In these times, it is becoming increasingly risky to have healthy patients enter hospitals where they can easily become disease vectors. Because of this, many hospitals are transitioning doctor visits to telehealth visits. Telehealth refers to medical computer based doctor visits, where a doctor uses a medical computer to video-chat with their patient. Telehealth has seen such a rise in the last few weeks that the industry is having trouble keeping up with demand, according to the Wall Street Journal.
With this in mind, it is more important than ever to have this critical technology implemented in your hospital as soon as possible. Like personal protective equipment, telehealth using medical computers is a preventive measure to ensure those in your community and hospital remain healthy.
Telehealth Is Easier Than Ever
One of the main obstacles for telehealth is the seemingly tough challenge of implementing the technology. Because of the amount of regulations regarding medical data, using video-chat has been clouded by a barrier of laws. However, the Department of Health and Human Services has temporarily lifted many of these restrictions.
Video services like Zoom, Facetime, and Skype have all been given temporary approval for use during these times. Many other medical specific services such as VSee, Doxy, thera-Link, and Amazon Chime are available as well. Many of these telehealth services can be downloaded directly onto HIPPA compliant, medical grade computers.
Inform Patients That Telehealth Costs May Be Waived By Their Insurance
You read that right, insurance companies like Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield have announced that they are suspending co-pays for telehealth appointments. Both of these insurance companies see the life-saving potential of telehealth appointments on medical computers.
As jobless claims in the United States surge, it is more important than ever to inform your service area of these telehealth services. Cost and fear of the current situation may prohibit patients from seeking help. Telehealth on medical computers can offer these patients a free and worry-free way to get the help they need.
Federal Funding For Telehealth Is On The Way
FCC chairman Ajit Pai announced a $200 million plan that if passed, would allocate money to healthcare facilities for implementing telehealth. If passed, this would greatly reduce the costs for hospitals to implement this life-saving technology. In addition, the plan calls assures those on government aided internet plans that they will not be cut off during these times. This means that those in the most need will have access to telehealth, so long as their local hospital does.
Everyone is Preparing For Telehealth, Are You?
Major players in the healthcare industry, both private and public, are preparing for telehealth. Telehealth with medical computers has proven to be an effective way of social distancing, and could potentially save lives. Make sure that your hospital takes advantage of all the programs available, and implements this crucial technology.
There’s no doubt that Industrial PCs are a vital part of every industrial facility. But sometimes, for various reasons, a smaller approach may be preferred. That’s where Mini PCs from Tangent come in. Mini PCs are Industrial PCs that come in small yet powerful form. Rugged Mini PCs are perfect for situations where space is of the utmost concern, but powerful processing power is still required. At Tangent, our lineup of Mini PCs are built for the most demanding applications practiced—whether that’s inside or outside the factory.
High Performance Mini PCs
Embedded control systems don’t have to be tethered to large Industrial PCs. With high performance Rugged Mini PCs from Tangent, embedded control systems can run on a small yet powerful device directly adjacent to the system being controlled. Whether it’s suspension or fluid levels, there’s a Rugged Mini PC from Tangent that can control it. Rugged Mini PCs like the Rugged Mini O from Tangent are IP69K certified waterproof and can withstand temperatures from -4°F – 140°F, making it the perfect controller for nearly every application.
Rugged Mini O
Fanless Mini PCs
Digital Signs are not an industrial endeavor, but nevertheless experience industrial grade conditions. Digital signs posted outside can be exposed to sun damage, dust, and blistering hot summer days. In order to keep these signs running, Tangent has designed Rugged Mini PCs like the Rugged Mini L2 to be fanless, thus making them perfect for digital signage. Without fans, there is no risk of dust buildup in the Rugged Mini PCs, allowing it to withstand all the rigors of outdoor life without constant maintenance.
Rugged Mini L2
Interactive Kiosks can face similar problems when exposed in the elements. Even more so when these Kiosks offer the user a touchscreen interface. In order to keep these Kiosks from quickly being worn out by daily use, employing Mini PCs from Tangent is crucial. Mini PCs like the Rugged Mini Tank ensures that your kiosk, quite literally, will be built like a tank. Meeting official military grade standards, the Rugged Mini Tank is the perfect Mini PC for interactive kiosks that see daily use.
