Shop by Category
Industrial Automation PC
Why Custom Industrial PCs Still Need These Ports:
- Legacy Compatibility: Many factories and labs still use equipment that runs reliably but connects via legacy I/O/O.
- Extended Lifespan: Industrial devices may have a 10–20-year lifecycle, much longer than consumer gear.
- Custom Protocols: Some legacy devices use proprietary serial or parallel protocols that aren't easily adapted to USB
- Isolation and Control: Some serial standards like RS-485 offer galvanic isolation, reducing the risk of electrical noise and surges.
Serial Ports (RS-232/RS-422/RS-485)
Advantages:
- Legacy device communication: Still widely used in industrial automation (e.g. PLCs, CNC machines, barcode scanners, lab instruments).
- Reliable over long distances: Especially RS-485, which supports multi-drop networks and long cable runs (up to 1200m).
- Low overhead: Minimal CPU usage and very stable, even in noisy environments.
- Deterministic performance: Preferred in real-time control applications.
Connectivity Use-Cases:
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Modbus RTU communication
- Serial-based sensors and meters
- Industrial UPS systems
- Legacy touchscreen HMI panels
High-Speed Ethernet Ports (Gigabit & 10-Gigabit LAN)
Advantages:
- Fast data transfer: Ideal for large data logging, real-time video feeds, or high-speed sensor networks.
- Multiple networks: Dual or quad NICs can isolate production, management, and external networks.
- Industrial protocols support: Supports Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, etc.
- Remote access & diagnostics: Enables remote monitoring and control of equipment.
Connectivity Use-Cases:
- SCADA systems
- Machine vision systems
- IoT gateway integration
- IP cameras in security systems
- Factory floor devices with Ethernet ports
Parallel Port (DB25 or Centronics)
Advantages:
- Direct control of multiple data lines: Supports simultaneous transmission of multiple bits, useful for older printing and control devices.
Connectivity Use-Cases:
- Legacy CNC machines
- Industrial dot matrix printers
- Older data acquisition cards
- Test benches and lab automation setups
FireWire (IEEE 1394)
Advantages:
- High-speed sustained data: Ideal for real-time audio/video streaming and machine vision.
- Daisy-chaining supported: Up to 63 devices on a single bus without a hub.
- Low CPU usage: More efficient than USB in handling real-time data.
Connectivity Use-Cases:
- High-resolution industrial cameras (especially in robotics or inspection lines)
- Medical imaging devices
- Digital audio equipment in broadcasting
Archival and data recovery from older FireWire-based storage devices