Category: Know How

The DIN rail mount

A DIN rail mount (also known as a DIN rail bracket) is a plastic bracket that is either permanently installed on the PC or can be purchased as an optional accessory for certain PCs. A DIN rail clamp ensures that the PC can be attached to or removed from switch cabinets in no time at all. Ultimately, DIN rails are mounting brackets that are used on compact mini PCs, such as those in the BRICK series or the MOUNT Silver. Without this bracket, the effort required to accommodate the PC in the control cabinet would be far too great, making it difficult if the PC needs to be replaced.

In order to understand what a DIN rail clamp is important for, let us first explain what a switch cabinet is, how it works and what tasks it has.

How does a control cabinet work?

Such a cabinet houses electrical and electronic components of a process engineering system, machine tool or production facility that are not located in the machine itself. The switch cabinet protects the built-in electrical engineering/electronics from dirt, dust, water and mechanical impact, such as may occur in industrial applications. It usually only contains terminal strips to connect the various electrical components of a system in a clearly arranged manner. PCs with a DIN rail mount, such as our MOUNT Silver, can also be attached to these terminal strips.  

spo-comm Mini-PCs with DIN rails:

The PCs in the BRICK series, the WINDBOX series or the MOUNT Silver are examples of spo-comm Mini-PCs that can be fitted with a DIN rail mount or are supplied with a fixed mount.

 

Discover the BRICK series

Discover the WINDBOX range

Discover the MOUNT Silver

Control cabinet – Focus: DIN-RAIL PC

What is an electrical enclosure anyway? A control cabinet houses the electrical and electronic components of a machine tool or production facility that are not located directly in the machine.

In principle, a wide variety of PCs can be installed in an enclosure. In this article, we will focus on the top-hat rail PC, equipped with top-hat rails (Din rails).  And what is a DIN Rail PC? It is a PC like any other, but with one small addition: it has terminal strips (DIN rails) with which it can be mounted in the control cabinet.  

The DIN Rail PC is equipped with a 3-pin terminal strip, which is also partially installed on the Vehicle PC. Thanks to its power input, which accepts 9-36 VDC (direct voltage), the top-hat rail PC can also handle unusual voltages. This is important so that it can function in different control cabinet configurations with different power supply solutions. A Mini PC of this type does not require an external power supply unit, as it is assumed that there is one in the control cabinet in which the PC is used, which generates the voltage acceptable by the PC. The terminal strip is screwed to the PC and therefore sits firmly in the housing, the wires from the customer power supply are screwed into the plug as with normal screw terminals. In contrast to our NOVA Q170, the DIN-RAIL PC only has the terminal strip socket and no additional DC IN socket.

DIN-RAIL PC vs. standard: differences

The current input on the DIN-RAIL PC differs from the standard on the one hand by the socket and on the other hand by the voltage that is accepted. While the standard power input consists of a DC IN socket and is supplied with an external 19V power supply unit, the PC for a control cabinet is supplied with a 3-pin, screwable terminal strip that accepts a voltage between 9 and 36 volts.

Other power inputs: Standard and Vehicle PC

In addition to this power input, we have described two others in more detail in our blog series, the standard and the Vehicle PC. You can read about the features these two power inputs need to have and the challenges they both have to face in the other articles in our blog series “Power inputs for Mini PCs”.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with Din-Rail bracket:

spo-comm Mini-PCs that can be attached to the top-hat rails are the PCs in the BRICK series and the WINDBOX series. However, a DIN rail mount does not automatically mean that a PC also has a wide range power input and vice versa. A RUGGED , for example, is equipped with both a wide range power input and a terminal strip socket, but has no top-hat rails and is therefore not suitable for control cabinets. .

 

Discover the BRICK series

Discover the WINDBOX range

Discover the RUGGED range

Our new industrial computer for control cabinets

We will shortly be introducing a very special mini PC to the spo-comm product range. It is especially made for one area in the industrial environment: control cabinets. But it also feels right at home in harsh conditions, i.e. dusty and sometimes damp production halls. It is of course equipped with a passive cooling system and – like no spo-comm Mini-PC before it – with an integrated DIN rail bracket.  

Windows 11 compatible mini PCs

Microsoft’s Windows 11 has been on the market for 2 months. We already reported back then that there were some problems and bugs with AMD and printers, especially at the beginning.  

