Rugged embedded computer for space-constrained military applications introduced by Aitech

Nov. 10, 2015
CHATSWORTH, Calif., 10 Nov. 2015. Aitech Defense Systems Inc. in Chatsworth, Calif., is introducing an embedded computer called the A172 low-profile Rugged Compact PC (RCP) for high-performance military applications with limited space requirements.

CHATSWORTH, Calif., 10 Nov. 2015. Aitech Defense Systems Inc. in Chatsworth, Calif., is introducing an embedded computer called the A172 low-profile Rugged Compact PC (RCP) for high-performance military applications with limited space requirements.

Developed around a standard Type 6 COM Express module, the Intel Core i7-based A172 has an industry standard pinout and the ability to support several processor options. The unit weighs less than five pounds and measures 10.24 by 7.09 by 1.8 inches.

The RCP also has several I/O options to suit ground and airborne environments such as manned and unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) as well as manned and unmanned fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

With the addition of an optional frame grabber, applications for the RCP include image capture and stabilization, with or without graphics overlays for surveillance, red/blue force tracking, and threat assessment.

The rugged RCP can be used in complete mission computers for unmanned vehicles, and optional solid state drives (SSDs) provide data capture and sensor logging.

Related: Rugged COTS high-performance embedded computer (HPEC) for military uses introduced by Aitech

The A172 has as much as 16 gigabytes of DDR3L SDRAM as well as two internal mSATA SSD slots for standard mini Flash drives, totaling as much as 128 gigabytes, and two mini PCI Express slots for standard mini PCI Express modules to further increase system functionality.

I/O options include as many as four independent Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, four USB 2.0 interfaces, and eight serial ports with several RS232, RS422, or RS485 configurations as well as two CANbus and eight single-ended, buffered LVTTL discrete digital I/O ports.

Two single link DVI outputs and an audio line with stereo in/out round out the unit's available I/O. The optional frame grabber provides as many as eight channels of DVI inputs. Wi-Fi connectivity is available by plugging in a USB Wi-Fi antenna into the front panel's USB 3.0 port.

Operating systems include Windows 7 and Linux. The IP65 environmental sealing and natural convection cooling contribute to the A172's ability to withstand harsh, rugged environments.

It has a wide input voltage range from 12 volts DC to 32 volts DC, the A172 provides the integrator greater flexibility for system power. It complies with MIL-STD-704 and MIL-STD-1275 compliant for power and electrical integrity across the entire voltage range, and operates in temperatures from -40 to 70 degrees Celsius.

For more information contact Aitech online at www.rugged.com.

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