Rugged Mini Tank
Mini PCs: Perfect For Every Occasion
Whether it’s inside or outside the factory, Mini Industrial PCs can find applications in nearly any environment. These industrial PCs are custom built to be able to withstand any industrial application, making them perfect for situations that see just as many rugged conditions as factories see. With Mini Industrial PCs from tangent, there is nothing that can’t be done with industrial efficiency.
When it comes to the needs of industrial facilities, no two sets of needs are alike. Every type of facility— from factories, to oil processing plants, and even refrigerated facilities—has its own unique set of problems requiring unique solutions. Tangent is highly aware of this, and has designed multiple industrial computers to meet the needs of many facilities. Our feature packed industrial computers are custom designed for nearly every environment, guaranteeing there are multiple Tangent industrial computers to meet the demands of your facility.
Flexible Mounting Options
Not every facility has the square footage to accommodate multiple office spaces, but this shouldn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your workstations altogether. Industrial computers from Tangent like the F15 industrial grade computer are built for just such instances. With flexible VESA 75/100 and M8 Heavy-duty screws mounting options, the F15 industrial grade computer is capable of being placed nearly anywhere. The F15 industrial grade computer is an all-in-one PC that does not require a mouse or keyboard, meaning that it also does not require a large desk. Simply mount the F15 anywhere—even on a forklift—and “anywhere” can become an industrial workstation.
F15 Industrial Computer
Military Grade Hardware
While other manufacturers claim to have “military grade” industrial computers, Tangent has actually gone through the accreditation process for its line of qualifying industrial grade computers. Industrial computers like the Rugged Mini Tank industrial computer meet MIL-STD-810F shock standards. This makes this industrial grade computer the perfect fit for industrial areas where vibrations and drops are a fact of life. The Rugged Mini Tank lives up to its name, and can withstand military levels of punishment while operating as though it was sitting in a coffee shop.
Rugged Mini Tank
Advanced Cooling Systems
It is true that not every industrial facility’s needs are the same, but one thing holds true across the board: industrial facilities require industrial computers with specialized cooling systems. Traditional fan based cooling systems used by commercial computers assume that the location they are used in will have an air filter to remove dust and other contaminants. It goes without saying that this is not the case in industrial facilities. Tangent has created a passive cooling system for its lineup of industrial grade computers that not only cool them off, but allow them an extreme resistance to temperatures.
Industrial computers like the Rugged Mini C from Tangent can withstand temperatures from -40° – 185°F. This extreme range of operating temperatures makes the Rugged Mini C ideal for facilities where temperatures are either ice cold or beating hot.
Rugged Mini C Industrial Computer
Feature Packed And Factory Ready
Industrial grade computers from Tangent are custom designed to meet the needs of every industrial facility. Whether your facility lacks space, requires military grade hardware, or even has extreme temperatures, Tangent has created an industrial computer that will be the perfect fit.
As the U.S. industrial sector continues to expand, factories are looking for new ways to beat the competition in terms of efficiency and productivity. This may mean that creating multiple shifts and transitioning your facility to operate around the clock is in your factory’s future. But even if your workers can operate in three separate shifts, their equipment cannot. Making sure that the equipment your workers use can withstand 24/7 use is crucial to maximizing your facility’s productivity and efficiency.
Industrial Computers Built For 24/7 Use
Industrial computers are computers custom-designed to operate in factories, oil rigs, and every other industrial facility currently in use. Unlike commercial grade computers, industrial computers are able to withstand the temperatures and environments of the industrial sector with ease. But not all industrial computers are built equal. Industrial computers are seldom designed to operate on a 24/7 schedule—unless they are designed by Tangent. Tangent designs all of their industrial computers to be able to withstand a 24/7 use cycle with ease. Here’s how:
All-In-One PC Housing
In order to maintain a 24/7 use cycle, industrial computers need to be designed accordingly. One way to accomplish this is design the industrial computer as an all-in-one PC. All-in-one PCs are industrial computers that are similar to tablets in that the entire PC is contained behind the screen. All-in-one PCs like the S Series from Tangent make full use of this technology in their design. The S Series, when equipped with a solid state drive, features no moving parts whatsoever. In addition to its touchscreen, this means that the S Series rarely requires maintenance, making it perfect for 24/7 use.
