Choosing an Embedded Computing Platform

If you’re adding a computer to a product, one of the first decisions is how much of the hardware your team wants to put together. You might fit a board inside your own enclosure, or choose a computer that already comes in a housing. If the product needs a built-in screen, a panel PC combines the computer and display.

Each option leaves your team with different work to do on mounting, cooling, connections, and software. Understanding that work helps you choose a starting point before comparing individual models.

What are the main options?

A board inside your enclosure

A single board computer or industrial motherboard is worth considering when your product already has an enclosure and the board has the connections you need. Your team still needs to arrange the mounting, power, cooling, and cables, then test the computer as part of the finished product.

A processor module and carrier board

A computer-on-module or system-on-module puts the processing hardware on a small board. It works with a separate carrier board, which provides connections to the rest of your product. This approach lets you design those connections around your application or select an existing carrier that fits.

The module and carrier need to work together electrically, mechanically, and in software. Carrier selection or design is part of the project, along with power, cooling, and testing. Agree early on who will do that work.

An enclosed industrial computer

An enclosed computer gives you the board and housing together. That reduces the enclosure work, but you still need to check how it mounts, how it gets power, and whether you can reach its connections after installation. Confirm what comes installed, including memory, storage, and the operating system.

A panel PC

A panel PC combines the computer and operator display in one assembly. Alongside the computing requirements, consider the screen size, touch controls, mounting, and cleaning procedures. The display needs to suit the person using the equipment as well as the space available for it.

An edge server or expandable system

Applications that need additional processing cards, substantial storage, or more network connections may call for an edge server or another expandable system. Plan the components together: the cards and drives affect the space, power, and cooling the system needs. Leave room to reach them for service.

What to check before choosing a model

The software it needs to run

Your application helps determine which hardware is suitable. Identify the operating system and version, the software you’ll run, and any drivers it needs. For an Arm platform, ask about the board support package (BSP). This is the software that helps the operating system work with that hardware, and you’ll need to know who maintains it.

For a camera or AI application, include the camera inputs, software model or framework, and how quickly the system needs to process data. Test with your own workload; a processor’s advertised performance doesn’t tell you how your application will run.

The connections to the rest of your equipment

Write down how many connections you need and what each one connects to. A requirement such as “USB and Ethernet” leaves too much open. Include the port count, required speeds, displays, cameras, serial devices, and any expansion cards. Check that there’s room to plug in the cables once the computer is mounted.

For a module and carrier, check the module type and revision, connections, power, firmware, and cooling together. Sharing a module standard doesn’t guarantee that two products will work together. ADLINK’s COM-HPC overview provides background on one of these module formats.

Where the computer will operate

The installation affects which computer you can use. Include the available space, mounting, input power, surrounding temperature, and airflow. Cooling needs to account for the complete system inside its enclosure, including the memory, drives, and any additional cards.

If your application requires particular standards or approvals, request the documentation for the model and configuration you’re considering. A manufacturer’s general description won’t establish whether that computer meets your project’s requirements.

What the supplier will deliver

An evaluation kit and a production system can come with different hardware, accessories, and support. Check what is included in each, and specify the memory, storage, operating system, and firmware you need. Agree what arrives installed and what your team will add or develop.

How long you’ll need it

Think beyond the first units you buy. Include your evaluation date, expected quantities, production schedule, and how long you’ll need to support equipment in service. Ask about availability, software support, change notifications, and replacement planning for the chosen model. Confirm the supply terms for that product with the supplier.

Embedded computing requirements

Use the embedded computing requirements checklist to outline your application, system requirements, and production schedule. Leave undecided items blank. If you’re replacing an existing product, include its complete manufacturer part number and configuration so we have a clear starting point.

Discuss your computing requirement →

Sources and further reading

• ADLINK’s COM-HPC overview: background on one computer-on-module format and its carrier board.
• Avalue at Edge: embedded boards, industrial systems, and panel PCs.
• Supermicro at Edge: embedded boards and systems for your application.

These are starting points for comparing the approaches. Use the specifications and support documentation for the model and configuration you’re considering before making a selection.