Rugged highly reliable embedded computing solutions
Embedded computing platforms are designed for specific tasks, so they’re typically much smaller than general‑purpose desktops or laptops. At one end of the embedded computer spectrum, tiny microcontrollers power devices like smart watches. At the other end, industrial embedded computers with rugged processors run full operating systems on compact single board computers, small fanless box… Read More »
Industrial rugged embedded computers must meet strict standards for reliability, environmental protection, security, and long lifecycle performance. While many safety, connectivity, and regulatory standards apply to both commercial and industrial computers, this guide focuses specifically on the standards that matter most for industrial embedded systems deployed in harsh environments. When designing systems for factory automation,… Read More »
Prototyping ensures that all stakeholders in a product’s success have a clear picture of the (nearly) finished product. It allows software testing to occur on real hardware. And it lets the design team focus on the user interface. Implementing these steps concurrently results in a faster time to market and fewer design changes along the… Read More »
When determining the best rugged embedded computer for your application, it’s important to consider whether standard or custom will best meet your needs. For example, standard single board computers (SBCs) come in several form factors, with various types of I/O and number of connectors. Surely an SBC exists to meet the physical space available for… Read More »
Artificial intelligence has been around for quite some time, both real and science-fiction variety. Real AI, the kind that’s useful in a host of embedded applications today, arrived in full form about a decade ago. Early examples of AI use include speech and other sound recognition, and minimal levels of autonomous driving. Following those advances… Read More »
Many of the embedded computer providers offer products for both the industrial and military sectors. But by no means are they offering the same products for the two sectors. The products often have many similarities, but there are also many differences. And those differences may not always be immediately obvious. First, there is deployment time…. Read More »
Machine vision runs the gamut in factory automation applications, from handling security and maximizing production, to providing predictive maintenance for the machinery. On the production side, tasks could include inspection, orientation, identification, and assembly. While each of these elements could be handled by a human, there are many (emphasis on “many”) reasons why you would… Read More »