Yes, because of the mechanical superiority of the 19” Eurocard technology. This computer technology with CompactPCI bus is virtually predestined for vehicle applications. Possibilities of modules and systems, like booting from CompactFlash, and vehicle compatible energy supply, make CompactPCI systems the first choice in mobile IT.

A standard PC is the more competitive solution in case it should be used as an individual system that does not have to be reproduced. Another criterion is the estimation of damage in case of failure.

Although the opposite is strongly stated, a life time cost assessment is at best rudimentarily done even though the keyword “Total Cost of Ownership” is well known. The technical inferiority of standard PCs in an industrial environment has to be estimated for the particular application.

We all know standard applications that have to be maintained over a long period of time, and where real-time applications depend on the hardware as well as the BIOS version, and where spare parts have to be available for years or decades. This has been the classic application of 19” industrial computers for over 30 years.

Equipped with modern processors and having a performance that ranks on a high level, the CompactPCI system stands in this tradition.

At the end of the sixties the Eurocard size with indirect plug-in was developed especially for industrial applications. Since then it was invariably used. It provides the setup of finely modular systems, simple extensibility in the field, outstanding mechanical resistance even in situations of shock and vibration, and best maintainability. Systems such as SMP16 and VME are using those advantages even after decades.

The second important advantage is somewhat hidden, but essential for the functioning over a long period of time. Eurocards are indirectly interconnected via a gas-proof connector in which every signal is connected by a pin/socket combination. This connection can be compared to a connector in a power outlet. Thus, this plug-in contact is vibration and acceleration resistant, gas-proof, and therefore protected against ambient air. The contacts made of gold cannot contaminate and corrode. Today, the demand for safe contacts is indispensable because of predominating low voltages and currents as well as high signal frequencies.

In contrast to that PCs are equipped with a direct plug-in-mount. Prongs are directly fixed on the motherboard, without additional connectors. Springs in a receptacle are pressed on those prongs. In most cases PC cards need front and rear prongs. During accelerations or decelerations (or vibrations with both) one spring relaxes while the other is tightened. It is easy to produce minor failures.

If the system is not mechanically stressed, dust and humidity will cause corrosion on prongs and springs. There is no danger of corrosion as long as the card is fixed: The direct plug-in is still gas-proof at the contact prong (gold) / contact spring (beryllium gold). Problems only arise if the plug-in card is disconnected after a long time. A new one needs to be inserted or similar changes of the “well-rehearsed” prong/spring team are necessary. You surely know: Never touch a running system. However, in case of Compact PCI systems with indirect plug-in mount this is possible, even after many years.

Experts assure that the mechanics and connectors are the preconditions for industrial computers. In addition, various safety and diagnostic features (Watchdog, voltage and temperature monitoring, alarm outputs, light-emitting diodes LED), EMC resistance and immunity as well as electrical separation also belong to modules for industrial application.

CompactPCI systems are especially appropriate in this area. Systems with 500 digital and analog inputs and outputs are easily and reliably realized via the mechanical and electrical integration capability of peripheral cards. Additionally, the computer can be integrated into a fieldbus structure via master and slave interface modules.

No. Unlike the desktop PC market which is driven by volume and fast changing consumer demand, CompactPCI is driven by professional customers who value product stability and long term availability. All major CompactPCI manufacturers have at least 10 years of experience each serving the OEM marketplace and have established reputations for protecting their customers from the dangers of early obsolescence. This is achieved by a careful selection of components and their suppliers, and even, in many cases, by stocking several years worth of demand of key components.