Ruggedization

Rugged Done Right

This isn’t “in case you drop your laptop” rugged. X-ES delivers embedded computing solutions for military, aerospace, and industrial applications where harsh conditions over extended periods are the rule, not the exception.

We use best-in-class methodologies to ensure that our products operate reliably in extremes of temperature, shock, vibration, and environment. Our in-house manufacturing and environmental testing facilities help us achieve quick turnaround and strict quality control, following processes certified to the ISO 9001 standard.

XPand6052 Small Form Factor System (SFF) Cutaway

 

Advanced Cooling

Thermal management is key to any ruggedization approach, particularly as deployed applications continue to require more processing power and higher bandwidth. Our products incorporate the latest air- or conduction-cooling techniques to help optimize performance.

We select an appropriate cooling method for each product based on the operating environment and size requirements. We implement these methods according to the relevant industry standards (for example, VITA 48 for VPX systems), making exceptions for custom designs when necessary.

 

Rugged Design

X-ES hardware includes a number of features to enhance durability and longevity, such as:

  • High-quality components rated for an extended temperature range
  • Integrated stiffening frames and thermal management assemblies
  • Memory that is soldered to the board
  • Leaded solder
  • Conformal coatings

Mechanical engineers are involved early in every design, providing an important “reality check” and flagging any thermal or structural issues. For new designs or customizations that are deemed especially risky, they run thermal and structural simulations to predict performance under the expected operating conditions.

 

Systematic Testing

All X-ES products undergo a formal acceptance test procedure (ATP), which includes thorough testing of all interfaces. We also perform environmental qualification testing (EQT) per the product’s ruggedization level and acceptance criteria, which typically involves temperature, shock, and vibration testing to the relevant military or industry standards. EQT might include additional testing, such as humidity or altitude, to meet program requirements.

As part of the manufacturing process, we complete environmental stress screening (ESS) for every deployable unit delivered. The level of ESS varies based on customer needs. If a product has components that are not rated for the product’s operating temperature range, we also perform temperature uprate screening (TUS).

Ruggedization Levels

X-ES products are available in three ruggedization levels, allowing customers to balance environmental requirements with cost considerations:

  • Standard air-cooled (Level 1) is for commercial-grade products used in benign operating environments or application development.
  • Rugged air-cooled (Level 3) is for products that need to operate over a wider temperature range than standard commercial products. It also offers increased shock and vibration tolerance.
  • Conduction-cooled (Level 5) is for the most rugged applications. It has the widest operating temperature range and the strongest protection against shock and vibration.

Refer to the tables below for detailed specifications. If an application doesn’t fit into one of these levels, we can design to custom requirements.

Ruggedization Chart

  Level 1

Standard Air-Cooled
Level 3

Rugged Air-Cooled
Level 5

Conduction-Cooled
Operating Temperature 0°C to +55°C ambient †
Per MIL-STD-810F 501.4 Procedure II and Method 502.4 Procedure II
-40°C to +70°C ambient †
Per MIL-STD-810F 501.4 Procedure II and Method 502.4 Procedure II
-40°C to +85°C board rail surface temperature
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 501.4 Procedure II and Method 502.4 Procedure II
Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C ambient
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 501.4 Procedure I and Method 502.4 Procedure I
-55°C to +105°C ambient
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 501.4 Procedure I and Method 502.4 Procedure I
-55°C to +105°C board rail surface temperature
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 501.4 Procedure I and Method 502.4 Procedure I
Vibration 0.002 g²/Hz (maximum), 1 hour per axis from 5 to 2000 Hz
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 514.5 Procedure I ‡
0.04 g²/Hz (maximum), 1 hour per axis from 5 to 2000 Hz
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 514.5 Procedure I ‡
0.1 g²/Hz (maximum), 1 hour per axis from 5 to 2000 Hz
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 514.5 Procedure I ‡
Shock 20 g, 11 ms sawtooth
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5 Procedure I
30 g, 11 ms sawtooth
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5 Procedure I
40 g, 11 ms sawtooth
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 516.5 Procedure I
Humidity Up to 95% non-condensing
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 507.4
Up to 95% non-condensing
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 507.4
Up to 95% non-condensing
Per MIL-STD-810F Method 507.4
Application Notes For standard commercial applications.

Contact factory for air flow rate details.

5-1000 Hz, PSD 0.002 g2/Hz; 1000-2000 Hz, PSD decreasing at 6 dB/octave.

For applications requiring an extended thermal range as well as increased shock and vibration requirements. Note: Level 3 ruggedization requires special consideration at the system level. Contact X-ES to discuss specific environmental requirements for rugged air-cooled products.

Contact factory for air flow rate details.

5-100 Hz, PSD increasing at 3 dB/octave; 100-1000 Hz, PSD 0.04 g²/Hz; 1000-2000 Hz, PSD decreasing at 6 dB/octave

For rugged applications requiring an extended environmental range and conduction cooling.

5-100 Hz, PSD increasing at 3 dB/octave; 100-1000 Hz, PSD 0.1 g²/Hz; 1000-2000 Hz, PSD decreasing at 6 dB/octave

Interested in learning more about X-ES ruggedized products?

Contact X-ES Sales
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