S Series Of Industrial Computers
Extreme Temperature Resistance
A 24/7 use cycle means that an industrial computer must be able to withstand wide ranges of temperatures. From chilly nights to scorching days, the F15 all-in-one PC from Tangent can do just that. Able to withstand temperatures ranging from -4 – 140°F, this all-in-one PC is ready for any environment. Even when used on an oil processing facility under the desert sun, the F15 will run as though it was positioned in an air conditioned office.
F15 Industrial Computer
24/7 U.S. Based Technical Support
If your facility intends to run 24/7, then your technical support should run 24/7 too. Tangent’s United States based technical support agents are more than ready to assist you in all your technical support needs at any time. Whether it’s in the middle of the night or during a lunch break, Tangent’s trusted technical support team is there to keep your factory humming along. With remote troubleshooting, advance parts exchange, and on-site technician availability, Tangent’s United States based technical support team ensure your facility’s 24/7 dream comes true.
Tangent: Built For 24/7
If you want to upgrade your facilities’ equipment to run 24/7, then Tangent’s lineup of all-in-one PCs are the way to go. Combined with their 24/7 technical support, Tangent’s all-in-one PCs are the perfect fit.
When making a new network for your facility, there are many things to consider. Should you invest in smart factory infrastructure entirely? How many networks should your factory have? How many switches and routers do you need? While these are some of the most pressing questions, the question of the actual computers that will comprise the network should not be overlooked. While traditional computers rely on switches to create a network across multiple computers, there are other options that can be more effective. Industrial computers from Tangent can create networks via switches or simply by being connected to one another, allowing for more choices in your network building process.
Industrial Computers Are Perfect For Complex Systems
Complex networks require advanced infrastructure, and industrial computers from Tangent are more than advanced enough to be the building blocks for your factory’s network. Tangent’s lineup of rugged computers are built for the factory setting. These rugged computers can withstand temperatures from -40°F to 185°F with ease, making them perfect for nearly any facility.
In addition to this wide operating temperature range, rugged computers from Tangent are specially designed for every industrial need, including the creation of complex networks. Every rugged computer from tangent has, at minimum, two Ethernet ports. This allows Tangent’s rugged computers to connect to two networks at once, allowing for the daisy chaining of rugged computers.
More Ethernet Ports: More Networks
While it is common to see the use of centralized networks in most facilities, the use of decentralized networks is not to be ignored. Decentralized networks differ from centralized networks in that instead of every computer being connected to one network, computers are networked to each other directly. This has distinct advantages in certain situations, namely that a large bandwidth use by one computer does not slow the whole network down.
One way to accomplish a decentralized network is with industrial computers from Tangent. Rugged computers like the Rugged Mini FX come standard with four separate Ethernet ports. With four Ethernet pots, this rugged computer can connect to four separate networks. This means that it can potentially connect to four other industrial computers, which are all in turn connected to three other computers, and so on. Or, the Rugged Mini FX can connect to three industrial computers and a separate, centralized network. The possibilities with multiple Ethernet ports are endless.
If four Ethernet ports are not enough for your complex system needs, then the Rugged Mini C from Tangent is the way to go. This industrial computer has a whopping six Ethernet ports. This nearly absurd amount of Ethernet ports allows the Rugged Mini C to potentially connect to six separate networks. With an optional solid state drive, this industrial computer can make the most out of its six Ethernet ports.
Complex Systems Don’t Have To Be A Complex Headache
With industrial computers from Tangent, creating complex systems doesn’t have to be a chore. Industrial computers can help you create complex networks that are ready to help your facility transition into a smart factory.
It’s not everyday that you decide to update your facility’s legacy equipment, and there’s a lot of questions to be considered. Should you focus on buying hardware for specific tasks, or instead purchase multipurpose units that can be used in various situations? While each side has its benefits and downsides, a compromise between the two can actually net productive results. While it may seem as though multi-use hardware is prone to not being specific enough, this could not be further from the truth. When it comes to industrial computers, customization options do not impede the industrial computer’s ability to perform specific tasks. In fact, customization options for industrial PCs can actually help these PCs with specific tasks in fashions that pigeonholed industrial PCs cannot.
