Featured Article in Military Embedded Systems:
DSE Explains Four Solutions to COTS Environmental Testing Concerns
DSE is exceptionally proud to have a recent article, “COTS Technologies: Major Benefits for the Consumer, New Challenges for the Manufacturer,” featured in the renowned online magazine, Military Embedded Systems. Outlining concrete situational solutions to current environmental testing issues, DSE explains how the switch to COTS products can be beneficial for the consumer as well as the manufacturer—proving yet again to be thought leaders in the field of engineering and manufacturing.
An Overview: The Benefits and Issues Concerning COTS (Commercial Off the Shelf) Systems
DSE’s featured article first discusses the benefits and concerns regarding COTS systems. Compared to custom designed electronics, COTS systems are popular in the defense industry for reducing or eliminating:• Non-recurring engineering (NRE) • Unit costs • Development cycle time • Production lead times The problem? Typically, COTS electronics are designed for a wide range of industries. Because of this issue, most COTS products are not pre-qualified and each application requires a different set of standards. Yet, increasing demand is making commercial off the shelf (COTS) technologies the new industry standard. In short: military environmental testing is different than the standards required in other industries. For many manufacturers, the financial implication of testing all products to the full gamut of certifications are unrealistic—and can cost upwards of $100,000. Do these issues beg the questions:• Are third party validation tests required for COTS systems? • Who is responsible for managing and funding these tests? • Can tests on similar products be analyzed and deemed relevant in lieu of test reports, i.e. meets by similarity? • Can components of the finished product be analyzed to forgo testing?
DSE’s Solution: Explained in Detail
Considering these imperative questions and concerns, DSE outlines four situational solutions that can simplify the validation issue and help to determine the appropriate qualification method:
- Meets by Design
- Meets by Analysis
- Meets by Similarity
- Third Party Test
Find out what these solutions are in the article, here.
Military Embedded Systems
Military Embedded Systems magazine focuses on “Whole Life COTS” and the total military program life cycle, providing technical coverage that applies to all program stages—not just the front-end is front-end one word or two or hyphenated? design stage. The website, Resource Guide, Internet editions, and print editions provide insight on embedded tools and strategies such as software, hardware, systems, technology insertion, end-of-life mitigation, component storage, and many other military-specific technical subjects. Read DSE’s featured article in Military Embedded Systems now.
Digital Systems Engineering
Since 1995, as a privately held U.S.-owned small business (FAR 19.102), DSE achieved a worldwide reputation for excellence in the design and manufacturing of leading-edge, technology-driven display and computer products—and exceeding customer expectations. Learn more at digitalsys.com.
PTAC210 HC-144 Program Announcement
Digital Systems Engineering (DSE) is pleased to announce the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has selected the PTAC210 display system for its HC-144 Minotaur miss-ionization effort. Learn About the Coast Guard HC-144 Missionization Initiative The HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft is a vital platform used by the USCG for today’s search-and-rescue and maritime patrol missions. Aboard the aircraft, the PTAC210 display is integrated into workstation units allowing the crew members to have a digital view of on-board systems. Click Here For More Information on the PTAC2 Displays “We are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to support the men and women of the USCG and the crucial assignments they undertake,” says Ross Hudman of DSE. The PTAC2 family of rugged MIL-Spec displays offers a multitude of video inputs including composite video, VGA and DVI-D. With an optional touch screen, custom on-screen viewing arrangements, and fully programmable bezel keys, the PTAC2 system allows for seamless integration within the land, air, and maritime military vehicles.
All 4 configurations (8.4”, 10.4”, 12.1”, and 15”) are built to withstand the harshest environments with a fully sealed aluminum enclosure, high bright LCD, and internal components designed to perform in the most demanding temperatures. Learn More About the Coast Guard’s Minotaur Mission SystemClick Here For More Information on the PTAC2 Displays For more information, contact DSE at 480-515-1110 or by email.
