New: rugged compact PC for various applications, including military
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Developing computer platforms for frontline combat forces has unfolded as one of the most dominant fields of innovation over the past decade. Obviously, everything the soldiers carry must meet the same adverse, changing environment as they do. Sand, water, wind, extreme temperatures, radiation and chemicals are only some of the factors that impact the structure and specifications of military field computers. Rugged covers did not become army tablets’ ’calling card’ for nothing.
These challenges have become all the more critical with the advent of wireless communications. Military rugged computers are becoming an integral part of standard combat issue, enabling comprehensive outlook on the go. They also feature real time sharing and transmission of audio, video and data from the numerous sensors deployed in the scene or imbedded into the soldiers’ equipment.
Other PCs enable the forces to control systems, work with mapping and topography software, create databases right there in the field as well as on-the-scene fingerprint identification of terror suspects. Any field platform must be capable of interfacing with auxiliary devices such as camera, robots, and so on.
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This issue of extreme differences in temperatures has also been the focus of Aitech, which has recently unveiled the A171 Rugged Compact PC. Based on the Core i7 processor, this platform links up to any vehicle and is capable of operating in any temperature between minus 40 degrees centigrade (minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit) and 71 degrees (159 degrees Fahrenheit).
“Countries with a large territory, such as India for example, require PCs which can operate both in the desert and in the Himalayas,” Aithech VP Sales, Asia Rafi Horesh told iHLS. “For the sake of comparison, a home computer begins to falter at temperatures of 50 degrees centigrade (122 degrees Fahrenheit). In the new rugged compact PC, maintaining temperature is achieved through conduction cooling – that is, by transferring the heat from one part of the system to another, cooler section. “One of the primary failures of military PCs is that fans get stuck,” explains Horesh. “The moment they are no longer necessary, you can reduce the PCs volume and thus improve its durability and lifecycle over time.”
In terms of standard readiness and compatibility, Horesh underscores the A171 is not exclusively tailored to any specific standard, but can rather be installed in any vehicle and features slots for two screens, for vehicle systems, other PCs, sensors and cameras. “We made sure we use existing devices as much as possible in order to streamline the development process,” elaborates Horesh in reference to the company’s strategy. “In order to meet military specifications and standards, we put the platform through numerous hardships, such as tests designed to assess exposure to strong vibrations, hazardous materials and pressure changes. Our next phase is developing a laptop version for the A171 to be used by soldiers in the field.”
