Are there any requirements for the configuration of a computer used for instrumentation?

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Instrument technicians rely on computers for PLC programming, DCS configuration, as well as for adjusting and calibrating parameters of smart instruments. So what kind of computer is suitable for working with instruments? Changhui Instruments offers some suggestions for configuring computers for instrument technicians from four aspects: computer memory, processor, operating system, and price. Instrumentation work involves aspects such as PLC programming, instrument communication testing, adjustment of instrument parameters, DCS configuration programming, and the learning of new technologies. An instrumentation technician benefits greatly from having a computer with high specifications, fast performance, good stability, and excellent software compatibility to carry out their work more effectively. With the technological updates and enhanced functions of various industrial control software, configuration software, programming software, etc., these applications consume a large amount of memory. They also place higher demands on the compatibility between the operating system and such software, as well as on their operational stability. Changhui Instruments offers some suggestions for those working in the instrumentation field regarding computer setup, in the hope that it will be helpful to everyone. Source: yunrun.com.cn/tech/2869.html 1. Install at least 8GB of RAM. In industrial settings, automation software such as Siemens TIA Portal and Intouch is widely used; these platforms feature a unified engineering configuration and software project environment that enables users to develop and debug automation systems quickly and intuitively. Each software application requires 8G–10G of memory, and its operation consumes a lot of the computer’s installed memory; computers with insufficient memory will become so sluggish that it becomes frustrating to use. The greater the memory capacity of a computer, the smoother its performance will be; it is recommended to equip computers used for monitoring with 8GB or more of memory. 2. Processors with hyper-threading and large cache capacity: For computers used for monitoring purposes, it is best to use Core i7 processors that feature hyper-threading and a large cache capacity. The current high-end processors in this category are the 9th generation Core i7s, which are quite expensive. There are also differences between desktops and laptops equipped with Core i7 processors: ① In terms of processing power, the i7 processor in desktop versions has greater performance than that in laptop versions. ②In terms of rendering capabilities, the desktop version of Core i7 has a higher computing power than its mobile version. ③Among desktops and laptops at the same price point, desktops have superior performance specifications; choosing a desktop provides higher performance. ④Due to differences in platform positioning, the default frequency of mobile Core i7 processors is lower. ⑤For laptops, it is recommended to choose brands such as Dell, ASUS, and Lenovo, as their computer performance and stability are guaranteed. 3. The operating system is Win7 Ultimate. Computers used for creating instrumentation systems are quite picky when it comes to the operating system: the common operating systems for computers these days are Win10, Win8, and Win7. Due to the long development cycles of industrial control software, as well as the emphasis on reliability and stability, such software is updated more slowly compared to other office and commercial software. The compatibility of industrial control software with operating systems cannot be ignored; for computers used in instrumentation, the original Windows 7 Ultimate edition is the preferred choice (an activation code must be purchased), followed by the pure version of Windows 7 Ultimate. Many industrial control software applications are not compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 8. Since system administrators cannot change the computer operating system nor the industrial control software, they should opt for the pure version of Windows 7 Ultimate, which can meet their work requirements. The Windows 7 operating system comes in several versions: Windows 7 Home Basic (Home Edition), Windows 7 Home Premium (Home Premium Edition), Windows 7 Professional (Professional Edition), Windows 7 Enterprise (Enterprise Edition), and Windows 7 Ultimate (Ultimate Edition) ； Based on their source, Win7 operating systems can be categorized into original versions, clean versions, and Ghost versions. Computers used for instrumentation must never run a GHOST version of the operating system; otherwise, the endless software compatibility issues that arise will keep you troubled constantly! Based on extensive testing conducted by various manufacturers and industrial automation professionals, the Win7 Ultimate operating system boasts comprehensive features and better compatibility with industrial software compared to other operating systems; therefore, it is recommended as the preferred operating system. Here, Changhui Instruments shares a little tip: when there are compatibility issues between the operating system and software, it is possible to resolve them by installing a virtual machine. By installing the system within this virtual machine, such a system can address the software compatibility problems without affecting the operation of the external system. 4. The price ranges from 4,000 to 7,000 yuan. Considering cost factors, a computer in the 4,000-yuan range is sufficient for using instruments; investing a few thousand more yuan can result in a significant improvement in the computer’s overall performance. Moreover, software upgrades can also help extend the computer’s useful life as much as possible. It can be used on both laptops and desktops; at the same price, laptops have slightly lower specifications, and they are more convenient to carry on business trips. By taking into account the computer configuration recommendations in these four aspects, it should be easy for everyone to select a computer suitable for instrument use based on their own circumstances. These same guidelines can also be applied when choosing a computer for PLC programming. Still the same thing: what’s best for you is the best!