Industrial Panel PCs: Customizable To The Limit
Industrial Panel PCs are some of the most versatile industrial PCs available, and it is easy to see why. Panel PCs are industrial PCs that are all-in-one PCs, that is, they do not require mice or keyboards to operate. Instead, they utilize a sensitive touchscreen for input. Much like a tablet, the entire panel PC is contained behind the screen. This allows Panel PCs to operate in spaces where traditional industrial PCs could not fit either because no desk space is available for simply no space in general is available. With Panel PCs, industrial computing power can be available anywhere in a facility at any time.
VITA KW Line Of Panel PCs
VITA KW Line Of Industrial Computers
Taking the notion of fitting anywhere to its limit, the VITA KW line from Tangent is one line of panel PCs that can truly fit anywhere. With options ranging from 15”, 19”, 22”, 24”, the VITA KW line is sure to have an option tailored to your space requirements. In as little as 15 inches, the VITA KW can turn a space into a fully fledged industrial workstation. In larger areas, the 25 inch VITA KW is perfect as a traditional workstation. While the all-in-one nature of these panel PCs means that they can operate without mice or keyboards, they are more than capable of utilizing these peripherals. The VITA KW line is designed to fit into your world, not the other way around.
S Series Of Panel PCs
S Series Of Industrial Computers
Much like the VITA KW line from Tangent, the S Series from Tangent is features a range of sizing options for every occasion. From 15″, to 19″, to 22″ the S Series is ready to fit into your workstations. The S Series features a stainless steel enclosure that is IP69K certified fully waterproof. The IP69K rating is the highest IP rating available, making the S Series some of the most versatile industrial PCs on the market. This high IP rating makes the S Series perfect for environments where dust and water are facts of life, and can be expected to operate in perfect order in such areas.
VITA 474 Panel PC
VITA 474 Industrial Computer
An outlier in the VITA line, the VITA 474 from Tangent stands alone in its wide operating temperature range. The VITA 474 is capable of operating between -4ºF – 122ºF. This makes the 474 industrial PC perfect for both refrigerated facilities and foundries, as well as any facility in between. In addition to this extensive operating temperature range, the VITA 474 comes ready to perform with RFID technology and an Intel Skylake processor.
F15 Panel PC
F15 Industrial Computer
Not every panel PC needs to be mounted to a wall or desk. The F15 from Tangent doubles as both a panel PC and industrial PC Tablet. This dual nature makes the F15 the ultimate customizable panel PC, as the ability to transform from desktop to tablet offers a wide range of applications. On the desk, workers can take advantage of its powerful Intel I7 processor and 2 terabyte solid state drive to work with the beefiest industrial programs. In hand, workers can expect lightning fast response times with Intel Wireless AC-7260 & Bluetooth technology. When mounted on industrial vehicles, workers can utilize multiple programmable function keys to perform actions with one hand. With the F15, the possibilities are truly endless.
Panel PCs: So Much More Than Tablets
When it comes to deciding between specific task oriented industrial PCs and customizable industrial PCs, don’t pigeonhole your workers. Panel PCs from Tangent offer a sensible middle ground between the two, offering both customization options and task-oriented features.
While some industrial spaces restrict the amount of dust circulating throughout the facility, the matter of the fact is that most industrial facilities harbor dust and other pollutants. While workers can easily avoid this dust, their industrial computers may not be as lucky. Typical industrial computers require outside air be brought into the case in order to cool off the delicate central processing units (CPUs), normally via a fan based cooling system. Without proper cooling, CPUs can overheat, rendering the entire industrial computer useless.
However, the very same system that preserves the integrity of the CPU can actually cause long term harm as well. Fan based cooling systems excel in environments where air is filtered on a regular basis, such as in offices or at home, but falter when used in dusty environments. CPUs are cooled when their fans pass cool air through what is known as a heat sink, which appears as a metal comb elongated so that it’s teeth are inches wide. Typically, heat transfers from the CPU to the teeth of the heat sink, where cool air circulated by the fan removes the heat from the heat sink to the outside of the case.
In a dusty environment, the air brought in by the industrial computer’s fan slowly builds up along the channels between the heat sink’s teeth. Overtime, the heatsink’s channels begin to be impassable to fresh air, and the heatsink has no way of expelling heat. The heatsink continuously heats up, and eventually the excess heat begins damaging the CPU.
