Extremely rugged solutions
Data Respons has developed the Fire Control Unit (FCU III) that forms part of the Kongsberg Protech Systems Remote Weapon Stations for military vehicles.
Published: February 10, 2011
The most demanding of all rugged development projects are military solutions. They must be able to withstand use in almost all environments and are developed according to the standard MIL-STD-810F.
Main design features:
- Advanced power input and distribution
- Customised keypad, light and display
- Computer-on-module with PC functionality
- Advanced video processing power
- Multiple digital and analogue video inputs
- Standard network and I/O interfaces
- Few mechanical parts with special die-cast housing
- Easy assembly with extensive use of flexprint cards and stacked electronic modules
- Conduction cooling and no moving parts
Main project tasks
- Requirement teardown, design and verification
- Critical and final design reviews
- Safety and reliability engineering
- Documentation and configuration management
- Environmental qualification and testing
- Sub-contractor assessment and qualification
- Production and system test facilities
- Production readiness review and first article inspection
- Multidiscipline Project and Quality Management
The development of rugged solutions is a multidisciplinary task that demands a deep pool of experience and knowledge. Moreover, rugged solutions are often developed with certification in mind, which places even higher demands on the development team. Rugged solutions are usually developed to handle specific tasks in specific environments – at offshore and subsea installations, for example, or on board coaches and trains. This means that the developer can focus on a limited set of environmental parameters such as salt spray, vibration and temperature.
On the other hand, military solutions must be able to withstand punishment from a multitude of different environments. They will be transported to and put to work in every corner of the world and must be able to withstand extremely tough use and the most challenging environments. Moreover, these solutions must comply with the requirements of the MIL-STD-810F standard – the toughest standard of all.
- Data Respons’ ability to develop hi-tech solutions in accordance with the MIL-STD-810F standard is the result of 25 years of experience in the embedded industry. We have developed a wide range of rugged solutions for the maritime, automotive and military sectors. Nevertheless, the Fire Control Unit (FCU III) project for Kongsberg Protech Systems is the most demanding project we have ever taken on. The knowledge we gained from this project has added a new dimension to our development capabilities and our capacity to provide volume deliveries of military embedded solutions, says Jørn E. Toppe, managing director of Data Respons Norway.
MIL-STD-810F
- The military standard MIL-STD-810F addresses a range of environmental conditions that include:
- Low pressure for altitude testing
- Exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shock
- Rain
- Humidity, fungus, salt
- Fog for rust testing
- Exposure to sand and dust
- Explosive atmospheres
- Leakage
- Acceleration
- Shock and transport shock
- Gunfire vibration
- Random vibration
EXTREME TESTING
The Fire Control Unit has been through rigorous tests according to the military standard MIL-STD-810F.
Every unit undergoes strict testing according to the MIL-STD-810F standard, and the solution is cost-optimised for volume delivery.
Data Respons was selected for the project for a number of important reasons, including local presence in Kongsberg, broad competency in the field of embedded design, and experience with the production and delivery of advanced computer systems that are exposed to extreme conditions.
