Rugged embedded computer

What are the applications of the rugged embedded computer?

In a land vehicle, helicopter, plane, drone, ship, submarine, etc.

In an extreme environment, of course, where small size, power, consumption/dissipation, reliability, perfect operational functioning, etc. in these hostile environments are key points.

We can mention the classic mission computers to prepare, manage and then exploit mission data, but also communication gateways, data acquisition/recording, video processing, secure control, computing box, EW/SIGINT, etc.

Combined with a touch screen, an Ethernet switch, POE, ... the whole can constitute a console solution, a control/command station, a control and supervision system, ...

Except for critical applications (e.g. DO 254, DO 178) which are out of the scope of this editorial, we could talk about a wide range of new use cases, especially with the arrival of embedded GPGPU modules.

Interest to use preferably building blocks

In defence & security projects, there are often common points in the customer technical specifications with, in parallel, lead times and budgets getting smaller and smaller over time.

Well thought out building blocks can often provide the solution by immediately meeting 90-95% of the requirement.

They are easily & quickly customisable to fit the exact need and will thus considerably reduce NRC/NRE costs & "time to market".

Indeed, there is no need to go through the long phases of architecture studies, mechanical/electronic/software design, prototypes to be developed, testing, environmental qualifications, certifications, ... the systems are pre-qualified and only the complements specific to the customer's needs will be studied/qualified.

The customisation costs are obviously not comparable to those of a "from scratch" project.

This COTS/MOTS/ building blocks base route thus offers definite advantages, to be evaluated even if one thinks at first sight that only the customised solution can do the trick.

Some important points to consider when choosing a rugged embedded computer

Of course, this depends on your application, but here are a few key points to consider:

• ITAR free "without export control" embedded computer.
• Dimensions of the "SWaP" computer (for Size Weight Power and Cost).
• Weight of the "SFF" embedded computer (for Small Form Factor).
• Power & consumption of the "USFF" calculator (For Ultra Small Form Factor).
• Extended operating temperature, shocks & vibrations resistance & other special requirements.
• Compliance with standards such as DO-160, MIL STD-810 & MIL STD-461.
• Completeness and variety of the available I/O's.
• Expansion slots to integrate specific I/O's such as video acquisition, GPU, multi-displays, CAN bus, military bus or avionics interfaces 1553, ARINC, FPGA module, ...
• IP65/67 waterproof enclosure & MIL STD-38999 ruggedized connectors.
• Operating System: Windows®, Linux (RedHat, Debian, Ubuntu, ...) but you can also choose BSP (Board Support Package) like ElinOS from SYSGO, other more specific software e.g. "Built in Test", system monitoring, ...
• Internal architecture:
  • Fanless & Cableless for better modularity and reliability.
  • Based on a standard e.g. COM Express to facilitate long term replacements (maintenance, end of life).
  • Hardware monitoring.
  • Durability, reliability, scalability for additional capabilities or functions.
  • Additional services offered in terms of integration, add-ons, support, obsolescence monitoring, MCO, etc.
  • Existence of a complete range to cover different types of needs.

An example of a rugged computer, let's do a focus on the nanoONYX from ECRIN Systems:

Some characteristics of this nanoONYX solution:

• ITAR free "without export control" (ECCN 4A003) Fanless rugged embedded computer.
• Ultra compact: 205mm (L) x 140mm (W) x 67.5mm (H) including connectors.
• 1.9kg excluding options.
• Processors:
  • Intel® Atom™ E3950 @ 1.6 GHz, 12W, Quad-Core, RAM 8GB, TDP 6.5W to 12W.
  • Intel® Core™ i7-8665UE @ 1.7 GHz, 15W, Quad-Core, RAM 8GB (16GB on request), TDP 7.5W to 15W.
  • For higher performance processors (e.g. "higher" Core™ i7 or Xeon®, see our other products ranges).
  • Other types of processors (ARM, AMD, ...): Consult us on projects.
• Extended temperature range (operation): -40°C to +71°C (depending on processor and cTDP).
• Shocks and vibrations: 40g@11ms.
• DO-160 and MIL-STD-810/461/1275/704 qualified.
• Large number of basic I/O (2 x Gigabit Ethernet ports, 4 x USB2.0, 2 x RS232, 2 x RS422, 1 x M.2 (S42) SATA SSD, 1 x DVI-D, TPM 2.0, ...).
• 4 AcroPack / mini PCIe expansion slots for additional functions (Ethernet, CAN bus, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC429, RS232/422, DIO, ADC, DAC, FPGA, ...).
• Ultra-compact, aluminium, IP67 waterproof enclosure.
• IP67 lockable circular military connectors (MIL-DTL-38999).
• Operating System (O.S Operating System): Windows® 10 32/64 bits, Linux 32/64 bits, ElinOS.
• Internal architecture:
  • Fanless & Cableless.
  • Mini COM Express Processor card, type 10 standard.
  • Monitoring of power supplies, CPU, temperature sensors integrated on the carrier board.
• 10/15 years durability, upgradability via AcroPack modules for adding functions, ports, ...
• The product can be customised for small series, add-ons such as breakout cables, starter kits, touch screens, ... can be offered as well as long term support services, obsolescence monitoring, MCO, ...
• nanoONYX is the latest addition to the ONYX series, the other products such as µONYX, ONYX or µTOPAZE provide complementary solutions to cover medium and high-end applications requiring even higher levels of performance (VPX, Intel® Xeon® processors, ECC, GPU, etc.).
• The entire ONYX range is designed & integrated in France, and a network of international partners also supports these systems.

AEROSPACE, DEFENCE & SECURITY