Rugged Computing & Electronics - November 2021
From the battlefield to the oceans to the extremes of space, electronics and computing advances enable missions in the harshest conditions. 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 November 2021 Special Report on Rugged Computing focuses on the advancements in rugged electronics tailored for military applications, particularly emphasizing unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The report highlights the importance of Modular Open System Approach (MOSA) solutions, which allow for flexibility and adaptability in the design and deployment of UUV systems.
Curtiss-Wright, a key player in this field, supports various UUV programs with MOSA-based solutions that include open standard single board computer modules, network routers, and data storage systems. A critical aspect of these solutions is achieving an optimal balance between minimizing size and heat dissipation while delivering high performance. The report underscores the significance of data encryption for both data-at-rest and data-in-motion, ensuring the security of sensitive mission data.
One notable example discussed is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution deployed on a large diameter UUV (LDUUV). This UUV required a compact network-attached storage (NAS) solution capable of handling terabytes of information for long-range missions. The design considerations for this UUV included a narrow cross-section to minimize drag and conserve power, which is essential for extending mission duration. The report emphasizes that reducing the power consumption of onboard systems allows for more energy to be allocated to propulsion, thereby enabling longer missions.
Modern UUVs are equipped with a variety of sensors tailored to their mission profiles. At a minimum, they must measure location, direction, and speed, but environmental sensing is also crucial for obstacle and threat avoidance. The sonar systems on these UUVs collect environmental data, which is stored for analysis and decision-making during missions.
The report also touches on the broader context of rugged computing in military environments, highlighting the need for electronics that can withstand harsh conditions. The ruggedization of electronics is essential for ensuring reliability and performance in deployed military settings.
In addition to UUVs, the report briefly mentions the growing interest in drones, noting that they have become a significant topic in technology news. The increasing prevalence of drones in various applications reflects the broader trend of integrating advanced technologies into military operations.
Furthermore, the report discusses the anticipated growth in satellite constellations, driven by the demand for navigation, internet, and telecommunications services. Companies like SpaceX, Amazon, and OneWeb are leading this expansion, which is expected to see thousands of new satellites launched in the coming years.
Overall, the Special Report on Rugged Computing provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of rugged electronics in military applications, with a particular focus on UUVs. It highlights the importance of innovative design, performance optimization, and the integration of advanced technologies to meet the unique challenges faced by military operations in diverse environments.
