Inst ToolsInst ToolsInst Tools
  • Ask
  • Courses
  • Videos
  • Q & A
    • Interview
      • Instrumentation
      • Electronics
      • Electrical
      • Practical Questions
    • MCQ
      • Instrumentation MCQ
      • Electrical MCQ
      • Electronics MCQ
      • Control Systems MCQ
      • Analog Electronics MCQ
      • Digital Electronics MCQ
      • Power Electronics MCQ
      • Microprocessor MCQ
      • Multiple Choice Questions
  • EE
    • Electronics
      • Electronics Q & A
      • Electronic Basics
      • Electronic Devices & Circuits
      • Electronics Animation
      • Digital Electronics
    • Electrical
      • Electrical Basics
      • Electrical Q & A
      • Power Electronics
      • Electrical Machines
      • Electrical Animation
      • Power Systems
      • Switchgear & Protection
      • Transmission & Distribution
  • Measure
    • Control Valves
    • Calibration
    • Temperature
    • Pressure
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Analyzers
    • Switches
    • Vibration
    • Solenoid Valve
  • Control
    • PLC Tutorials
    • Control Systems
    • Safety Instrumented System (SIS)
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • More
    • Design
    • Tools
    • Animation
    • Basics
    • Formulas
    • Standards
    • TextBooks
    • Common
    • Software
    • Excel Tools
    • Erection & Commissioning
    • Process Fundamentals
    • Videos
    • Books
Search
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Reading: Difference Between Industrial Computer (IPC) and Normal Computer (PC)
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Inst ToolsInst Tools
Font ResizerAa
  • Courses
  • PLC Tutorials
  • Control Systems
Search
  • Ask
  • Courses
  • Videos
  • Q & A
    • Interview
    • MCQ
  • EE
    • Electronics
    • Electrical
  • Measure
    • Control Valves
    • Calibration
    • Temperature
    • Pressure
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Analyzers
    • Switches
    • Vibration
    • Solenoid Valve
  • Control
    • PLC Tutorials
    • Control Systems
    • Safety Instrumented System (SIS)
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • More
    • Design
    • Tools
    • Animation
    • Basics
    • Formulas
    • Standards
    • TextBooks
    • Common
    • Software
    • Excel Tools
    • Erection & Commissioning
    • Process Fundamentals
    • Videos
    • Books
Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Inst Tools > Blog > PLC Tutorials > Difference Between Industrial Computer (IPC) and Normal Computer (PC)

Difference Between Industrial Computer (IPC) and Normal Computer (PC)

In this post, we will understand the difference between an industrial computer (IPC) and a normal computer (PC).

Last updated: October 17, 2023 2:01 pm
Viral Nagda
PLC Tutorials
No Comments
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

In this post, we will understand the difference between an industrial computer (IPC) and a normal computer (PC).

Contents
Normal Computer (PC)Industrial Computer (IPC)Industrial Computer versus Normal Computer
Industrial Computer

Normal Computer (PC)

PC has become a part and parcel of our life. In today’s world, it is difficult to do your work without a computer. Even in industrial world, a computer plays an important role in making job easier.

Earlier, a PLC was connected to an HMI for the graphical interface. HMI is used even now too. But then, SCADA developed. SCADA runs on a computer and integrates the overall system in a more efficient and larger way as compared to HMI.

Nowadays, due to the large requirement of data storage and record on daily basis, SCADA is mostly used everywhere as compared to HMI; though it is costlier than HMI.

In a control room area or office area, the PC is installed; where the SCADA software runs to communicate with the overall system.

But, with a normal PC, comes a computer desk, keyboard, mouse, stabilizer, CPU, and monitor. This increases the area required for installing a PC.

Also, you cannot set up a normal PC near the PLC control panel; as it increases the space consumption of the panel area.

Also, if a user wants to use the nearby area of the panel for some other purposes, then he will feel the area crunch due to the normal PC which is running there.

All this makes the use of an industrial PC more affordable and efficient as compared to a normal PC.