Fanless Computers: Working Where Others Can’t
Fanless computers are an elegant solution to this conundrum, circulating no air throughout the body of the industrial computer. Without a fan, no dust builds up in the industrial computer and it remains functional even in the dustiest of environments. Fanless computers function in the same way traditional industrial computers operate, except that they feature a passive cooling system.
This passive cooling system is just as, if not more, reliable than fan based cooling systems without opening up the industrial computer to the dusty environment it exists in. The industrial PC fanless solution solves one of the biggest problems for industrial computers, opening them up to a wider range of use.
Industrial PC Fanless Solution: Rugged Mini E3
The Rugged Mini E3 Is One Industrial PC Fanless Solution
Without a fan, the Rugged Mini E3 from Tangent makes full use of the industrial PC fanless solution. Capable of working environments where temperatures can reach up to a scorching 158°F, the Rugged Mini E3 is one fanless computer that proves fans are not necessary to maintain proper cooling. With up to 32 gigabytes of RAM and a 6th Intel processor, the Rugged Mini E3 fanless computer can easily handle any industrial program you throw at it.
Industrial PC Fanless Solution: Rugged Mini S
The Rugged Mini S Is One Industrial PC Fanless Solution
Proving that industrial computing power does not have to be limited to a desk, the Rugged Mini S from Tangent is built to be used on the go. As an in-vehicle computer, the Rugged Mini S is capable of utilizing a wide range of voltages starting as low as 9 VDC and up to 28 VDC. With this kind of versatility, the Rugged Mini S fanless computer is the perfect companion for nearly every worker in a vehicle. With built-in Wifi and Bluetooth, the Rugged Mini S is capable of being used anywhere in a facility, and especially while on the move.
Industrial PC Fanless Solution: Rugged Mini G
The Rugged Mini G Is One Industrial PC Fanless Solution
Whether it’s in a mill, foundry, or factory, the Rugged Mini G Fanless Computer from Tangent is ready to excel. With an operating temperature range of 14° to 131°F, the Rugged Mini G is capable of handling life in facilities with wide fluctuations in temperature with ease. This fanless computer comes with either Wall Mount, VESA 75/100, or DIN Rail mounting systems, making it a flexible addition to your industrial computer fleet.
Industrial PC Fanless Solutions: The Right Choice
While every facility has its own unique needs, there is not a single one that won’t benefit from the introduction of fanless computers. With fanless computers, your industrial computers can operate longer with less maintenance and perform in environments where their fan based peers simply cannot.
When it comes to the industrial sector, having the right industrial computer for the job is crucial to maintaining a productive facility. That’s why at Tangent, we thoroughly examine every possible role that our high performance industrial computers can play in a facility and design them accordingly. At Tangent, we examine industry trends and needs in order to maintain and improve the broadest possible lineup of industrial computers.
While all of Tangent’s industrial computers are designed to last for years in rugged environments, there are features and options that make each individual industrial PC unique. Here are some of Tangent’s top high performance industrial computers that are built for high performance and productivity in the most rugged environments.
VITA KW Line
VITA KW Line Of Industrial Computers
The VITA KW line of high performance industrial computers from Tangent features three different sizes for every industrial need. These all-in-one industrial PCs come in 15, 19, and 22 inch wide models, ensuring that there is a VITA KW for every workstation regardless of available space. Featuring Intel 6th Generation processing units, the VITA KW line has enough power to handle bulky industrial software with ease. Not only can these industrial computers withstand the most intensive industrial software, but they can also handle some of the harshest industrial environments. With a fanless cooling system, the VITA KW can operate in environments where dust, metal shavings, and other pollutants are a fact of life without needing to be regularly cleaned. With an IP65 rated water resistant front panel, these industrial computers are built to withstand any and all environments.
S Series
S Series Of Industrial Computers
If your facility handles liquids that have the potential to leak out at any time, then the S Series of high performance industrial computers from Tangent is the solution for you. The S Series was built for liquid handling facilities, allowing workers to operate their industrial computer in any part of the facility regardless of its proximity to liquids. The S Series is IP69K certified waterproof, able to withstand both dust and liquid intrusion to the highest degree possible. This allows workers to use these industrial computers anywhere in a liquid handling facility, or with wet hands without consequence. With flexible mounting options, the S Series of industrial computers is truly built to operate anywhere in a liquid handling facility.
