The Common Faults when Connect USB Devices to Industrial PC

USB is an external bus standard, which is used to standardize the connection and communication between industrial computers and external devices. Generally speaking, when the external device of the industrial computer is connected to the USB interface of the industrial computer, it can be automatically recognized by the industrial computer and can work normally. However, after some USB devices are connected to the industrial computer, the following faults often appear:

1. The industrial computer can automatically identify the USB device, and it is normal to install the driver of the device, but after installing the driver, it is found that the content of the device cannot be accessed, which is manifested as the inability to find the drive symbol of the device, the device cannot be used, and so on.

2. The industrial computer cannot automatically identify the USB device, the signal indicator in the USB device is not on or the state is abnormal, and even the USB device will make unusual sounds. For example, if the power supply of the hard disk of the USB interface is insufficient, it is often heard the abnormal sound of the hard disk "clicking".

3. When the USB device is not connected, the industrial computer can start normally, but when the USB device is connected, the industrial computer cannot start normally, and an error message appears, such as the startup file cannot be found or the startup file is damaged, etc.

4. The industrial computer can automatically recognize the USB device, and the content in the USB device can also be accessed, but the access speed of the USB device is slow, and the USB device will suddenly have access errors when working for a long time, or the industrial computer crashes for no reason.

When the above fault occurs, first consider whether the power supply for the industrial computer is insufficient. If it is caused by insufficient power supply of the USB device, the following workarounds should be taken:

1. External power supply method of industrial computer

For example, some mobile hard disks with extremely fast rotation speed in industrial computers, their working current has sometimes reached the 1A standard, and their power has exceeded double the normal power. It must be equipped with a separate external power supply to ensure the stability of USB devices and operating systems.

2. IPC interface replacement method

Nowadays, USB device manufacturers often provide several different connection interfaces for USB devices. Once the device cannot obtain enough power from the USB interface, other low-power interfaces can be used to connect to ensure that the USB device can be used normally.

3. Power down method of Industrial computer

Under normal circumstances, the power supply of each USB interface of the industrial computer is 0.5A. If the rated current of the USB device during normal operation exceeds this standard, the industrial computer will not be able to accurately identify the USB device. At this time, the only feasible way is to choose a USB device with low power, or choose a USB device with an independent power supply to ensure the normal operation of the USB device.