Polywell Computers: Mini PC Series SwapPC

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2022: Industrial Mini PC Launch SwapPC

On January 17, 2022, Polywell Computers announced the release of embedded industrial mini-PCs - SwapPC (replaceable PCs).

The global trend in the size of computers has led to the emergence of a whole class of computers - embedded and mini-PCs.

The main applications of embedded and mini industrial class PCs in Polywell Computers were named:

• POS (point of sale) - the workplace of the cashier of retail sales.
• Information kiosks.
• ATMs.
• Payment terminals.
• Ticket terminals.
• Digital Signage.
• CCTV.
• Medical devices.
• Inpatient condition monitoring systems health.
• Automatic check-in terminals at airports.
• Airport operator check-in terminals.
• Vehicle monitoring systems.
• Traffic management.
• APCS and Internet of Things systems.

Common properties of such systems are:

• Their typical configuration is within the same system.
• Typical set of system and application software within one system.
• "As is" usage, which means that the PC can simply be powered on, the periphery and the network plugged into the corresponding connectors, and the device itself will immediately begin to perform the functions assigned to it without additional configuration.

SwapPC is based on the proven Open Pluggable Specification (OPS), created back in 2010 by Intel, to simplify the installation, use, maintenance and updating of the Digital Signage infrastructure.

This open standard includes the electrical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of PCs connected through an 80-pin JAE connector that supports widely used interfaces such as DisplayPort and USB. The overall goal is to allow manufacturers to deploy replaceable systems faster and more quickly, while reducing deployment and implementation costs.

To use these properties, the company has developed a special docking station, which contains a JAE connector on the inside and all the necessary power and peripheral connections on the outside. In addition, on the front side of the SwapPC there are additional peripheral connectors that can be used if necessary. Thus, in order to replace a failed computer for one reason or another, it is enough to move it out of the docking station, and insert a backup (which can be stored either at the point where the PC is used or in the warehouse located in the immediate vicinity of it) in the docking station. Turning the new PC on automatically.

This scheme is especially important at points where there are no qualified technical personnel. The described operation can be performed by any worker or cashier. Then, the IT department personnel who arrived at the site will pick up the defective PC for repair or configuration, and leave the backup computer in place for subsequent use in case of failure.

Polywell Computers believes that SwapPC will be in demand in many previously described applications of embedded and mini PCs.

In all application scenarios, embedded and mini PCs are important elements of highly complex and important production information systems, which imply continuous operation, and a break in the operation of which can lead to undesirable or irreparable consequences.