V474
VITA 474 Industrial Computer
When multitasking is more than just a buzzword, the V474 industrial computer from Tangent is the way to go. With 32 gigabytes of RAM, the V474 is capable of handling multiple industrial programs at once. Whether it’s solidworks, warehouse management software, or simply dozens of web browser tabs, the V474 is capable of handling them all simultaneously. With multiple I/O ports of various typing, this high performance industrial computer can also serve to monitor multiple lines of production at once. Not only is the V474 industrial computer a versatile multitasker, but it can withstand temperatures of up to 122ºF with ease.
F15
F15 Industrial Computer
Blending the flexibility of an industrial computer tablet with the robustness of a standard industrial PC, the F15 industrial computer from Tangent is the perfect in-vehicle computer. With both VESA and M8 heavy-duty screw mounting systems, the F15 high performance industrial computer is capable of being mounted on nearly every industrial vehicle. Featuring 10 programmable function keys, the F15 is capable of being operated by vehicle drivers with one hand without distracting them from driving. Built-in Wifi enables the F15 to stay connected to your facility’s network regardless of where the industrial PC is mounted. Workers need not worry about accidentally parking their forklift in an area with liquid exposure, as every panel of the F15 is IP65 rated water resistant and will not be damaged.
R14
R14 Industrial PC Tablet
Powerful computing does not have to be limited to mounted industrial computers; the R14 industrial PC tablet from Tangent proves this with a powerful Intel 8th generation quad core processor. The R14 high performance industrial PC tablet makes no sacrifices in the power department in order to be portable, with some of the latest Kaby Lake R SoC integrated CPU architecture and a powerful nVidia Geforce GTX 1050 graphics card. The R14 is perfect for workers who are constantly on the move, but whose job requires constant access to powerful industrial programs. Blending power and portability, the R14 allows on-the-move workers the flexibility to multitask across a wide range of programs with its 32 gigabytes of RAM. With a lightweight and rugged Magnesium chassis, the R14 high performance industrial PC tablet is easily carried and can withstand the occasional accidental drop without damage.
P13
P13 Industrial Computer Tablet
When working with large files, it can be frustrating to wait long periods of time as the data transfers from one industrial PC to another. The P13 industrial PC tablet from Tangent elegantly solves this dilemma by being both a high performance industrial PC tablet and mounted computer. With standard VESA mounting, the P13 industrial PC tablet can be quickly and easily transformed into a workstation PC. On the move, the P13 has hot-swap battery technology allowing for nearly 24/7 use. Simply plug in a charged battery, use the P13 for up to six hours, then simply replace the exhausted battery with a freshly charged one for another six hours of industrial use.
R10
R10 Industrial Computer Tablet
High temperature resistance does not have to be limited to just mounted industrial PCs, the R10 industrial PC tablet from Tangent can withstand high temperatures while also being mobile. The R10 high performance industrial PC tablet is perfect for workers in environments where temperatures can vary widely. Being able to withstand temperatures of up to 104°F, the R10 is capable of being a worker’s goto industrial PC tablet for working on the move. With up to a 480 gigabyte solid state drive (SSD), the R10 promotes computing, being able to write and retrieve data in its storage far faster than traditional computers. When the speed of its SSD is combined with the functionality of its programmable function keys, the R10 industrial PC tablet is the fastest way for workers to respond to workplace emergencies.
P10
P10 Industrial PC Tablet
While all of Tangent’s industrial PCs have a satisfactory amount of I/O ports, the P10 industrial PC tablet has a near excessive amount of them. With 12 I/O ports of various typing, the P10 is perfect for situations where multiple peripherals are in use at once. To complement this wide range of I/O ports, the P10 also has a VGA port for a second monitor. This allows the P10 high performance industrial PC tablet to take full advantage of its I/O ports by giving the P10 enough screen space for every input. With all these I/O ports, the P10 can quickly become a jungle of cables. Anticipating this, Tangent has designed the P10’s docking system with an advanced cable management system that turns the jungle of cables into a neat garden.
