At PSB GmbH, we understand the critical importance of secure, reliable IT infrastructure in the world of payment terminals. Our EMV industrial standard PCs are developed to provide robust and consistent performance in challenging environments, integrating advanced engineering and long-term dependability. With over three decades of experience in designing PC-based solutions for industrial and medical applications, we are uniquely positioned to deliver hardware that meets stringent EMV and industrial standards. Every system we produce undergoes rigorous testing, including burn-in procedures, ensuring it will perform flawlessly even under extreme conditions. Our flexible, customer-driven approach enables us to adapt PC systems precisely to the requirements of each EMV terminal project, ensuring seamless integration and maximum operational uptime.
What is an EMV Industrial Standard PC?
An EMV Industrial Standard PC serves as the technological backbone for modern payment terminals and industrial applications. EMV, standing for Europay, Mastercard, and Visa, defines a global set of guidelines for secure payment processing using chip cards and contactless technologies. These rugged computing solutions are engineered to meet the demanding requirements of payment environments, ensuring secure transactions in retail, hospitality, transportation, and more.
- EMV-compliance: Ensures compatibility with global chip and NFC payment standards
- Industrial-grade durability: Designed for continuous operation in harsh, high-traffic environments
- Integration-ready: Supports industry communication standards (SEPA, DLT, APIs) for seamless deployment with POS terminal hardware
Unlike conventional POS devices, a rugged EMV-conforming industrial PC is built to handle both physical and cyber threats. Features like IP65 protection, fanless designs, and PCIe-slots for card expansion make these systems adaptable for a range of payment and automation applications, aligning with modern demands such as fanless PC solutions.
Applications in Industry and the Payment Sector
Retail and Payment Terminals
In the payment sector, the EMV-Standard PC is pivotal for enabling SEPA Instant Payments, digital wallets like wero, and next-generation POS terminal architectures. Merchants benefit from faster transaction speeds, enhanced data security (certified under standards such as ISO 27001 and DSGVO), and lower maintenance due to robust hardware.
- SEPA/wero compatibility: Supports modern European payment rails, including the upcoming digital euro and CBDC rollouts
- Multi-protocol support: Connects seamlessly to legacy (credit card, Paypal) and advanced programmable payment options (Smart Contracts, DLT)
- End-to-end uptime: Fanless and dust-tight designs maximize mean time between failures (MTBF)
Industrial Automation
Within industrial environments, EMV-conforming PC hardware ensures that production lines, vending, and ticketing applications can also accept secure, cashless payments with minimal downtime. With programmability and modularity via PCIe slots and extensible APIs, these PCs enable future-proof upgrades—vital for upcoming edge computing and on-site AI analytics.
Medical and High-Compliance Deployment
Certified and rugged computing is critical in sectors such as healthcare, where industrial PCs in medical technology must meet strict EMC and data security requirements. Such solutions can process payments, manage confidential patient data, and ensure compliance with privacy regulations (e.g. DSGVO), which is reflected in comprehensive security layers and software encryption modules embedded at the hardware level.
Top Specifications and Selection Criteria
Essential Hardware Features
- IP65-rated protection: Defends against dust, dirt, and water ingress, ensuring reliability at self-service payment points and kiosks
- Fanless cooling: Lowers maintenance and increases lifespan—see more in our guide to the fanless computer for industry
- PCIe expansion slots: Facilitate add-on card readers, SSDs, or secure modules for evolving payment software needs
- Wide operating temperature range: Stability from -20°C up to +60°C
- EMV Level 1 & 2 certification: Mandatory for payment processing terminals
Performance & Connectivity
- Integrated secure elements: On-board TPM modules and encrypted storage for PCI DSS and DSGVO conformity
- Multiple interface options: USB, serial, LAN, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for versatile peripheral support (scanners, pin pads, receipt printers)
- High-speed data processing: Essential for real-time SEPA Instant Payments and P2P transfers
- EMV Kernel Support: Ensures up-to-date cryptographic protocols and compliance with major Acquirer network requirements
Integration with Modern Payment Systems like wero
wero & EPI-Ready Hardware
The drive towards European sovereignty in payments is being shaped by initiatives like the European Payments Initiative (EPI) and its consumer-facing app, wero. Hardware compatibility is essential for a smooth transition towards this new payment ecosystem, expected to impact both POS-terminal hardware and backend payment systems within Germany and the EU from 2025 onward.
- Native wero support: Enables acceptance of SEPA Instant and mobile payments, positioning retailers for the digital euro and CBDC era
- P2P and programmable payments: Facilitates innovative use cases using Smart Contracts and DLT, critical for future-ready merchant integrations
- Seamless API integration: Simplifies connection to evolving eurozone payment services and digital identity frameworks
For a detailed discussion on electromagnetic protection and secure payment workstations, visit the in-depth resource EMC-secured workstation: protection & best practices.
Comparison with Legacy Payment Integrations
| Feature | EMV/SEPA/wero-enabled PC | Legacy POS (Credit Card/Paypal) |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Speed | Instant (SEPA Instant, wero) | 1-2 business days (Credit Card, Paypal) |
| Data Protection | DSGVO/PCI DSS/ISO 27001 compliant | Varies, not always EU-compliant |
| Programmable Payments | DLT, Blockchain, Smart Contracts | No support |
| Hardware Durability | Industrial, fanless, IP65 | Consumer-grade, often fan-cooled |
| Cost Efficiency | Lower TCO due to longevity | Higher maintenance, frequent replacement |
Buying Guide and Manufacturer Recommendations
Checklist for Selecting an EMV Standard PC for Industry
- Confirm SEPA/wero compatibility and future support for digital euro/CBDC features
- Look for industry certifications: EMV Level 1/2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and IP65 minimum
- Select fanless models for maximum uptime and lowest dust impact—read more in our fanless PC guide
- Assess PCIe and I/O expansion for integration of proprietary or emerging payment solutions
- Examine compliance documentation for DSGVO and other required data protection standards
Recommended Manufacturers and Solutions
- PSB Engineering: Specializes in fanless, EMV-conforming PCs built for industrial and payment applications. Their models often support advanced features like hot-swappable storage and encrypted modules.
- Kontron/Advantech: European-based, delivering rugged, modular hardware with optional Smart Contract and DLT expansion.
- Siemens/CISCO: Known for scalable IT/OT integration, leveraging robust design for both payment and industrial automation.
Many of these suppliers provide expert consultation to help IT decision-makers maximize return on investment, especially as cardless and mobile SEPA/wero-compatible payments disrupt the market. Case studies show impressive TCO reductions (up to 30%) with industrial-grade solutions versus consumer-grade terminals.
Curious about options for AI-driven edge processing of payment and transaction data? Learn more about industrial-grade edge computing in our dedicated guide on the fanless edge computer for industry and AI.
Reliable IT is the backbone of secure payment transactions, and PSB GmbH’s longstanding expertise ensures that our industrial EMV PCs exceed both current regulations and real-world demands. Our commitment to durable, maintainable solutions and close partnerships with our customers allows us to address changing requirements quickly and effectively. We prioritize system longevity and serviceability, delivering products built to thrive in demanding, mission-critical payment environments. Our experienced engineers and in-house manufacturing process guarantee consistent quality, supply chain security, and reliable delivery. As the payment technology landscape evolves, PSB GmbH remains dedicated to supporting our partners with proven, innovative, and future-ready EMV hardware solutions.