Industrial Computer (IPC)

An industrial PC (IPC) is the same as an HMI; single standalone unit display, but with a CPU embedded in it.

You can mount it on the control panel in the same fashion as an HMI. So, you can imagine how much it reduces the cost of the system and also the area consumption.

Industrial Computer versus Normal Computer

The main difference which separates an industrial computer (also called IPC) from a normal PC is it’s design and construction.

IPC’s are rugged in nature and are more useful in an industrial environment, which protects them from dust, water, debris, fire, shock, or vibration.

Industrial PC can also withstand extreme temperature and humidity with ease. If you are using a normal PC instead of this, you will require another enclosure to cover the PC with additional safety elements. This will instead increment the size of the system more and make the area a very bulky one.

IPC’s also have added protection against electromagnetic interferences and high radio frequencies. This will not impact the system integrity for data transmission.

It is the same as a normal PC in terms of software functionalities. You can do all the tasks and install all the software stuff the same way as you perform in a normal PC. So, apart from this, you get more hardware reliability in an industrial environment, which will be lagged in a normal PC.

IPC’s have a higher level of IP rating, which offers protection against contaminants to IP65 as standard on all displays, for dust and water resistance.

If a normal PC runs into any hardware trouble, the cost of its repair and replacement would be more as compared to an industrial PC.

Also, as technology advances, if the need arises to expand the hardware, IPC’s would be more comfortable and easier to expand as compared to a normal PC.

This shows that an IPC is more useful for an industrial environment as compared to a normal PC.

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for Instrumentation, Electrical, PLC, and SCADA video tutorials.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive daily updates.

Read Next:

  • Connect to the Siemens S7 PLC
  • PLC Multiple Choice Questions
  • Compact PLC versus Modular PLC
  • How to Upload Siemens PLC Programs?
  • Compare Online and Offline PLC Program
Don't Miss Our Updates
Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
You've successfully subscribed !
Door Lock with Delay PLC Exercise Problems
Control Room and Field Instruments Questions and Answers
PLC Project Examples for EcoStruxure Machine Expert
Comparison of Proportional Integral Derivative Controllers (PID)
PLC Program for 2 Push buttons to Control 1 Output
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link
Share
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

128.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
208kSubscribersSubscribe
38kFollowersFollow

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Guifty Shimica on Top Non-PLC Certification Courses for Automation Professionals
  • Guifty Shimica on Top Non-PLC Certification Courses for Automation Professionals
  • MIHARITSOA Aina Sitraka on Top Non-PLC Certification Courses for Automation Professionals
  • Vaishnavi on Free Instrumentation Course for Trainee Engineers

Related Articles

Studio 5000 Programming Three Motors with Fixed Priorities

Studio 5000: Programming Three Motors with Fixed Priorities

How to Read an Electrical Wiring Diagram

How to Read an Electrical Wiring Diagram?

Siemens PLC Organization Blocks used For Troubleshooting

Tia Portal – OB121 Programming Errors Interrupt Organization Block

PLC program for VFD Drive Multiple Speeds

Drive Multiple Speeds with Different Reference using PLC

PLC Programmer Tools

Tools Required for PLC Programmer to Carry at Site

How to Use the Shift and Rotate Instructions in PLC

How to Use the Shift and Rotate Instructions in PLC?

Automatic Coffee Machine

Automatic Coffee Vending Machine – PLC Logic Programming

PLC Program Upload

How to Upload Siemens PLC Programs?

More Articles

What is an ELV System - Extra Low Voltage

What is an ELV System? – Extra Low Voltage

Weigh feeders Principle

What is a Weigh Feeder?

Electrical Machines Questions and Answers

Polyphase Induction Motors Quiz

Wireless Projects

100 Wireless Projects – Electrical and Electronics Engineering

What is Linear Electric Motor

What is Linear Electric Motor?

Forward reverse motor control diagram with timer

Timer during Motor Direction Change PLC Program

Parallel Circuit Parallel Current Calculations

Parallel Circuit Current Calculations

Pyrometer Principle

Optical Pyrometer Working Principle Animation

Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?