The power input for the Mini-PC – Part 2: The Vehicle-PC

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.