Industrial IPC projects generally rely on three main categories of platforms: server platforms, desktop platforms and mobile or embedded platforms.
Each family meets different needs.
1. Server platforms: power, intensive computing and scalability
Server platforms are used when the application requires significant processing power or high scalability.
They are generally based on Intel Xeon or Xeon D processors.
Typical applications
Server platforms are particularly well-suited to the following applications:
- Adge AI;
- AI inference;
- Advanced machine vision;
- Multi-camera processing servers;
- Virtualisation;
- Data acquisition and aggregation;
- Intensive processing at the network edge.
These platforms are often used when multiple video streams, AI accelerators, acquisition cards or GPU cards need to operate within the same system.
Advantages
The main advantages of server platforms are:
- High multi-core performance;
- Potential support for ECC memory depending on the platform;
- High PCIe bandwidth;
- High scalability;
- Compatibility with GPU cards or AI accelerators;
- Good ability to handle multiple simultaneous processes.
Points to note
However, these platforms require particular attention during the integration phase.
They often involve:
- Higher power consumption;
- Significant heat generation;
- A bulkier housing;
- Enhanced thermal management;
- And, in some cases, active cooling.
In an industrial environment, raw performance is not enough. Heat dissipation, ventilation, dust, maintenance and space requirements must be taken into account from the outset.
A server platform is appropriate when computing requirements genuinely justify this level of complexity.
2. Desktop platforms: performance, versatility and expandability
Desktop platforms remain widely used in industrial PCs, particularly where a combination of computing power, extensive connectivity and expandability is required.
They are generally based on Intel Core, Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium processors, depending on the required level of performance.
65 W desktop platforms: for demanding applications
Standard desktop processors, such as the Intel Core i5, i7 or i9, are often chosen for industrial applications requiring high processing power.
Examples of commonly used processors:
- Intel Core i5-12500;
- Intel Core i7-12700;
- Intel Core i9-12900.
Typical applications
These platforms are suitable for the following uses:
- Machine vision;
- AOI;
- Camera-based quality control;
- Multi-camera processing;
- Industrial analysis;
- Data acquisition and processing;
- Applications requiring high single-threaded performance.
Advantages
They generally offer:
- Very good computational performance;
- Excellent single-threaded performance;
- Great flexibility in integration;
- Significant expansion capabilities;
- Compatibility with a wide range of industrial boards.
Limitations
The main consideration is cooling.
A standard desktop processor may be more difficult to integrate into a compact, fanless system. Heat dissipation may require a larger enclosure, a suitable heat sink, or even forced cooling, depending on the configuration.
These platforms are therefore the preferred choice when performance is the priority and thermal constraints are well managed.
3. Low-power desktop platforms: the balance between performance and thermal management
Low-power desktop processors often offer a very good compromise for fanless industrial PCs, industrial gateways and automation systems.
Examples of typical processors:
- Intel Core i5-12500T;
- Intel Core i7-12700TE.
Typical applications
These platforms are used in:
- Industrial fanless PCs;
- Automation systems;
- Industrial gateways;
- Supervision workstations;
- SCADA applications;
- Industrial terminals;
- Edge applications requiring a good balance between performance and power consumption.
Why is this choice often a good one?
Compared to a standard desktop platform, a low-power version often offers a better balance between:
- Performance;
- Thermal behaviour;
- Power consumption;
- Compactness;
- Stability during continuous operation;
- Integration into a fanless enclosure.
For many industrial applications, this balance is more important than maximising performance.
A slightly less powerful processor that is easier to cool can enable the design of a more stable, quieter system that is better suited to long-term operation.
4. Entry-level platforms: simplicity, controlled costs and stability
Platforms based on Intel Celeron or Intel Pentium remain very common in simple industrial applications.
They are not chosen for their high performance, but for their efficiency, controlled costs and maturity.
Typical applications
These platforms are used in:
- Simple control systems;
- HMI terminals;
- Lightweight SCADA workstations;
- Data acquisition;
- Basic monitoring;
- Cost-sensitive projects;
- Applications not requiring heavy processing.
Advantages
Their appeal lies in several factors:
- Reduced power consumption;
- More affordable cost;
- Proven ecosystem;
- Easier integration;
- Limited heat dissipation;
- Sufficient stability for many industrial tasks.
In many projects, an entry-level processor is perfectly suited. There is no need to overspecify a platform if the application simply involves displaying an interface, collecting data or communicating with industrial equipment.
5. Mobile and embedded platforms: compact, low-power and fanless
Mobile and embedded platforms are playing an increasingly important role in industrial computing.
They are particularly well-suited to compact systems, Panel PCs, edge gateways, embedded devices and fanless industrial PCs.
They are based in particular on:
- Intel Core U Series;
- Intel Core P Series;
- Intel Core H Series;
- Intel Core Ultra;
- Intel N-series processors;
- Intel Atom;
- Long-life embedded platforms.
Mobile Intel Core processors
Examples of typical processors:
- Intel Core i5-1235U;
- Intel Core i7-1355U;
- Intel Core Ultra 5 125U.
Typical applications
These platforms are suitable for the following applications:
- Compact IPC;
- Industrial panel PC;
- Edge gateway;
- Embedded system;
- Industrial terminal;
- Transport;
- Equipment installed in confined spaces.
Advantages
Their main benefit is their performance-to-power consumption ratio.
They enable the design of systems that are:
- More compact;
- More energy-efficient;
- Easier to cool;
- Compatible with fanless designs;
- Suitable for continuous operation.
These platforms are particularly suitable when space is limited or when eliminating fans is a key requirement.
6. Intel N-series Processors: efficiency and low heat dissipation
Intel N-series processors, such as the N97, N100 and N305, are gradually replacing certain older Atom or J-series platforms in light industrial applications.
Typical applications
They are used in:
- HMI terminals;
- Compact Panel PCs;
- Data acquisition;
- Logistics terminals;
- AGVs;
- Light industrial gateways;
- Simple display or monitoring systems.
Why choose them?
Their main advantage is energy efficiency.
They offer:
- Very low power consumption;
- Limited heat generation;
- Easy integration into compact enclosures;
- Good compatibility with fanless systems;
- Sufficient performance for many common industrial applications.
For an HMI terminal, a gateway or a small data acquisition system, raw power is not always the priority. Stability, low power consumption and thermal simplicity can be far more important.
7. Legacy embedded platforms: stability and continuity
Some older platforms are still widely used in industry.
Examples of typical processors:
- Intel Celeron J6412;
- Intel Atom x6413E;
- Intel Celeron J1900.
Although newer generations are available, these platforms remain of interest in many industrial projects.
Why are they still in use?
In industry, stability is often more important than the latest technology.
A mature platform can offer:
- Well-understood thermal behaviour;
- Stable drivers;
- Software compatibility that has already been validated;
- Greater continuity for existing installations;
- A reduced risk of redesign;
- A controlled lifecycle.
For equipment that needs to operate for several years without major modifications, a tried-and-tested platform can offer greater peace of mind than a newer processor that has not been fully validated in the target environment.
