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Industrial PC's: Addressing the Top Five Challenges on the Factory Floor

From PHOENIX CONTACT USA

Key Concepts:
* PC-based control systems are becoming increasingly common on the factory floor, but selecting the wrong industrial PC can lead to downtime, or even worse, lost production.
* Common challenges include:
-Mass storage
-Embedded versus desktop operating system
-Security
-Energy-efficiency
-Serviceability
* by understanding these issues, the user can select the best industrial PC to meet the needs of their specific application.

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Products & Services
Human Machine Interfaces
Human machine interfaces (HMI) are operator interface terminals with which users interact in order to control other devices.
Computers
Computers are programmable electronic devices that accept data, execute prerecorded instructions, perform mathematical and logical operations, and output results.
Panel Computers
Panel PCs are specialized computers that are designed for industrial applications. The personal computer or PC is embedded in a flange or panel, allowing operators to monitor or manage industrial processes.
Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC)
Programmable automation controllers (PAC) are compact industrial controllers used in applications such as data acquisition and control, machine vision control, and process control. PACs are functionally similar to programmable logic controllers (PLC), but provide the advanced software features of personal computers (PC).
Programmable Automation Controller (PAC) Systems
Programmable automation controller (PAC) systems consist of PAC modules, each of which performs a specific function. PAC systems are used in motion control, machine control, machine vision, and other industrial control applications.
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