Embedded industrial controllers can be broadly summarized as computers with a dedicated function that is physically part of a larger system. They come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes, and as such are used in a wide range of industries, from controlling surveillance and controlling automated production lines to managing transit surveillance cameras for mass transportation. In addition, their specialized features allow engineers to optimize specific configurations to reduce hardware requirements and programmable software. As technology continues to evolve, these embedded industrial controllers are becoming smarter and more sophisticated, playing a key role in advancing the Internet of Things and facilitating connections between people and machines.
Embedded industrial controllers are a set of monolithic control systems integrated with an industrial workbench. Equipped with a suitable size LCD display to show the working menu, it can be accessed with a standard keyboard, the display includes text, running number, date and graphic, it can be connected with PC and other devices through RS232 serial port or USB interface; CF card interface can be accessed with 8M-2G CF card.
In the industrial all-in-one project, often encountered in the workpiece need to do back and forth movement or need to accurately positioning and other occasions, these projects using stepper motor control is simple and easy. Therefore, the embedded industrial control integrated industrial control machine with stepper motor is widely used, which can be used as the control system of pneumatic processing, laser processing, automatic welding and other equipments.
Most embedded computers have almost all components placed on a single PCB or motherboard. With fewer interchangeable components, such as RAM, CPU and storage, embedded boards look very different from traditional consumer motherboards. Typically there are no slotted components on embedded boards and most components are soldered to the CPU.
The defining characteristics of embedded computers can be broken down into four areas:
1. Small size: a single high-density PCB design is usually used to maximize space efficiency
2. Lower power components: energy-efficient processors with low TDPs are used for passive or minimal cooling to eliminate the need for fans and moving components.
3. Minimal upgradability or expandability: Few slot components limit upgradability and expandability beyond their initial design and functionality.
4. Low hardware cost: Expansion slots for soldered components are abandoned, and SoCs reduce overall cost and component complexity. Optimized for low-cost volume production of these embedded boards.
Embedded systems must be optimized for low power consumption, code complexity, size, weight and cost. Many lack even dedicated onboard user interfaces (mouse, keyboard, and screen) that are largely controlled through remote management interfaces, secure enclosures, and even direct firmware updates.