What is an Embedded Computer?

An embedded computer is designed to perform specific tasks within a larger device or system. Typically self-contained, meaning there is no need for external components – or peripherals – like keyboards and monitors, these devices use special hardware and software to operate without any need for user input.

Designed specifically to carry out a singular function, these machines are highly efficient, cost-effective and reliable. Despite their small size, embedded computers provide powerful computing capabilities with dedicated processors, memory, I/O ports, communication interfaces and more.

Embedded PCs are not to be confused with an embedded system, which refers to an entire solution or complete package – including the hardware, operating system, application software and even additional components like sensors.

We’ve prepared a list of frequently asked embedded computer questions below.

What do embedded computers do? Embedded computers find themselves in use across many applications. The number of applications is also rapidly growing, thanks to their ability to perform specialised tasks with minimal power consumption and cost. An embedded PC can be used to control machinery, for communication with other systems, and also for data acquisition. They find a home in industrial automation applications and other specialised fields, powering our everyday lives.

Embedded computing finds a home in the domestic space in a variety of items such as traffic light systems, CCTV solutions, digital signage and kiosks. The computers allow these solutions to offer key features like internet connectivity and automated scheduling. As embedded computers evolve and technology continues to change, these machines are now essential for a variety of industries and applications, enabling them to function efficiently and reliably.

Industrial Automation

Embedded computers are integral to industrial automation, controlling production processes, monitoring systems, and managing robotics. In healthcare, they enable reliable, secure, and high-performance computing for monitoring vital signs, assisting in treatments, and facilitating remote diagnoses. To ensure safety and reliability, manufacturers obtain certifications like ISO 13485 and IEC 60601 for medical-grade systems. Companies such as  Axiomtek, Arbor Technology, AValue, and Winmate offer certified embedded computers and panel PCs.

Renewable Energy Sources

In the renewable energy sector, embedded computers enhance efficiency by controlling and monitoring processes. They oversee solar panels and wind turbines, automate tasks like adjusting panel angles or turbine blades, and optimise power output. This leads to cost reductions and improved performance. Manufacturers like Neousys, ASRock, AAEON, and Cincoze provide systems engineered for energy applications, including DIN Rail Computers and Industrial Panel PCs.

Military Embedded Computers

Embedded computers are also vital in military applications, from weapons control systems to communication networks, ensuring data accuracy and security. These systems must meet certifications, such as MIL-STD-810G, which address environmental factors including temperature extremes, humidity, shock, vibration, and electromagnetic compatibility. Manufacturers including Winmate, Arbor Technology, Cincoze, and Neousys deliver complex military computing solutions for use in many military applications.

Railway Certified Embedded Computers

Embedded PCs have revolutionised automotive and railway applications in recent years, enhancing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. They provide analytics for problem identification, optimize performance, and enable communication between sensors and controllers. To operate effectively on rail networks, these computers require certifications like EN50155, ensuring suitability for harsh environments, and EN 45545, specifying fire protection requirements.

AI Systems

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising machine interaction with environments, enhancing efficiency. Embedded AI computers combine powerful processors with machine learning algorithms in compact devices capable of rapid data processing. NVIDIA Jetson exemplifies this, allowing developers to create, train, and deploy machine learning models on edge devices efficiently. Its advanced processor architecture and comprehensive software stack are transforming industries by automating processes previously manual or unfeasible.

Embedded computers are highly customisable, but can fundamentally be categorised into four main function types:

General Purpose

These computers are used to provide basic computing power to devices. They are typically less powerful than a standalone system, but they deliver the necessary CPU, memory and other components needed to drive the device’s functionality. Common examples include smart televisions and home automation systems.

Stand Alone

These embedded computers are used to assist the operation of industrial robots, medical devices and military equipment. They are designed to operate independently of external systems or networks and have dedicated hardware and software resources.

Real Time

Designed for applications that need to respond to a stimulus within a set time frame, the main purpose of these systems is to analyse signals or inputs and react in real time to changes in the environment or devices. Common examples include aircraft flight systems, telecommunications networks and robotic systems.

Networked

A network of these computers is specifically designed to communicate with one another, sending and receiving information over a dedicated network. They are designed to connect multiple embedded devices, enabling them to work as one unit. Common examples include building automation systems and security systems.