High Performance Industrial Computers: Every Occasion, Every Use
With such a wide variety of high performance industrial computers, there is sure to be one that solves a problem in your facility. High performance industrial PCs from Tangent are purpose built to serve workers in every field when traditional commercial grade computers simply will not do.
One of the most, if not the most, important aspects to be aware of when purchasing industrial PCs is what processor chip, or CPU, the computer is equipped with. The CPU acts as the brain of the industrial PC, running both the operating system and programs present on the PC’s hard drive. Intel is a major manufacturer of processors, with many lines of CPUs such as I3, I5, and I7 lines. One major misconception when looking at processors is the assumption that an I7 CPU will be better than an I5, and an I5 will be better than an I3. While in some cases this is true, it is not a concrete fact and there are many factors that determine which CPU is the best for a given job.
Tangent’s Rugged Mini I
Are I7 Chips The Best?
While it may seem as though I7 chips are the latest(and therefore best) chips on the market, in reality this is not the case. In fact, many I5 chips are just as fast, or faster than their i7 counterparts. This is because the real difference between I3, I5, and I7 chips is actually their architecture, how they are built and what they are built for. Intel updates these chip lines every year, so that every year there is both a new lineup of I5 and I7 chips for industrial PC manufacturers to choose from. For instance, Tangent’s Rugged Mini I rugged mini PC can be customized to have I3, I5, or I7 chip, but each of these chips would be from the Intel 6th generation of processors. Furthermore, the actual speed of processors, referred to as gigahertz, varies between the lines and it is not uncommon at all for higher model I5 processors to be faster than I7 processors.
Rugged Mini E3
So What’s The Difference?
One of the main differences between the chip lines is the amount of cache present on the chip. The cache present on a processor serves as a temporary storage area for data that the chip is currently thinking about. For instance, if you were working on a large spreadsheet, the areas of the spreadsheet you were not actively looking at may be stored in the cache for quicker access when you scroll over to that area.I7 chips typically come with a larger cache than I5 chips, and therefore can handle more data at a time. However, the amount of cache an industrial PC actually needs depends largely on the task that required of it. An industrial PC being used by an operator for logistics and spreadsheets may need an I7 chip’s cache size, but another industrial PC being used on an assembly line would do more than fine with an I5’s cache size. Keep this in mind when looking at industrial PCs like the Mini E3 from Tangent, which can fit an I7, I5, I3, or even intel’s lesser known and less power intensive celeron processor.
Tangent’s R14 Industrial Computer
Where Would I Want An I7 Processor?
One thing that should be noted about I7 processors is that they are more equipped to handle larger tasks than their I5 and I3 counterparts. I7 processors can featured what is known as hyperthreading, which tricks programs into thinking that the processor has twice the amount of cores than it actually does. This significantly increases the speed of the processor, and therefore of the industrial PC over all. Consider the R14 Industrial Tablet from Tangent, which features an 8th generation I7 Kaby Lake processor. This on-the-go industrial tablet has two 4 core CPU options, with either a 6MB or 8MB cache. With hyperthreading, the R14 can operate as though it had 8 cores, and therefore increase the speed at which in handles programs greatly. This makes the R14 great for workers who use industrial programs that require heavy computing.
When Would I Want An I3 or I5 Processor?
While I7 processors have hyperthreading, I5 processors do not. However, they still typically sport 4 cores which is more than enough for the bulk of industrial applications. Take for instance the VITA KW Industrial Panel PC from Tangent, which is capable of sporting either an I3 or I5 processor. The VITA KW line is designed for situations where space may not be as readily available as in an office setting, and it’s all-in-one PC design lends itself to that. Having a full touchscreen and VESA mount, the VITA KW can be placed in situations where other PCs simply could not. With an I3 or I5 Processor, the VITA KW uses less power than an I7 unit, and allows it to be placed virtually anywhere.
The Right Chip For The Right Job
In the end, it is important to determine what an industrial PC’s role in the workplace will be before making the decision of what CPU to put into it. I3 and I5 chips can be just as fast, or faster than I7 chips while consuming less energy. I7 chips can utilize hyperthreading for certain tasks to speed them up. Keeping these things in mind when deciding on what industrial PC to purchase can help keep your workplace operating efficiently.
