FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On this page you will find an extensive list of frequently asked questions that are relevant for the vast majority of our products and the services that we offer. These are constantly updated and arranged into specific groups for ease of finding the information you need.
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For system specific questions, type your model number into the search box in the top right of this page to find the appropriate technical resources. If you can not find the information you need, please contact our support team on 01527 512 400 or email computers@steatite.co.uk
Rugged Computing
What are rugged industrial computers and how do they differ from standard PCs?
Rugged industrial computers are designed to work reliably in harsh environments and under challenging operating conditions. They will run efficiently though high and low temperatures, under high shock or vibration, and require minimal maintenance. Unlike standard PCs, they feature sealed enclosures, fanless cooling, and industrial-grade components for durability and reliability.
What is a fanless computer and what are the advantages of this?
A fanless computer uses passive cooling, relying on heat sinks and a sealed chassis instead of fans. Advantages include silent operation, reduced mechanical failure, energy efficiency, dust and debris resistance, and suitability for harsh environments. This makes them reliable and low maintenance in industrial and challenging conditions.
What makes a computer system suitable for defence or regulated applications?
A computer suitable for defence or regulated applications must meet rigorous military standards like DEF STAN 00-35 and MIL-STD-810, ensuring resistance to extreme shock, vibration, temperature, dust, and water. It also requires secure data protection, and benefits from fanless cooling, extensive connectivity, and reliability for mission-critical environments.
How do rugged computers handle extreme environments?
Rugged computers use reinforced casings, shock-absorbing materials, and sealed enclosures to withstand drops, vibrations, and impacts. They’re built with fanless cooling systems, wide temperature-range components, and water/dust-resistant seals (often IP65+ rated). Military-grade testing ensures they survive extreme temperatures, humidity, altitude, and harsh conditions where standard computers would fail.
What certifications are required for computers to be compliant with regulated industries?
Computers used in regulated industries often need certifications like DEF STAN 00-35 for durability, IP ratings for dust and water resistance, and BS EN 60945 or BS EN 50121-3-2 for electromagnetic compliance. In specialised sectors, additional standards apply such as MHRA or FDA (in the US) compliance for healthcare applications, ISO 9001 for quality management, and UKCA/CE marking for safety.
Why might I need a fully custom designed computer system?
A fully custom designed computer system is needed when standard computers cannot meet specific requirements, such as extreme environmental conditions, unique hardware configurations, specialised software, high-performance computing, or proprietary security standards. They may also be needed for legacy system compatibility, or embedded applications. Custom systems ensure optimal reliability, efficiency, and compatibility for industries such as aerospace, defence, and industrial automation.
Can a standard rugged computer be customised for specific project requirements?
Yes, rugged computers can be customised with various options: different processors, RAM configurations, storage types, I/O ports, display specifications, mounting solutions, operating systems, and specialised cards or modules. Steatite also offers semi-custom configurations balancing cost-effectiveness with specific needs.
What types of I/O and connectivity options are available in rugged industrial PCs?
Rugged industrial PCs provide a wide range of I/O and connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, serial ports (RS-232/RS-485), CAN bus, GPIO, and video outputs (DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort). They also feature audio jacks, M12 connectors, expansion slots (PCIe, mini-PCIe), and may support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G/5G, and GPS. The options enable seamless integration with sensors, machinery, networks, and peripherals in harsh industrial environments.
What operating systems and software platforms are compatible with rugged industrial computer systems?
Rugged industrial PCs typically support Windows (10/11 IoT Enterprise, Embedded), Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS), real-time operating systems (RTOS), Android, and sometimes legacy Windows versions. They’re compatible with industrial software like SCADA systems, PLCs, machine vision, data acquisition tools, and custom applications. Compatibility ensures reliable performance and easy integration for specialised industrial, military, or other applications.
How scalable are rugged industrial computer systems for future upgrades or expansions?
Rugged industrial computers are highly scalable and designed for future expansion through modular design and various expansion slots (PCIe, PCI). This allows easy upgrades of components like RAM, storage, or the addition of specialised I/O cards, GPUs for AI acceleration, or networking modules (4G/5G, fieldbus). This flexibility extends their operational lifespan and allows tech refreshes without replacing the entire system.
Can new industrial computer systems be integrated with legacy systems?
Yes, new industrial computer systems can often be integrated with legacy systems. They support standard protocols, diverse I/O options, and adaptable software interfaces, enabling communication with older machinery, sensors, and networks. This ensures seamless data exchange, operational continuity, and gradual modernisation without replacing entire existing infrastructures.
Integrated Computer Systems
What is an integrated computer system?
An integrated computer system combines hardware, software, and peripheral components into a single, unified solution designed for specific tasks or environments. This includes built-in displays, I/O interfaces, sensors, communication modules, power management, and mounting hardware. These systems streamline performance, reduce cabling, improve reliability, and optimise space, making them ideal for industrial automation, embedded control, transportation, and mission-critical applications.
What support services are offered with complex integrated computer systems?
Support services for complex integrated computer systems typically include system design consultation, installation, configuration, and testing. Ongoing services cover technical support, software updates, remote monitoring, and maintenance. Steatite offers training, documentation, and lifecycle management to ensure reliability, performance, and seamless operation throughout the system’s lifespan.
Are all integrated computer systems custom designed and engineered?
No, not all integrated computer systems are custom designed. Many are built from configurable, off-the-shelf components. However, when specific performance, environmental, or compatibility requirements exist, custom engineering is the best option. This approach ensures the system meets exact operational needs while balancing cost, scalability, and long-term reliability for specialised industrial or mission-critical applications.
How do we ensure long-term reliability and lifecycle support?
Steatite ensure long-term reliability and lifecycle support through rigorous component testing, controlled supply chains, and use of industrial-grade parts. We provide ongoing firmware updates, technical support, and replacement parts, alongside lifecycle management programs that plan for upgrades, compatibility, and obsolescence to maintain dependable system performance over time.
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