Introduction
The APC50A is B&R’s latest industrial PC designed for applications requiring extreme computing power, flexibility, and support for modern technologies such as AI and advanced image processing. This article provides a comprehensive technical overview, including architecture, interfaces, expansion options, and typical use case
1. Typical Applications and Target Industries
APC50A is ideal for:
- Centralized high-speed image processing
- AI-driven process optimization and simulation
- Industries: packaging, waste sorting, food & beverage, additive manufacturing
AR/AS is not supported
2. Success story:
A fully automated waste-sorting solution relies on a centralized data model for real-time detection and classification of materials. This requires a high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective PC platform capable of handling intensive data processing and continuous operation
3. Key Technical Features
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-14500E (14 cores) / i9-14900E (24 cores) |
| Memory | DDR5-5600, up to 64 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB M.2 NVMe (standard), optional 2× 2.5" SSD |
| Interfaces | 3× Ethernet, 7× USB 3.2, 4× DisplayPort, RS232, Audio |
| Expansion | 4 PCIe slots (Gen 5 x16, Gen 4 x4, Gen 3 x1) |
| Operating Systems | Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024, Linux Debian 12, no AR |
| Security | TPM 2.0, IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2 |
| Operating Temperature | 0–55 °C |
CPU
14th Gen Intel core I “Raptor Lake Refresh”
- Variant depending on device
- Active cooling only
Core i5 – 14500E
- 6 Performance cores
- 8 Efficiency cores
- 5.0 GHz performance-core max turbo frequency
- 2.6 GHz base frequency
Core i9 – 14900E
- 8 Performance cores
- 16 Efficiency cores
- 5.8 GHz performance-core max turbo frequency
- 2.0 GHz base frequency
MASS Storage
M.2 for GPOS and operation
- 512 GB standard
- NVME Standard
- Second M.2 free for use
- M-Key
- RAID support (Software RAID)
Front drive bay onboard (Icy dock)
- Two slots for 2,5” SSDs (optional part)
- Up to 2TB 3D TLC (each)
- RAID support (Software RAID)
RAM slots
- DDR5 - 5600MHz only
- Up to 4 slots
- Slot occupancy depending on CPU
- Core i5 – 32GB (2x 16GB DDR5 5600)
- Core i9 – 64GB (4x 16GB DDR5 5600)
Interfaces
Connectors
- 4x Displayport 1.4a
- 2x 2.5GBit Ethernet
- 1x 1GBit Ethernet
- 4x USB 3.2 Gen 1
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2
- 1x USB-C
- 1x RS232
- Audio
- 1x Line In
- 1x Line Out
- 1x Mic
PCIe slots
Support of high-end AI and graphics PCIe cards
- Up to 4 “Full size” PCIe slots
- 1x PCIe x16 Gen 5
- 16 PCIe lanes (max. 63GBit/s)
- 1x PCIe x4 Gen 4 (PCIe x16 connector)
- 4 PCIe lanes (max. 8GBit/s)
- 2x PCIe x1 Gen 3
- 1 PCIe lane (max. 1GBit/s)
4. Performance Benchmarks
1 Passmark-CPU mark
5. Summary
The APC50A is a robust platform for applications requiring high computing power, scalability, and reliability in industrial environments. With support for the latest technologies, including AI and advanced graphics cards, it enables innovative solutions in automation.
6. FAQ
Q: Which operating systems are supported?
A: Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2024 and Linux Debian 12. AR/AS is not supported.
Q: What expansion options are available?
A: 4 PCIe slots (Gen 5 x16, Gen 4 x4, Gen 3 x1) for graphics and AI cards.
7. Major limitation (vs remaining APC portfolio)
-
No SDL/SDL4 support
-
No AS/AR support
-
No fieldbuses
-
No customizing
