Emerson announced the new PACSystems IPC 2010 Compact Industrial PC (IPC), a rugged computer designed to handle a wide range of “machine and discrete part manufacturing automation applications.” The new solution is designed to serve manufacturing sites and OEM machine builders who need a ruggedized, compact, durable IPC to cost-effectively support its Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) initiatives.

The IPC 2010 addresses this by pre-loading the PACEdge industrial edge platform and elements of Movicon.NExT SCADA software, helping users run applications quickly using browser-based configuration. Provisions are included for keeping the software platform current and passively maintained.

Running an industrial version of Linux, and including serial and Ethernet connectivity, the IPC 2010 can be used as a communications gateway in a variety of topologies, and simultaneously or separately as an edge computing device. Users can implement the IPC 2010 as a flexible protocol converter — and for many other computing functions — in many IIoT, edge, OT/IT convergence, HMI visualization, SCADA connectivity and digital transformation roles.

Both the hardware and software are designed to be adaptable, universal and scalable, providing a “standardized and unified user experience that is easy-to-use, powerful, and supported by Emerson’s lifecycle services.” The compact form factor IPC 2010 features the “widest operating temperature range of any passively cooled IPC,” according to the company, with a low power consumption of 4 watts, and ruggedized packaging that allows installation anywhere.

The IPC 2010 offers no ongoing annual licensing costs, or charges for general and cybersecurity updates. Additional features, such as Movicon Connext or WebHMI, can be activated or added at any time.