June Product Spotlight: FHDRM Rugged Screen
June Product Spotlight: FHDRM Rugged Screen
Join us for the first installment in our series of regular product spotlights, where we’ll dive deeper to give our readers a look at the functionality and real-world application of our signature rugged electronics.
Designing the Next Generation MIL-SPEC Display
The next generation of MIL-SPEC systems demand not only a strict consistency in operational performance, but also product features built to ensure the success of each mission. Within the aerospace and defense industries, the role of consistent performance cannot be understated, especially in tough environments where reliability is often put to the test.
As a key partner to the aerospace and defense industries, Digital Systems Engineering has spent the last 25 years designing and manufacturing solutions built to withstand demanding environments, while exploring ways to innovate upon product features and optimize operations.
In pursuit of creating the next generation rugged displays, DSE designed the FHDRM series to deliver powerful optical performance and full reliability.
The FHDRM Rugged Display
Key features and specifications
With a 1920×1080 LCD screen, the Full High Definition Rugged Monitor (FHDRM) offers impressive display capabilities, including 1080p resolution, high brightness backlight and both anti-reflective and anti-glare treatments that ensure sunlight readability.
Beyond designing for optical performance, footprint was a crucial factor that DSE considered when developing the FHDRM. In order to serve a variety of applications and constrained spaces, the FHDRM was designed with an ultra-thin form factor and five LCD sizes ranging from 7.0” to 17.3”. And, with three available mounting options– panel, RAM and VESA (75mm) – integration within any rugged system is possible.
To allow for further user customization, the FHDRM rugged display was outfitted with programmable bezel soft keys. Its 15 programmable buttons allow control of external systems or a custom interface, including video processing, picture layout, user interface preferences, and navigation shortcuts. DSE’s bezel soft keys are a favorite among our partners, and we are always thrilled to hear use cases and implementations from the field.
Finally, the FHDRM wouldn’t be a signature DSE product without its rugged MIL-SPEC design. With a dedication to rugged design at its core, DSE ensures that all of its products, including the FHDRM are built and tested for extreme conditions. The FHDRM products are designed with decades of engineering experience to pass the rigorous requirements found in MIL-STD-810, 461, 704, and 1275. Not only are routine validation measures in place at DSE, several FHDRM and similar products have been fully validated by certified 3rd party laboratories.
As a powerhouse of rugged design and operational performance, the FHDRM is a unique COTS solution that lends itself to applications throughout the aerospace and defense industries including: C4ISR, situational awareness, driver’s vision enhancement, battlefield management and sensor control on platforms such as Stryker, Combat Helicopters, Surveillance Fixed Wing Aircraft, and Next Generation Fighting Vehicles.
Later this month, we will be sharing the results from a recent third-party laboratory test, where the FHDRM was put through a series of checks and procedures to validate its performance. If you would like to learn more about the FHDRM, or any of our rugged displays and solutions, contact sales@digitalsys.com to speak with a member of our team.
Environmental Standards: Is Your Military Display Tough Enough?
A high-quality military display is tough enough to withstand virtually anything the environment can throw at it. After all, it is intended for use in military applications, which typically involve extreme conditions. Unfortunately, not all displays are up to par in this regard.
Before investing in a new display, military personnel should familiarize themselves with features that make them durable under a variety of extreme conditions. Understanding the characteristics that make displays rugged, durable and battlefield ready is critical to finding a reliable and long-lasting product.
What to Look for when Choosing a Military Display that can Withstand Extreme Environments
Temperature
Military operations take place all over the world, in a variety of climates. The best military displays are designed to operate in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius/Fahrenheit and as high as 71 degrees Celsius/158 degrees Fahrenheit and tolerate even greater storage temperatures. They should also remain operational when exposed to the effects of solar gain and temperature shock as defined in MIL-STD-810.
With specific regard to LCDs, extreme cold temperatures can cause latent video transmission which can drastically affect a crew’s responsiveness to an event. With advancements in lighting and circuit technology, experienced manufacturers today can overcome limitations commonly seen in the past.
Moisture and Debris
Moisture is an ever-present element which presents a host of challenges for electronics. Whether it is driving rain, high humidity, condensation caused by pressure differentials, or the innate nature in which the unit is installed, displays must be designed to eliminate the possibility of water ingress. A unit designed to meet the IP67 standard, submersion in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, is more than adequate to protect against typical in-field installations. Typically encased in strong, corrosion-proof anodized aluminum, IP67-rated displays are also highly resistant to ingress of dust.
As with all electronic devices, displays generate considerable heat while operational. The temperature difference created between the ambient environment and the internal enclosure will undoubtedly cause condensation if not properly managed. Through the use of advanced gas transferring components, manufacturers today are able to equalize internal pressures and eliminate water vapor.
Extreme Shock
Display systems are comprised of many small components that are responsible for delivering video and communications without disturbances. Ballistic, gunfire, crash and transport shock levels commonly seen in the field, and as called out in MIL-STD 810, can expose these components to up to 40g of impact. Mechanical design and component selection are critical factors to ensure video transmission is uninterrupted.
Constant Vibration
Today's most resilient displays are designed to withstand constant vibrations of up to 5.2 G at frequencies between 5 and 500 Hz. The typical profiles defined in MIL-STD-810 require testing multiple cycles on three axes. By confirming this, personnel can ensure the display they use will continue to function optimally regardless of steady vibrations to which it is exposed.
Power Input Fluctuations
It is crucial to look for a rugged military display with built-in protection against a variety of power input fluctuation scenarios such as load dumps, reverse polarity, over voltage, under voltage and short circuit. Vehicle platforms in today’s defense industry present a wide range of variables, and selecting electronics compliant with MIL-STD-1275 can ensure the power fluctuations won’t negatively impact the device and mission.
Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
One factor often overlooked in the search for a military display is electromagnetic radiation or lack thereof. Invisible to the naked eye, this radiation can wreak havoc on the entire vehicle system. To counteract the effect of this radiation, a well-designed display will include an EMI shield.
Displays, in particular, must control the amount of interference emitted through the front glass window, bezel keys, and connectors. In addition, they must have protection from outside devices which may project their own level of interference. Guidelines and test procedures can be found within MIL-STD 461.
A military display is one piece of equipment that simply can't fail while out in the field. With that in mind, it is crucial to choose a manufacturer who not only designs their products to survive the most extreme environments and conditions but also has validation experience.