Embedded PCs are spec-sensitive: the part number encodes CPU, memory, storage, communication options, and often a specific OS image. OEM-integrated systems are commonly qualified against an exact part number, and a "compatible" substitute that differs in BIOS revision or driver set can fail qualification.
Specs to confirm before ordering:
- Exact OEM part number with all option codes
- CPU: Atom, Celeron, Core i-series — generation matters for software compatibility
- RAM size and type, soldered vs. socketed
- Storage: onboard eMMC (soldered), mSATA, M.2 SATA, M.2 NVMe
- Communication: number of Ethernet ports (and speed), COM ports, USB, DisplayPort/HDMI, fieldbus (CAN, EtherCAT, Profinet)
- Expansion: mini-PCIe slots, M.2 slots, GPIO header
- Power input: typically 9–36 VDC, sometimes 12 V or 24 V only
- Operating temperature — extended temp (-20 to 60 °C or wider) for outdoor and machine-mounted
- Mounting: DIN-rail, VESA, wall, machine-bracket
- Operating system, often Windows 10/11 IoT LTSC or specific Linux build
Common gotchas: an embedded PC with on-board eMMC storage cannot be cloned and migrated like a separable SSD — the storage is soldered and the OS image must be re-deployed from an OEM recovery image or a fresh install. Wide-range DC input is not universal; a unit rated 12 V only will fail when wired to a 24 V machine bus. Beckhoff CX-series embedded controllers depend on a matched K-bus or EtherCAT terminal pack and a licensed TwinCAT runtime — the box alone is not a complete controller.
Typical applications: machine-mounted control nodes on OEM equipment, edge gateways collecting data from PLCs and pushing to cloud platforms, vehicle and mobile-equipment computing in rail and off-highway, kiosk and digital signage controllers, and IoT data concentrators in remote monitoring stations.
For obsolete embedded PCs, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.
