Rugged Military Single Board Computers (Rugged SBC)

Single board computers (SBCs) for military applications integrate critical computing components into a compact form, ensuring reliable performance in mission-critical scenarios. 

Table of contents:

• What is a Single Board Computer? 
• Rugged Single Board Computer Types and Form Factors
• Military Grade SBC Features
• Military and Defense Applications of Rugged SBCs
• Advancements in Rugged Computing

What is a Single Board Computer?

A single board computer (SBCs) is a compact and largely self-contained embedded computer that integrates all essential computing components, such as processors, memory, and input/output (I/O) interfaces, onto a single circuit board, providing streamlined solutions.

A rugged single board computer, beneficial for a wide variety of defense and military applications, typically features a simplified architecture and reduced expandability compared to larger desktop or rackmount systems. This leads to fewer conflicts and bugs and makes them a reliable choice for mission-critical use cases.

Compact form factors in these military computers can result in fewer points of failure and make them highly suitable for applications where size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP) are key design considerations.

Rugged Single Board Computer Types and Form Factors

Rugged single board computers are available in a variety of types and standardized form factors, tailored to meet diverse application requirements and integration scenarios.

Depending on the operational needs, these boards may function as standalone systems, or may be designed to be plugged into a backplane or carrier board to expand the functionality of larger systems. Common form factors for SBCs include:

CompactPCI

CompactPCI SBCs are either 3U or 6U in width, with the smaller size being more suitable for resisting shock and vibration. They are designed to comply with the CompactPCI interconnect standard, which uses Eurocard form factors and PCI signalling and protocols.

PC/104

PC/104 SBCs are designed to be modular and stackable, making them ideal for space-constrained applications. They are commonly used in unmanned vehicles and portable systems where SWaP considerations are critical.

VMEbus

The VMEbus standard is common in military and defense applications, utilizing Eurocard-format plug-in cards that are either 3U or 6U in height. VME SBCs are often employed in long-lifecycle defense programs, ensuring compatibility with established platforms.

3U and 6U VPX & OpenVPX

VPX systems are designed according to the VITA 46 set of standards, and are widely used for military embedded computing applications requiring high speeds and significant amounts of data transfer. VPX SBCs may be 3U or 6U. 3U cards are widely employed for applications such as small drones and portable equipment, while the 6U VPX form factor caters to larger systems requiring enhanced performance.

OpenVPX SBCs are designed according to standards that are derived from VPX and were introduced to cater to increased interoperability requirements such as those put forth by the U.S. Department of Defense. OpenVPX is an evolving standard, and fits in with the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) initiative.

Specialized Military Single Board Computer Technology

Sometimes, rugged single board computer manufacturers will incorporate designs to allow for stacking multiple boards to increase processing power or enhance functionality. Other rugged computer technologies can incorporate graphics processing units (GPUs) for high-performance embedded computing (HPEC), supporting demanding tasks such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and real-time data analysis.

Military Grade SBC Features

Military single board computers are engineered to operate reliably in extreme environments where conventional computing systems would fail. These boards undergo extensive testing and incorporate design enhancements to meet stringent military standards.

Environmental Durability

Rugged SBCs comply with standards such as MIL-STD-810 for environmental conditions and MIL-STD-461 for electromagnetic compatibility. They are built to resist:

• Extreme Temperatures: Wide operating temperature ranges, typically from -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C), ensure functionality in arctic cold and desert heat.
• Shock and Vibration: Reinforced mounting and shock-absorbing materials protect against physical impacts and vibration.
• Dust and Moisture: Conformal coatings and sealed enclosures provide ingress protection, guarding against corrosion, debris, and humidity.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

In contested electromagnetic environments, military grade SBCs are designed to withstand interference and signal degradation. Shielding and compliance with electromagnetic compatibility standards protect critical systems from external disruptions.

Cooling & Thermal Management

To maintain high performance during prolonged operations, a military grade SBC often incorporates advanced thermal management systems. Options include conduction cooling, heat sinks, and fanless designs that reduce failure points while ensuring consistent heat dissipation.

Military and Defense Applications of Rugged SBCs

Military SBCs support a wide range of platforms and technologies. Specific military and defense use cases include:

Data Processing and Analysis

A ruggedized SBC can power advanced sensors and systems used for:

• ISR Payloads: High-speed processors manage real-time data from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment such as cameras, radar, and LiDAR.
• SIGINT and EW Systems: Military computers can process vast amounts of signals intelligence (SIGINT) data and enable electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, including spectrum monitoring and jamming.

Navigation and Guidance

Unmanned platforms and autonomous systems often depend on a rugged SBC computer for navigation and guidance. Applications include UAV flight control systems that process telemetry data for stable and precise movement, and ground vehicle automation systems for robotics and autonomous convoy management.

Targeting and Fire Control

Weapons platforms can rely on ruggedized SBCs to deliver precision and speed in targeting and control. These systems enable:

• Missile Guidance: Rugged embedded computers process targeting data and adjust trajectories in real time.
• Automated Turrets: High-performance SBCs manage sensor inputs and control targeting algorithms for optimized engagement.

Communications and Networking

In military communication systems, rugged SBCs facilitate secure and efficient data transmission. They support:

• Encryption and Signal Processing: Ensuring secure communications between command centers and deployed units, and protecting data from being accessed by unauthorized parties.
• Switching and Routing: Integrating multiple networks for seamless data exchange across platforms.

Advancements in Rugged Computing 

Modern rugged SBC computer design prioritizes power efficiency to meet the needs of energy-constrained military applications. Secure rugged embedded SBC systems are engineered to consume minimal power while maintaining high performance, making them ideal for long-duration missions and battery-operated platforms. 

This focus on energy optimization ensures that cutting-edge military SBC systems can operate reliably in diverse environments, from unmanned vehicles to portable field equipment.

Recent advancements in ruggedized single board computers have enhanced their capabilities for modern defense applications. Enhanced connectivity options, such as PCIe Gen4, allow ruggedized single board computer systems to support higher data throughput and compatibility with other ruggedized servers. 

Military grade computers now feature cutting-edge processor architectures that ensure high-speed operation and adherence to emerging standards like SOSA. These innovations make rugged single board computers indispensable for next-generation military and defense platforms.