Embedded PCs rarely work with the one-size-fits-all approach. Different applications have very different requirements, and without a process that can quickly roll out customized boards, putting together an industrial-scale setup can take ages.  

That’s why Global American is partnering with Cincoze, the leading manufacturer of modular embedded systems. Let’s find out what makes Cincoze computers different, and why modularity is sought after. 

Why Is Modularity Important in Embedded Computing?

Industrial computing can be very finicky in terms of the features needed. Unlike a home PC, you cannot just slap as many features as you can and call it a day – embedded computers are deployed at scale, so they are price-sensitive.

This means that embedded systems need to be geared to specific applications, which often requires custom boards to be built. Depending on the manufacturer in question, this can be a time-consuming process.

This is where Cincoze really shines. All their embedded PCs are designed to be modular, so customizing a new system for a particular use case is just a question of swapping in the right extensions.

What Features Can Even Be Modular?

Embedded applications mostly differ in the kinds of ports they require. A network computer would need a lot of LAN ports, while a digital signage system would prefer more HDMI and DisplayPort options.

There is also the question of peripherals; some computers require more storage drives whereas some want a discrete GPU. Such extensions are usually installed through the PCI-E or M.2 interface.

Sometimes a system may require the installation of more I/O options like USB or COM as well, beyond the default numbers provided. Or a better network card for more high-speed Ethernet interfaces.

Then there are the more complex features that cannot be slotted in with an extension card. PoE (Power over Ethernet), for example, is often essential for IoT (Internet-of-Things) setups. In-vehicle computers need IGN (Power Ignition Sensing) to accurately detect engine startup. None of these are simple add-ons but rather motherboard functions.

Can’t You Just Add Expansion Cards?

Technically PCs are designed to be modular by default. You take a motherboard, install the various components through their designated slots, and you have your PC. But in practice, things are trickier than that.

Not only does each different component come with its own firmware that needs to be installed and configured, but there is also the hardware footprint to consider – embedded boards are often designed with thin enclosures to allow for installation in small spaces.

Then there is the compatibility factor since not every component will work out-of-the-box with a given chipset, calling for more time wasted on troubleshooting. This also slows down the deployment since the system needs to be retested and reconfigured for every such change.

Cincoze Systems are Designed to be Modular

Normally, extending the functionality of an existing board can be a rather involved process, requiring the redesign of the whole system. While some embedded system providers would be willing to undertake this time-consuming process, often it is faster to just pick the closest substitute from their catalog and settle for it.

But Cincoze takes a very different approach. Thanks to its proprietary modular technology, it is possible to very easily swap out various modules to add the features required by a particular application.

They have a combined modular interface for I/O options, for motherboard functions, and even for PCI-E. This creates a standard interface in which any required module ( LAN, COM, USB, M12, etc.) can be directly plugged into the base board without extensive redevelopment.

This even includes motherboard control modules for the more complex features like Power Ignition Sensing and Power over Ethernet. And of course, a separate module for mini PCIe cards for adding interfaces like GbE LAN or COM.

Are Modular Computers Better?

Even if your application doesn’t require any non-standard features, simply being able to cut down extraneous modules to reduce the cost of the board is worth it for any commercial or industrial usage.

And that’s before we consider the fact that most applications have very specific requirements, and are served quite well by a modular approach. Being able to add more I/O options or extension cards without reconfiguring anything is a game changer.

Thanks to Global American’s partnership with Cincoze, we are providing businesses and industries with the option to take advantage of this modular approach for their own setups. Our experts ensure that you are provided with the right system for your needs, completely customized to fit.