Tablets are now a sought after commodity in the electronics trade, with features and functions that can typically replace those of other devices, such as laptops, desktop PCs, MP3 players and, for some models, even a mobile phone.
In general, there are three kinds of tablets available on the market: the convertible, the slate, and the rugged tablet. The slate is the flat topped tablet that we all know and love, and the convertible is a hybrid between a slate and a laptop. In terms of form, the rugged tablet computer is the type of tablet which lends itself best to frequent and prolonged use in strenuous and extreme conditions.
A rugged tablet computer is shaped like a slate, so the screen has no covering. However, given its descriptive name, it is very durable and designed to withstand extreme temperatures and conditions, as well as Continue Reading…
The embedded industrial computer plays a crucial role in the fields of pharmaceutical, medical, food and service industries, and the military, to name only a few. Here’s a closer look at some of the superior advantages that embedded industrial computers have over their general purpose counterparts.
- Low Power Functionality – High-grade industrial computers are equipped with the latest in low-power processor technology, such as Intel Atom or AMD, and streamlined to ensure that power consumption is kept at a minimum without sacrificing the functionality and performance quality of the product. High powered embedded processors, such as Ivy Bridge are also Continue Reading…
To build, or not to build, that is the question. A trite little play on words, but where the embedded computing industry is concerned that little ad lib really is a question of some interest.
So we find ourselves in a situation where we need an embedded computer. We know what the product has to do and we’ve got a whole list of specs that are to be adhered to if it’s going to work in the finished product. At this point we are confronted with these questions, followed by a torrent of others:
- Should we get an off-the-shelf, completed unit?
- Should we go for a barebones system or completely custom?
- Can we get all of the specs we want?
- And most importantly, what is cheaper?
There are a lot of factors in this decision. Not to be ambiguous or shy away from a straight answer; rather, there are certain circumstantial factors that vary from case to case. So, in this blog I’m going to focus on building an embedded computer from scratch, and by the end of it you should have a good idea of what to settle on. Continue Reading…
This might come off as a little much, but where OS is concerned, I like to think of Linux as the people’s champion. It’s free, hardly crashes, and it’s completely open source. It was literally born on the internet, made by the people, for the people and it’s still that way today. It’s not my place to get preachy on the subject as we use Windows on our office PCs, but I’ve seen what people can do with the OS and a lot of our OEM customers use it for their product. And besides, the top 10 fastest super computers using Linux can’t be wrong!
There is a perennial issue, however, that we have to deal with on this matter. Windows is the OS that is in most use by individuals around the world, and the driver support model for Linux is quite different from that of Windows. Rather than the manufacturer providing a barebones driver for their hardware to the customer, they Continue Reading…
There has been a lot of debate regarding the movement to newer technology with regards to electronics. One of the most talked about topics is the shift from the age-old cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) to the newer light-emitting diode (LED) type of display.
Essentially, LCD monitors need a backlight to illuminate the images onscreen. This backlight, which is positioned at the back or side of the LCD (liquid crystal display) panel of the monitor, can either be a CCFL panel or an LED panel. But just what is the difference between the two types of backlights for computer monitors? Or any LCD screen for that matter.
CCFL Display Monitors
CCFL computer monitors have been the most commonly used form of backlight for years. Because of this, their cost is considerably lower, which is good for a tighter budget. In addition, the CCFL’s lifespan has also made it a trusted type of backlight for a number of manufacturers.
However, the CCFL is not without its drawbacks. For instance, Continue Reading…
There is an extremely fast-paced turnover with the innovation of electronic products. With consumer parts, it’s hard to ensure that the latest device you are currently operating will still have available replacement computer parts after a few months, let alone an entire year or more.
For the industrial OEM, obsolete products pose many problems. One can’t simply swap out a motherboard when one goes obsolete. There is the instant problem of compatibility with the software and drivers that the device is currently using. And without proper design and testing, there is no way to make more than a tentative attempt to make a suitable swap. Not to mention the fact that you will now have 2 different versions of your device in the field, causing all manner of complexities to be added into service calls.
For the medical and military industries the problem is considerably greater. Even if they were to Continue Reading…
Technology is rapidly and undeniably changing the capabilities and various applied uses of equipment and electronic systems. Trends are shaping the future of the embedded system, which is in ever increasing use in the areas of the military and defense, as well as aerospace. Electronic components are a factor on battlefields and in other military operations, as they provide far more accurate ways to approach and manage high-risk situations.
However, in the event that these devices were to fail in the field due to temperature or shock, critical operations can come to a halt or fail completely, leading to further and more damaging consequences. As such, the need for top-notch embedded military systems is flourishing, and is being met as one of the more challenging aspects of OEM computing.
Trends That Fuel Embedded Military Systems
There are several main trends that fuel the ever-increasing market for embedded military systems and boards. One is the need for high-power computing, in a rugged, reliable package.
More and more, there is an need for horsepower in military systems, with a parallel increase in necessity for rugged capabilities, such as wide temperature ratings and drop resistance. The reason for this is Continue Reading…
There is no denying that today’s world has fully embraced the digital age, and that countless data and storage files are primarily kept in computers. However, in the event that a computer crashes or malfunctions, the possibility of the data being wiped out and never recovered again poses a huge threat in data preservation and storage.
This is an even bigger potential problem for companies with numerous sizeable files that are essential to everyday operations. One simple accident can mean files being deleted and becoming irretrievable. What if this was an entire year’s worth of data? This is why computer backup storage for all electronic files is not only desirable, but an essential component of the everyday computing processes, to ensure that the stored data for companies and individuals is safe and secure.
Potential Computer Crashes and Data and Storage
Organizations (or people) that do not schedule the appropriate backup of files, for whatever reason, including because they ‘haven’t got the time’ are definitely courting disaster.
There is also often a bit of the “it can’t happen to me” mentality, which under the circumstances is Continue Reading…
An economical way to acquire a working PC is to buy a barebone computer system. Simply put, barebone systems are partially-built computers with only basic components and parts included. Barebone computer systems come with varying components, on top of the chassis, depending on the distributor and the level of customization desired.
Generally, barebone systems will include a motherboard, a power supply unit and a case. Other packages, however, may contain additions such as an optical drive and keyboard, or various other combinations of components.
A barebone system allows for more customization than a fully completed, off-the-shelf system, while requiring less assembly and customization than a fully custom system, put together from various parts.
Advantages of Barebone Systems
One major advantage of a barebone system is the time-saving quality when it comes to the assembly procedure. Barebone systems are easier and quicker to assemble than when all parts are purchased separately.
The ability to choose the computer parts is also an upside to going with barebone systems. Simply purchase whatever additional components you’d like included in your system from among a vast choice, depending on Continue Reading…
For most people, there isn’t much discernible difference when it comes to computers, aside from some of the more obvious features, such as storage space, screen size, and the ergonomic capabilities of the keyboard. This is why most branded computers, which have been directly assembled by the companies that make them, come ready to do the job.
However, for real computer aficionados or OEMs who require modified computers for their product, custom computer design can have huge advantages in terms of allowing you to choose exactly the kind of components you want and need. This innovation allows for a more flexible and convenient way for professionals to get what they need out of the technology without sacrificing quality and efficiency.
Custom Computer Design and the Freedom to Choose
Within the fast-paced computer and technology industry, there are ever-present demands for computer units with the most modern technology. There is constant pressure to have a high tech product while the newest and latest is always right around the corner. This is where the industrial OEM can balk in trying to find a computer. The completed systems on the market will Continue Reading…
