PC-based systems

Test Equipment Control Panel

Embedded PC in a Ruggedised Application

The ubiquitous PC has long been used as an HMI (human-machine interface), providing operator controls, supervisory monitoring, data storage and analysis facilities for control and test systems. PTP has extensive experience in the use of PCs for these applications, including:

• Software development in a variety of development environments on the Microsoft Windows and Linux platforms
• Configuration of SCADA systems for supervisory control applications
• Interface with networked and local hardware and corporate databases
• Data analysis using MATLAB and other manipulation software
• Driver development to enable the use of custom hardware and new hardware products

Because of the cost-effectiveness of PC architecture hardware in one-off solutions and low volume products, it is sometimes attractive to use embedded and industrial PCs for real-time control and monitoring, areas that have traditionally used specialist hardware. PTP have used PCs in areas such as machine control systems, ruggedised portable test equipment, and high performance servo control and we can often offer innovative solutions using low cost, off-the-shelf hardware.