What is a Rugged PC and How are they Used?

Today’s most impactful technology innovations don’t just happen in pristine, temperature-controlled facilities or research labs. Solutions to real-world problems require computers that can operate in real-world conditions. A rugged PC is designed for these tough environments. Continue reading to learn more about rugged computers and how OnLogic systems are making it possible in challenging environments worldwide.

You need a rugged PC for a tough environment

Do you have an upcoming project requiring a computer at a remote oil field? Maybe in a police cruiser? How about in an electrical box on the side of a highway or inside a harsh factory? Rugged industrial PCs are specifically engineered for the unique challenges these types of installations present. 

The benefits of choosing a rugged computer include a wide operating temperature range, solid state components and cooling, the ability to accept variable power input, and resistance to interference, impacts, and vibration. Let’s dig into each of these environmental factors.

Resistance to extreme temperatures

A trademark feature of rugged computers, and in some cases the most important, is their wide operating temperature range. Most industrial computers have a 0 to 50°C operating temperature. In contrast, rugged computers typically have at least a -25 to 70°C operating temperature range, making them ideal for installations where temperature control of the ambient environment is not an option. 

What does this mean for your application? Well, by selecting the appropriate temperature rated computer, you’ll ensure it will operate as effectively as possible.

It’s important to remember that computers themselves create a fair amount of heat, and how efficiently that heat is removed from the system impacts the performance. Heat and performance are so closely related that thermal design power (TDP) has become a key specification when choosing computer hardware. 

When applied to processors, TDP refers to the power consumption of a processor under maximum theoretical load. More watts means more heat that will need to be dissipated, which is why rugged computers, which frequently cool without the use of a fan, require complex engineering and exacting manufacturing processes.

Protection from airborne contaminants

Solid state ventless cooling goes hand in hand with a wide operating temperature range. When I think of a challenging environment, the first image that comes to mind is of a dirty manufacturing plant, or an outdoor installation coated in dust. 

Rugged computers are typically fanless and ventless which makes it much harder for foreign particles to infiltrate the computer and wreak havoc. Furthermore, having a solid state drive and no moving parts in your computer can improve reliability by reducing instances of friction and wear.

Shock and vibration

In-vehicle use cases often require impact force & vibration resistance. That’s where rugged computers can once again thrive as they are typically tested to resist damage from bumps and shakes. For example, the OnLogic Karbon 801 comes certified to meet MIL-STD-810G, IEC 60068-2-64, IEC 60068-2-27, and other related standards. Certifications like these give you peace of mind that your computer is equipped to stand up to its installation environment. Furthermore, you can often mount a rugged PC with a bracket that includes vibration isolation for additional stability in the cab of a car, truck, aircraft, boat, or rail car.

Power input fluctuations

Rugged computers also feature wide power input ranges. When using an AC Adapter is not an option, connecting a direct DC power source usually requires a wide power input range. Rugged computers will often feature a wide range of 9-48 VDC allowing for fluctuations in power input and direct DC power. Furthermore, rugged computers can often feature a power option to pair with the ignition of your vehicle. This allows for a timed start and shutdown of your computer, helping to reduce the risk of corruption to your stored data. 

Got a tough environment? You need a rugged PC.

In summary, there are a number of key benefits to utilizing a rugged computer in your tough environment. From passive cooling to wide power input to extended temperature range, rugged computers are built to withstand your challenging environment. To learn more about rugged computers and what OnLogic has to offer, contact us today.

This blog was originally posted on October 9th, 2020. It was updated for content on May 30th, 2023.