October 2014
34
B
OARDS
& M
ODULES
Ultra-rugged Embedded Computer:
the one for the rough stuff
By Raphael Binder,
Syslogic
This article introduces the rugged
computer RPC Compact 71 which is
protected to category IP67 and has a
fully enclosed housing, as well as the
matching M12 plug connectors.
Salt-laden air, oil or dust, extreme tempera-
ture fluctuations, vibrations and/or shocks –
these kinds of environmental factors usually
mean devastation for electronics and espe-
cially for a computer system. Even rugged
industrial computers usually have to surren-
der in their fight against such environmental
conditions.
Early system failures can mean all kinds of
hassles .The possible causes can be manifold.
Air containing salt for instance can mean cor-
rosion inside the device, which may then very
well lead to later malfunctions. Should dust
ingress into the industrial unit because of a
leak in the housing, it could cause sudden fail-
ure. Another reason for failure in industrial
systems which are exposed to constant envi-
ronmental vibrations can be improper con-
nectors or storage media. In addition, extreme
temperatures create difficult operating condi-
tions for the average device - like difficulties
starting when it is cold, or even permanent
electronics damage under sustained high heat
conditions. In short, the traditional industrial
computer is only suitable to a limited extent
under extreme conditions.
The consequences of an early failure can be
devastating. Depending on the application,
such production downtimes or unscheduled
maintenance events will cause losses to the
bottom line and a great deal of frustration. In
worst case scenarios these failures can even
become a danger to people, especially in cases
where these computers have been integrated
into vehicles. There are a number of applica-
tions that demand using an industrial com-
puter, which is able to run reliably even under
the most extreme of conditions. This includes
their incorporation into construction equip-
ment, special-purpose vehicles, mining and
railway applications, as well as their use in the
maritime environment.
The market offering of suitable equipment
is rather limited. The embedding specialist
Syslogic has recognized this need and devel-
oped a brand new device, which is setting new
standards in stability. The main features of
the RPC Compact 71 are its enclosed alumi-
num housing with IP67-protection rating and
the M12 interfaces. This makes it resistant to
moisture and dust-laden environments. In
order to achieve a uniform pressure load in
spite of the completely enclosed housing, the
Rugged Box Computer features a Goretex
valve mounted to its sidewall.
The new Ultra Lock series M12 connectors
by Molex withstand the constant vibrations
and are also certified to common industry
standards. Syslogic does not only value a
robust design, but also the best possible user
comfort and an uncomplicated commis-
sioning. The M12 plugs have a practical Bay-
onet closure for quick and simple peripheral
connections. In addition, the company fur-
nishes the M12 cables with conventional
counterplugs with its test equipment. The
M12 plugs come equipped with standard
USB, Ethernet, RS232, RS422/485, CAN
and VGA. The electronics layout is arranged
so that modifications to the interface con-
figuration can be done quickly and cost
effectively. There is also an integrated wire-
less model available, which features GSM/
GPRS/UMTS, as well as W-LAN and GPS.
But not only are the M12 plugs extremely
robust, even the Computer-on-Module
(COM), the real heart piece of the com-
puter, has been developed by Syslogic. This
shows how dedicated the engineers were
to this ultra-rugged approach. The robust
CoreExpress pluggable cord connectors, as
well as its protective paint, are important
features of the COM boards. The CoreEx-
press connector technology is qualified for
harsh industrial environments, in contrast
to some other COM standards, and has
already been proven in various automotive
applications. The company now manufac-
tures the COM board in their own state-
of-the-art production, along with the rest
of the device.
