Rugged Computing - January 2019
From the depths of the ocean to the extreme temperatures of space, computing advances enable applications in the harshest environments. To help you keep pace with the latest developments, we present this compendium of recent articles from the editors of Tech Briefs and Aerospace & Defense Technology.
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Overview
The Rugged Computing Special Report from January 2019 provides an in-depth analysis of the advancements and challenges in rugged computing technologies, particularly in military and aerospace applications. The report highlights the critical importance of deployability and life-cycle management of diverse weapons systems and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) computing systems, which are essential for the Department of Defense.
One of the key topics discussed is the ongoing development and standardization of the MIL-STD-1553B bus, a crucial communication protocol used in military aircraft. The report notes that the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, along with a consortium from Canada, the U.K., Germany, and other nations, successfully advocated for the completion of E1553 development work. This initiative led to testing on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, ultimately resulting in standardization efforts sponsored by the NATO Avionics System Panel, chaired by the U.S. Navy.
The report also emphasizes the growing significance of unmanned vehicles across air, land, and water domains. As military services worldwide increasingly rely on these platforms, there is a heightened expectation for improved capabilities and performance in the latest unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Systems engineers face complex challenges related to thermal management, power budgeting, electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions and susceptibility, as well as issues concerning weight, size, cabling, connectors, antenna management, and command/control functions. The report discusses how emerging technologies and innovative packaging concepts are addressing these challenges, leading to better solutions for unmanned vehicle systems.
Additionally, the report touches on the evolving mission requirements from global defense forces, which are driving new programs and applications for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) platforms. The need for advanced capabilities in these vehicles is becoming increasingly critical, reflecting the broader trend of integrating cutting-edge technology into military operations.
Overall, the Rugged Computing Special Report serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the current landscape of rugged computing technologies, the challenges faced by military systems, and the innovative solutions being developed to meet the demands of modern warfare. It underscores the importance of collaboration among international defense entities and the continuous evolution of standards and technologies to enhance the effectiveness and reliability of military computing systems.