At spo-comm headquarters, the Mini-PCs have also been put through their paces for compatibility with Windows 11. These mini PCs are already fully tested and can be ordered with Windows 11 in our online store:

BOX J4125

CORE 2

NINETEEN Q370

Special case Vehicle-PC: How does it work?

How does the power connection of a vehicle PC differ from the standard and what are its functions? What features do vehicle PCs need to have?

The basic function of the power input is the same as for any other Mini PC: It supplies the PC with power! However, this is not so easy when using a PC in a vehicle. When a vehicle is started, so-called voltage peaks occur, which must be balanced out. This is ensured by a special wide range current input from 9 to 36 volts, sometimes even up to 48 volts. Find out here what other functions and tasks a vehicle PC has and why it is so important that it is cooled without a fan, among other things.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with a wide range power input can be found in our RUGGED series, which are equipped with 5-pin connectors (see Fig. 1). In addition to the connections with 5 poles, there are also connections with 3 poles (see Fig 2), such as on our MOVE Q170.

Wide range vs. standard: differences

A standard power input usually comes with an external 19V power supply unit. The wide range connection can even withstand up to 48 volts; in most cases, the power supply unit is screwed on and is not external. The power connections also differ enormously in terms of appearance; the vehicle PC distinguishes between 3 and 5-pin Phoenix sockets (usually in green), whereas the DC IN socket is usually used for the standard.

Other power inputs: standard and switch cabinet

In addition to the special power input on the vehicle PC, there are of course other connections for other applications, for example in control cabinets or the classic standard.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with wide range power input

Our product portfolio includes a variety of systems with a wide range of power inputs with three and five poles. The Phoenix sockets are used in the PCs of the RUGGED series, the MOVE N3160 and the new NOVA R680E.

The standard power input for Mini PCs

What exactly is the standard for Mini PCs when it comes to power inputs? Then we are talking about a standard external 19V power supply unit, which can be connected to the socket using a Schuko or Euro plug. The wattage of the respective power supply units is normally between 65 and 90 watts. The more powerful the computer is, the more wattage it requires.  

A good example of this is the KUMO V high-end computer, which is equipped with an Nvidia RTX2060. A 330W power supply unit ensures that the computer receives sufficient power so that the PC can be operated without any worries.

Features of the power connection

Despite its less spectacular title “Standard”, this power connection is not entirely without other functions. 

Depending on the manufacturer and intended use, a distinction is made between a screwable and a non-screwable connection. A plug with a screw-on power supply unit can be recognized by the nut that can be seen on the power input on the outside of the housing (see Fig. 1). The fact that a power input can be screwed in is particularly important in the industrial sector, as this prevents the cable from being accidentally pulled out (described in more detail in this article). The sealed connection also prevents external influences such as dust or moisture from entering the inside of the system.

The power supply units are included with most of our Mini PCs. PCs are usually equipped with a DC-IN plug, which is a hollow plug that is mostly used to supply power to devices with direct voltage. The standard connections are also usually visually identical.  

Other power inputs: Vehicle PCs and control cabinets

Of course, there are also special power inputs for unusual PC applications. If a mini PC is used in a vehicle, voltage peaks must be intercepted accordingly and in a control cabinet it is important that the computer works flexibly with the different control cabinet configurations and therefore also with the different power supply solutions. In the second part of this series, we take a closer look at the power input on the vehicle PC.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with a standard power input:

The common Mini-PC models such as the entire WINDBOX series, BRICK series or the BOX series are supplied with standard power inputs. The power supply unit is also included in the scope of delivery.  

Discover the WINDBOX range

Discover the BRICK series

Discover the BOX series

Windows 11 – Problems with AMD and printers

In the  two weeks that Windows 11 has been available, the first bugs have already become apparent. On the one hand, AMD confirmed performance losses of 3 to 5% for Ryzen processors using Windows 11. The errors affect the level 3 cache from Zen 1 to Zen 3 and also the thread distribution. This could reduce the frame rate in games by up to 15%. You can read more about the bugs in Windows 11 and AMD in this article on heise.de.  

Microsoft and AMD are already working together to fix the problems before the end of October. However, AMD recommends not updating for the time being.

