The personal computer has been used in automation for many years now, but with today's computers being more robust, fanless, and economically priced, it is not unheard of to have multiple computers per machine. Computers are used to gather data, perform complex calculations, and interface with corporate IT infrastructure. B&R Industrial Automation, a company that is at the cutting edge of computing automation, has recently released the “future-proof” APC 3200 industrial PC.
The APC 3200 industrial PC is the future-proof successor to B&R’s APC 3100. Image used courtesy of B&R Industrial Automation
Automation PC (APC) 3200
Succeeding the APC 3100, the APC 3200 industrial PC offers upgraded components in a similar footprint. The APC 3200 uses 13th-generation intel core i processors with memory options up to 64 GB DRAM. The APC 3200 features multiple USB ports and two gigabit Ethernet ports for fast communication. Standard fieldbuses are supported, and the passive cooling system keeps components cool without the need for a fan. The storage medium is CFexpress memory cards, which can be swapped out to run different configurations or operating systems without any tools. There are two slots for CFexpress cards.
The APC 3200 operating system can be pre-configured from the factory with either Automation Runtime, Linux for B&R 12, or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise. Memory storage can also be configured with options ranging from 60 GB up to 960 GB. To allow for additional branding and configuration, the APC 3200 can be ordered with an orange B&R branded front cover or a dark gray cover without branding. This allows integrators to develop their system and apply their brand to the PC.
PC automation not only collects data but also controls devices. Image used courtesy of B&R Industrial Automation
Memory Storage
B&R has leveraged the CFast card for digital data storage for the better part of a decade. The CFast card has been reliable and is a widely accepted storage medium. The APC 3200 promises to be future-proof, so the storage medium needed to be upgraded. The CFexpress memory card is the accepted medium for the APC 3200, which boasts read speeds of up to 1800 MB/s, leaving the CFast card read speeds of 550 MB/s in the dust. This higher read speed allows the operating system to make decisions on inputs and outputs faster. Automation programs can run more efficiently and collect data at a higher rate.
Retrofitting equipment with the APC 3200 can help with data collection. Image used courtesy of B&R Industrial Automation
Machine Data Collection
Data collection on automated assembly equipment or process automation is what drives change in factories around the world. Every part of that created or batch of product carries a massive amount of data that is collected during the birth of that product.
For this data to be collected, computers need to be connected to the equipment through industrial networks, and they need to be connected to the corporate IT network. This presents a security issue, where attackers could potentially hack into production equipment and wreak havoc on production lines. This is why it is important to have high-quality, state-of-the-art computers on equipment in the field. The APC 3200 uses the latest intel chipset, and B&R offers regular updates, making the APC 3200 a fast and secure industrial computer.
