Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Industrial PC (IPC)
Also known as: IPC, Industrial computer
German: Industrie-PC (IPC)
In industrial automation, an industrial PC (IPC) is a PC-based computer built for industrial environments, with extended temperature range, resistance to vibration and dust, long availability and industrial interfaces. It runs HMI, SCADA, edge or soft PLC software.
- Automation components
In one sentence
An industrial PC (IPC) is a ruggedized PC for industrial environments that runs HMI, SCADA, edge or soft PLC software.
Example
A panel IPC at the machine runs both the HMI and a soft PLC runtime, replacing a separate controller and operator panel.
How it applies
- Engineering: IPCs come as box, panel, rack or DIN rail devices. Using a real-time extension or hypervisor, one IPC can run control and non-real-time applications side by side.
- Operation: IPCs need operating system updates, backup and security hardening like any PC.
- Documentation: Document the hardware, operating system version, installed software and backup and restore procedure. Long-term availability and the End-of-life (EOL) support period should be recorded for spare parts planning.
IPC vs. PLC
A Programmable logic controller (PLC) is a dedicated controller with a firmware runtime, optimized for deterministic control. An IPC is a general-purpose computer that can take on control tasks with suitable software. The choice affects determinism, lifecycle and maintenance effort.