In addition to AMD, various printer manufacturers, including Brother, HP, Epson, Canon and OKI, have also reported problems. These probably occur with printers that are connected to a Windows 11 computer via a USB interface. More detailed information on this can be found in this article.  

 

The all-rounder PC NANO H310 is EOL

Our digital signage PC with freely selectable desktop CPU, the NANO H310, is EOL and no longer available.

For all those who need an alternative model, we recommend our CORE 2. This extremely compact mini PC (H 35 x W 148 x D 165 mm) can also be equipped with a freely selectable 9th generation Intel CPU. Thanks to the integrated Intel® UHD 630 graphics unit, an HDMI 1.4 and a DisplayPort, content can be played on 2 screens simultaneously in a resolution of 4K. Another advantage: The system is compatible with Windows 11!

Find out more about the CORE 2

The PS/2 interface is a serial interface for input devices such as a mouse or keyboard (rarely: trackball or graphics tablet). It was used on PCs for a long time, but has been almost completely replaced by USB connections. Nevertheless, due to certain technical differences (such as direct access via interrupts), it is still installed in many mainboards today. 

The structure of a PS/2 interface

A PS/2 connection consists of 6 pins, with the following tasks:

•     Pin 1: Data transmission
•     Pin 2 & 6: not connected
•     Pin 3: Ground connection
•     Pin 4: Supply voltage (+5V)
•     Pin 5: Clock signal

There are basically two types of PS/2 interfaces, one with two sockets (green: mouse and purple: keyboard; see Fig. 1) and one split, to which both can be connected (half green, half purple; see Fig. 2).

 

Advantages of a PS/2 interface

In certain applications, however, a PS/2 interface also has advantages over USB. Firstly, the USB always transmits six commands simultaneously from the keyboard to the computer. This may not be enough for a fast bettor. The PS/2 connection, on the other hand, transmits continuously, which reduces latency. On the other hand, this connection is also interesting for security reasons: While the USB port can also be “misused” for other devices, PS/2 is only suitable for mouse and keyboard.

However, a keyboard that is used via the PS/2 connection cannot be unplugged during operation without causing a crash. USB is much more flexible here thanks to hot plugging.

spo-comm Mini-PCs with PS/2 connection:

In the spo-comm Mini-PC series, two systems are equipped with a PS/2 interface. The NINETEEN Q370 is equipped with two sockets and the NOVA Q170 with one split socket.

 

Discover the NINETEEN Q370

Discover the NOVA Q170

About the importance and structure of the SIM card 

The term SIM stands for “subscriber identity module” and means something like “subscriber identity module”. SIM cards are identification cards in the form of chips for mobile phone users. Among other things, they have their own processor(CPU), a non-volatile memory (NVRAM) and a working memory(RAM).  

If the SIM card is supplied with power, it is registered in the network as a unique number (ICCD = Integrated Circuit Card Identifier). On the one hand, this number ensures the connection between the mobile device and the network operator, and on the other, it guarantees that mobile networks are not used illegally. 

Different sizes of SIM cards 

• The standard or mini SIM has a size of 15 x 25 mm and its foundation was laid with the introduction of cell phones. 
• At 12 x 15mm, the Micro SIM is more than 50% smaller than its predecessor, but the chip on the Micro SIM is the same size as the chip on the Mini SIM.
• Measuring 8.8 x 12.3 mm, the nano SIM consists almost entirely of the chip. 
• eSIM (embedded SIM) is the latest version of SIM cards and is permanently installed. It cannot be changed, but the eSIM can be overwritten. 

 

What can the eSIM do and what is the difference to the SIM card?  

As already mentioned, the “e” in eSIM stands for “embedded”. An eSIM has the same function as a SIM card, but is permanently installed and cannot be replaced. The data on the eSIM can be flexibly and promptly overwritten when changing tariffs. 

The eSIM, introduced at the end of 2018, simplifies changing providers and devices as well as networking multiple devices. In addition, thanks to the compact size of the eSIM, smaller devices such as smartwatches or fitness trackers can also be equipped with more functions. The advantages of the embedded SIM include the uniformity of the SIM and the fact that the SIM card does not have to be broken out or cut to size. In addition, the well-known roaming charges can be avoided abroad, as the eSIM can also be activated and topped up with providers abroad. 

 

What is the function of SIM cards in Mini PCs? 

