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Our Guide to Embedded Box PCs
Embedded Box PCs are a system engineer’s easiest option for system roll-out when you’re just looking for pre-configured units to connect a screen, sensors and peripherals to and deploy.
Assured Systems have over 12 years experience in configuring, designing and customising Embedded Box PCs for use across a wide range of applications. We work closely with engineers, developers and hardware specialists to preconfigure devices to meet very specific requirements.
What is an Embedded Box PC?
Embedded Box PCs are compact, custom built computers which fit into small, hardened enclosures which protect the system from dust, debris and other contaminants. Small yet highly robust, these systems are designed for use within harsh environments where space is limited and reliability and durability are critical.
Where are Embedded Box PCs Used?
One of the most common applications of Embedded Box PCs is within Automation Control. These computers provide the necessary computing power for controlling and monitoring various types of machinery and equipment. They can be used to operate robotic arms, conveyor belts, automated door locks, elevators, and more. Additionally, they can be used to integrate sensors, cameras, and other peripheral devices into the system. Their small form factor, fanless cooling, resistance to shock and vibrations, and dust proofing makes them perfect for this use.
Embedded Box PCs are also used in environments which are regularly exposed to changing weather conditions and temperatures. Key areas of use include agriculture, military deployment and within the renewable energy sector, in particularly for monitoring and connectivity purposes.
Box PCs can also be found within the healthcare sector, playing a key role in powering monitoring equipment and devices.
Whilst the robust qualities of these systems makes them an ideal choice for extreme environments, they can also be found in our day-to-day lives more often than expected. For example, industrial grade box PCs are also used to power touchscreen kiosks such as self checkouts, ATM machines, ticket terminals used by the general public.
What are the Key Advantages of using an Embedded Box PC?
Embedded Box PCs offer a number of benefits, particularly for industrial, agricultural and military uses. Below are the main benefits of opting for an industrial grade PC:
Ruggedisation
The hard, metal casing of embedded box PCs make them highly robust, rendering them ideal for applications where conditions may be challenging and at times, unpredictable.
Fanless Cooling
Consumer-grade computers typically feature openings in their case and utilise fans to create airflow for cooling. With no internal moving parts and a sealed hardened case, embedded box PCs deliver a greater level of reliability and higher performance thanks to their protection against dust and dirt. Box PCs have a significantly reduced risk of failure as a result of systems within overheating or clogging.
Compact Size
As the name suggests, Embedded Box PCs are available in a range of sizes and form factors. Hugely versatile, many can be installed in tight or restricted spaces. This minimises the space required for installation, which is especially useful if you’re working with limited space.
Low Power Consumption
As a result of the streamlined build and dedicated operation, Embedded Box PCs offer ultra-low power consumption, making them energy efficient and environmentally friendly. This makes them suitable for applications such as IoT (Internet of Things) devices, which need to be powered by batteries or small solar panels.
Low Maintenance
Typically systems are required to run 24/7 and therefore reliability is critical. Embedded Box PC manufacturers design and produce hardware to meet specific criteria and certification, choosing specific components that they know will endure and consume less power.
Operating in Wide Temperatures
Many Embedded Box PCs are built using wide temperature components to handle ranges wider than 0-60C and conformal coatings can also be applied upon request to protect the system against moisture, dust, corrosion and electrical or thermal conduction.
Customization Options
Finally, such systems are highly customizable and can be designed to fit specific requirements. Depending on your application, you can choose from a wide range of components, such as CPUs, RAM, storage, and network cards, to build the perfect solution for your needs.
Contact Assured Systems Today
Assured Systems offer a wide range of Embedded Box PCs and can preconfigure devices to your exact requirements. If nothing is available ‘off the shelf’ we can also create custom cases and configurations to fit your application’s limitations – our team design and build completely tailored systems from the ground up in-house at our design centre. Contact us today to discuss your project in more detail.
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