Key result: The Vstrong BI03-IC industrial PC (Intel N95) ran OPENLOGIC’s AnyPLC Virtual PLC Runtime at a 1 ms control cycle for more than 84 million consecutive cycles (about 23 hours). Average jitter was 0.245 µs, maximum jitter was 4.125 µs, and there were zero task overruns, all under a sustained 1.96 GFLOP/s floating-point load. The test confirms the BI03-IC as a validated hardware platform for AnyPLC-based software-defined control.
Test Results at a Glance
| Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Vstrong BI03-IC, Intel N95 (Alder Lake-N), [X] GB RAM |
| Software | OPENLOGIC AnyPLC Runtime [version] |
| Operating system | [Ubuntu XX.XX, PREEMPT_RT kernel] |
| Control cycle period | 1 ms |
| Test duration | 84+ million consecutive cycles (~23 hours) |
| Computational load | ~1.96 GFLOP/s (double-precision floating-point benchmark) |
| Average RT task CPU utilization | 83.7% |
| Average cycle jitter | 0.245 µs |
| Maximum cycle jitter | 4.125 µs |
| Task overruns | 0 |
| Watchdog triggers | 0 |
| Processor temperature | Below 40°C throughout [at ~XX°C ambient] |
The test was performed and published by OPENLOGIC, the developer of AnyPLC. Read their announcement: [OPENLOGIC 文章链接].
Why Hardware Matters for a Virtual PLC
A Virtual PLC separates control software from proprietary controller hardware. Initiatives such as the Open Process Automation Forum (O-PAS) promote the same principle. When the PLC becomes software, however, the industrial PC becomes the controller. Its network design, firmware and thermal behavior directly affect cycle-time stability.
“Hardware-independent” does not mean any hardware will do. It means you can choose hardware that has been validated for the job.
Checklist: What to Look for in an Industrial PC for Virtual PLC or SoftPLC
Use these four checks when comparing IPCs for real-time control, from any supplier:
1. Dedicated Ethernet controllers, not an internal switch
Some compact IPCs offer several RJ45 ports that share one controller through an internal switch. Real-time fieldbuses such as EtherCAT need direct, predictable access to a dedicated NIC. Ask the supplier which Ethernet controller sits behind each port.
2. Open, documented UEFI settings
Deterministic Linux performance depends on firmware settings such as CPU C-states and power management. If these are locked or undocumented, real-time tuning becomes trial and error.
3. Compute headroom beyond the control loop
Modern vPLC runtimes also run scripting, protocol gateways and data services next to the control task. A CPU that only just meets the cycle time leaves no margin.
4. Thermal design for continuous duty
Controllers run 24/7. Check how heat is removed, whether airflow passes over the electronics, and whether the cooling parts can be serviced in the field.
How the BI03-IC Meets These Requirements
Four Intel i210 Gigabit Ethernet controllers. Each of the BI03-IC’s four Ethernet ports uses a dedicated Intel i210 controller. This allows physical separation between MAC-based industrial protocols such as EtherCAT and IP-based communication such as Modbus TCP and OPC UA. OPENLOGIC’s evaluation highlighted this as a key advantage for network isolation and predictable real-time behavior.
Real-time tuning options exposed in UEFI. The BI03-IC firmware exposes the settings needed for real-time optimization. OPENLOGIC’s evaluation confirmed that these options are sufficient to tune the platform for deterministic execution.
Intel N95 compute performance. The Intel N95 is a generational upgrade over the Atom and Celeron processors common in entry-level controllers. In the test it held a strict 1 ms cycle while delivering about 2 GFLOP/s of floating-point work.
Isolated-airflow thermal design. The BI03-IC uses a dedicated cooling fan in an air channel fully isolated from the mainboard compartment, so airflow never passes over the electronics and the enclosure protection rating is maintained. The fan module is quick-swap for field service. During the 23-hour test, the processor stayed below 40°C.
Typical Applications
- OEM machines moving from proprietary PLCs to software-defined control
- EtherCAT-based machine control
- Process automation and modernization projects
- Test benches, research labs and automation training
- Industrial gateways combining control, protocol conversion and data services
Where the BI03-IC Is Not the Right Choice
- Safety-critical functions. Neither the BI03-IC nor AnyPLC Runtime is a certified safety PLC. Safety functions should stay on certified safety hardware.
- Heavy local AI or machine-learning workloads. For these, consider our Intel Core i5-1135G7 platform [内链].
- Complex multi-axis motion with Distributed Clocks synchronization. Validate the exact servo drives and requirements with OPENLOGIC before deployment.
How to Evaluate the BI03-IC with AnyPLC
- Send us your application: I/O count, cycle time, protocols (EtherCAT / Modbus / OPC UA) and operating environment.
- We confirm the hardware configuration and share the tested OS and real-time setup.
- Sample delivery: [X] working days. OPENLOGIC provides an AnyPLC evaluation license.
- Run your test on your own bench, with technical support from both teams.
FAQ
Can AnyPLC run on the Vstrong BI03-IC?
Yes. OPENLOGIC validated AnyPLC Runtime on the BI03-IC in a 23-hour test at a 1 ms cycle with zero overruns and 0.245 µs average jitter.
Does the BI03-IC support EtherCAT?
The BI03-IC has four dedicated Intel i210 Gigabit Ethernet controllers, so one port can be dedicated to an EtherCAT master while the others handle IP-based traffic. EtherCAT master functionality is provided by the control software, such as AnyPLC Runtime.
What is the difference between a Virtual PLC and a SoftPLC?
Both run PLC logic as software on general-purpose hardware. “Virtual PLC” usually refers to platforms that can run multiple controller instances on one host and integrate with modern IT/OT infrastructure. AnyPLC is classified by its developer as a Virtual PLC.
Which operating system was used in the test?
[Ubuntu XX.XX with a PREEMPT_RT real-time kernel.] We can share the tested configuration on request.
Is the BI03-IC fanless?
No. The N95 version uses a dedicated fan in an isolated air channel that is separated from the electronics. The fan module is quick-swap.
Evaluating a Virtual PLC or SoftPLC on standard industrial PCs? [Contact our team] for BI03-IC specifications, the full test setup and sample availability.