT, Windows 11 Pro, Ubuntu Linux, Thinux) | Software support for the application |
Use Cases
Rugged PCs are used in factory automation, process control, kiosks, digital signage, transport systems, field data collection and embedded control in equipment.
Thinvent Products for Rugged and Industrial Use
Thinvent has industrial and mini PCs for demanding environments. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC5 is available with Intel Core i5-1240P, Intel Core i7-1255U and dual LAN, with 16 GB or 32 GB of memory and 512 GB or 1 TB of SSD storage. The Thinvent Industrial PC IPC3 uses the Intel Core i3-1215U with 8 GB memory and 256 GB SSD, and runs Ubuntu Linux. The Thinvent Micro 5R Thin Client uses an ARM Cortex A53 processor with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth, and runs Thinux embedded Linux. The Thinvent Aero Mini PC is available with Intel Core i3-1215U or Intel Core 5 120U. The Thinvent Treo Mini PC is available with AMD Ryzen 5 7430U or Intel N5095A.
Thinvent's range does not list MIL-STD-810 or MIL-STD-461G certification for these products. Check the product datasheet for the test ratings that apply to your project.