With vehicle PCs in particular, it can happen that there is no Internet connection nearby at the place of use. In this case, the SIM card can be inserted into the Mini PC to give it mobile Internet access. For example, in trucks that drive through several countries for navigation or for communication tools, where one of two SIM card slots is used for the EU countries and the other for a third country through which the truck has to drive. 

 

spo-comm Mini-PCs with SIM card slots 

Two SIM cards can be inserted in the PCs of the RUGGED series, the RUGGED Ryzen, RUGGED GTX1050TI and the RUGGED Q170, as well as in the MOVE series, such as the MOVE Q170 and the MOVE N3160. 

 

Discover the RUGGED range 

Discover the MOVE range 

MOVE QM87 gets new chipset and new CPU

Something is happening in the ranks of vehicle PCs. Our MOVE QM87 is being replaced by the MOVE Q170. This is equipped with a current Intel® Core i5 6300U processor and has a performance of 2 x 1.7 GHz (max. 2x 2.4 GHz). The MOVE Q170 still has a wide range current input of 9V – 36V, making it ideal for use in vehicles. There are no changes to the connections: video outputs for three independent screens (VGA, DisplayPort and DVI), a total of 4 COM ports and USB ports (2x 2.0, 2x 3.0), as well as 2 LAN interfaces and 2 SIM card slots. Extensions such as a CAN bus module, GPS module or 4G module are optionally available.

Configure MOVE Q170

Windows 11 will be available from October (and for more CPUs)

Initially just speculation, now confirmed by Microsoft: Windows 11 will be distributed from October 5, 2021 – initially as a free update for upgradeable devices (source: heise.de). Older systems will gradually follow. We have already summarized which new functions Windows 11 brings with it in the last What’s New article.

Microsoft has also extended the much-criticized list of CPUs compatible with Windows 11 – albeit only minimally. Due to the high minimum hardware requirements (4GB RAM, 64GB storage space, UEFI Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 and certain graphics requirements), only:

•     Intel processors of the 8th generation,
•     AMD Zen 2 CPUs and
•     Qualcomm ARM CPUs of series 7 and 8.

The following hardware has now been added to this list:

•     Intel’s Quad Core CPUs of the Core X and Xeon W series
•     Intel’s Core i7-7820HQ notebook processor

Things are not looking good for 6th generation Intel CPUs, AMD Zen 1 CPUs and older Qualcomm processors. Although Microsoft does not want to actively block installations on these systems, it is causing confusion as to whether it will still support the new Windows version on incompatible devices with updates in the future (source: heise.de). So it remains exciting about Windows 11. We are continuing to follow the topic and will of course update our blog with any news.

NINETEEN Q370: New mainboard

Our popular 19-inch industrial PC gets a small update. Although the chipset and CPU selection remain the same, the connections have changed as we are now using a new mainboard. There are eight USB ports on the back panel, including 4x USB 2.0, 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 and 2x USB 3.1 Gen2. There are also two LAN ports, one COM RS232, two audio (LINE IN and LINE OUT) and two PS/2 connections. Up to three screens, including two with 4K resolution, can be connected via the two DisplayPort 1.2 and the DVI-D.

As before, the front panel offers two USB 2.0 ports, the power button and two indicator LEDs. Apart from the new features, the NINETEEN Q370 remains the usual space miracle: Whether four SSDs (also in a RAID array, of course), an optical drive or an optional Nvidia graphics card – nothing is left to be desired here. And with sliding rails, the network PC can be easily installed in 19-inch racks.

Discover the NINETEEN Q370

Microsoft’s big surprise: The new Windows 11

Instead of the expected design update for Windows 10, Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 11, which brings a number of innovations, particularly in terms of design. The start menu can now be positioned not only on the left but also in the middle and has been completely redesigned. The live tiles have been replaced by pinned programs, such as recently used files. There will also be so-called widgets for the desktop, as we already know them from Windows Vista. This allows users to find out about the weather or news. The search and operation will also be simplified. For example, windows can be moved and simply arranged in rows.

Windows 11 is expected to be released by the end of 2021 at the latest for the American “Holiday Season”, with October 2021 also being mentioned in some cases. If you have a current version of Windows 10 and meet all the hardware requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 free of charge.  

You can find more information at chip.de, for example.