The key differences between an embedded PC and a regular desktop PC lie in their intended use and design. Embedded PCs are built for specific tasks within often industrial settings, featuring rugged chassis, compact form factors and components optimised for low power consumption. They often operate in environments with extreme temperatures, vibrations, or dust and can include specialised CPUs or GPUs to meet the strict demands of their task.

Regular desktops are designed for home or office use and lack the durability and specialised features required for the environments embedded devices find themselves in.

These computers offer a high degree of customisation, ensuring they meet the unique requirements of various applications. Customisation options span across specific CPUs or GPUs, memory configurations and even storage capacities. This allows for optimisation in performance, power efficiency and size. In industrial computers, this customisation ensures the device can withstand harsh conditions, integrate into existing systems and comply with industry standards.

Typically, these computers run operating systems tailored to their specific functions. Common choices include Embedded Linux, Windows IoT and Real-Time Operating Systems like FreeRTOS or VxWorks. Optimised to consume minimal power and provide real-time performance, these devices are suitable in a range of industrial settings and IoT deployments. The choice of OS depends on the application’s requirements, the hardware’s capabilities and the need for responsiveness or ongoing support.

Embedded computer systems offer numerous advantages over traditional consumer-grade computers. Below are the main benefits of using an embedded computer, no matter what the application may be:

Small Form Factor Design

A standout feature of nearly all embedded computers is their compact size and weight. Utilising small form factor motherboards such as Mini-ITX, these systems can be installed in places where a typical desktop or tower PC would never fit. When designed with flexible mounting options, integration is possible in virtually any position or orientation. If size is one of your most significant constraints, consider Pico-ITX or Single Board Computers.

Fanless Cooling

Fan-based cooling in consumer-grade computers can lead to failures due to dust accumulation, whereas fanless embedded computers employ passive cooling methods like thermal pads, heat sinks, and strategically placed heat-generating components to dissipate heat efficiently. This design not only reduces noise and frees up internal space but also enables the systems to be sealed against environmental elements, achieving ratings like IP65 for industrial applications.

Reliability

Embedded computers are engineered for continuous 24/7 operation in demanding environments, offering superior reliability and durability compared to consumer-grade PCs. They are built with wide temperature components capable of operating beyond the standard 0°C to 60°C range and can be enhanced with conformal coatings to protect against moisture, dust, corrosion, and electrical or thermal conduction.

Extended Life Cycle Support

Embedded computers offer extended life cycle support, typically lasting 2 to 12 years, minimising the disruption caused by frequent hardware changes common in consumer-grade systems, which are often superseded within 6 to 12 months. This stability allows industrial users to lock down a single operating system image across deployments, avoiding the costly and complex process of managing multiple software versions.

Cost Effectiveness

Embedded computers offer a cost-effective solution for businesses seeking reliable and efficient computing capabilities. Designed for specific tasks, they require fewer components than general-purpose computers, leading to lower production and maintenance costs.

Security

Embedded computers also offer much greater security than traditional computers since they are designed to be extremely reliable and difficult to hack into. This makes them great for protecting sensitive data such as customer records or financial information. Additionally, systems can be configured to support a variety of different operating systems without having to replace any hardware.

The installation of embedded PCs varies based on their form factor and the requirements of the application. Industrial embedded PC variants are often mounted on DIN rail mounting as it allows for easy integration into control panels, but there are also options to attach to monitors or walls for use in kiosks or digital signage.

There are several considerations when selecting the right computer for your application. Understanding the dimensions of the device, the physical constraints of its environment, vibration levels, and more is key, ensuring that the computer can be installed safely and efficiently.

Consider key performance requirements too, such as processor speed, memory size and storage capacity. Ensure that the processor you choose can handle the expected workload and that the power requirements of the computer can be met, and that the necessary cables and adapters can be secured before installation.

Assured Systems offers a wide range of embedded computers and can preconfigure devices to your exact requirements. If you can’t find a suitable solution ‘off the shelf’, we can build custom cases and configurations to fit your application’s limitations – we design and build completely tailored solutions from the ground up in-house at our design centre. Once you have chosen a core platform, a fixed bill of materials will be defined. A fixed bill of materials means that none of the components will change if you require a continued supply. We also soak test all computer systems before they are shipped. If required, we can also put the system under load and emulate any test routines you need. Once built and tested, an agreed stock level will also be kept on our shelves to ensure your systems are ready to go via next-day delivery.

For further product information, support requests, or just to chat about your application in more detail, please contact us today.