INDUSTRIAL COMPUTER PERIPHERALS AND ACCESSORIES
The peripherals and accessories for industrial computers include specialized or proprietary products that are auxiliary to computer mainframes. A common type is the back-up storage or disk drive. Others
are input devices such as the mouse or other pointers, and output devices such as monitors, screens, and printers. A specialty computer peripheral is attached to an existing computer mainframe through serial or USB ports. A wireless computer accessory is networked to the system through a wireless access point.
Specialty computer peripherals are often industry-specific; for example, graphic designers use special drawing tablets and scanners that are designed for refined illustration or fine art work. Others include laboratory or research equipment that can be networked for data gathering and analysis such as a microscope, spectrometer, or other measurement device.
Specialty computer peripherals for use in industrial environments often need to be more robust and durable than those for an office or home computer. For example, industrial keyboards are built to resist dust and dirt, and some may even be waterproof and illuminated. Industrial computer monitors and displays are also built to withstand harsh environments and include flat panel displays that come with touch screens and stainless steel front bezels.
Tables 9.3 and 9.4 list some typical computer peripherals and accessories, respectively.
