Process computer

Process computers are computers that are characterized by the following technical specifications:

• Input signals coming exclusively or predominantly of sensors ,
• Output signals are issued exclusively or mainly via actuators ,
• only the programming is done by humans, for example by keyboard input
• the data processing takes place in real time , adapted to the speed of the associated process so that the reactions of the process computer take place in good time .

This distinguishes process computers in particular from workstation computers, which receive their entries primarily via the keyboard.

Typical examples of process computer use are:

• Control computers for systems such as production lines or blast furnaces or chemical plants or power plants
• Engine controls , for example for internal combustion engines in motor vehicles
• Microcontroller , e.g. B. for controlling household appliances .

The size and performance of process computers range from networked mainframes to single-chip microcontrollers. Special conditions arise from the real-time requirement , the output data must be available in good time for the ongoing process, as well as the reliability , since a computer crash in a large technological system, for example, could cause far greater consequential damage than the crash of an office computer.

literature

• Werner Kriesel , Hans Rohr, Andreas Koch: History and future of measurement and automation technology. VDI-Verlag, Düsseldorf 1995, pp. 115-127, ISBN 3-18-150047-X .