While there have been rapid strides in the hardware technology that can support autonomous platforms and AI, there are a number of environmental challenges for computing technology in an industrial context.
Computing hardware has to be specially designed to operate reliably within harsh conditions. Key challenges in sectors such as mining, defence, transport and logistics include strong vibrations and shock, extreme temperatures and wet or dusty conditions.
Australian-owned and operated company, Backplane Systems Technology (BST), has been supplying rugged PC computing technology to the Australian market – including the mining, rail and emergency services sectors – for a number of years.
As CEO Kristy Comb explained , the hardware products have been proven to work reliably in the heat and dusty conditions (for example, in WA’s Pilbara); a testament to their hardiness.
Importantly, these in-vehicle computers must be able to work under constant vibration and are fan-less so that none of the dust or grit from the outside environment can get inside and compromise the system.
“In Australia, we’re looking at high temperatures in many regional areas. For example, if the PC is in the Pilbara, in a truck cabin on a 50°C day, the PC in the cabin is going to be hotter than that – it needs to be able to start at 60 or 70°C. A desktop PC, as a comparison, is only rated to about 30 to 35°C,” she said.
However, it’s not just the climate or environmental conditions that pose a challenge for in-vehicle computing in terms of the hardware’s ‘rugged’ reliability. Communications can be compromised due to the remote location of a vehicle.
Likewise, power outages or interrupted supply will affect how a computer processes and communicates information.
According to Comb, the BST new generation computing technology from manufacturer Neousys Technology addresses these challenges with features that improve communications and functionality.
BST is the Australian authorised channel partner for Neousys Technology, which is recognised as a world-leading provider of rugged embedded systems.
It is the Australian supplier of Neousys’ pioneering range including the new generation GC series and in-vehicle PCs. These are state-of-the-art hardware systems used in conjunction with autonomous platforms and AI.
They also have the latest generation CPU (central processing unit) support and the hardware is available and supported locally through BST for between 10 to 15 years, as per Intel’s long-life road map.
The GC series are ruggedised GPU (graphic processing units) computing edge AI platforms that support high-end graphics cards. These include the Nuvo-7166GC and Nuvo-8108GC.
The latter is the successor to the Nuvo-6108 – the first industrial GPU platform – and is being implemented in one of the world’s largest autonomous driving projects, the Baidu Apollo 2.0.
Meanwhile, the new generation in-vehicle computing VTC Series include features such as built-in ignition power control, CAN bus port, E-Mark, EN 50155 railway certification, and shock and vibration damping brackets.
Comb points out that the hardware is fit for purpose in a number of industrial applications including road and rail transportation, shipping, mining, emergency services, and defence.
Importantly, the Neousys platforms are entirely scalable. “For example, if you look at the Nuvo-7000 series. All up, there are over 21 different models in this series but they are all based on the same motherboard design; just some models have added features like PoE (Power over Ethernet), a super capacitor module or a GPU,” she said.
“This means you can standardise your system on one particular series and expand it for multiple applications whether it be an in-vehicle solution or high end GPU compute solution.
“Since they are all based on the same motherboard design, this enables you to develop one system image that can then be rolled out across all your devices, and you only add in certain functions as needed. This reduces cost and time, especially when you are deploying systems on a large scale.”
All the Neousys systems have a large range of additional peripherals that can be added into a system. This includes 4G and WIFI modules for communications, GPS modules for tracking, PCIe cards for additional PoE Ports and even small form factor GPU solutions that work from a mini-PCIe slot on the motherboard.
“With all these features and their rugged design, Neousys systems are truly a system designed for all applications.”
According to Neousys Technology chief technology officer Chris Ni, the manufacturer’s hardware products have been designed to specifically address industrial pain points.
“They offer exceptional user experience and are of practical value. Product development is based on customer pain points. From research and development to manufacturing, it is customer-oriented every step of the way,” he said.
Ni highlighted some specific design features that Neousys has developed to enhance their hardware offering for rugged GPU edge and in-vehicle computing.
- Patented cassette design
GPU consumes high wattages and is a high heat-dissipating component. In traditional PCs, the heat generated by the GPU will circulate internally without efficient heat dispersion, which will affect system stability when operating in high temperature environments.
The Neousys patented cassette design solves this by creating a separate compartment for the graphics card. It also features a wind tunnel design that draws in external air to cool add-on cards passively or actively with a fan.
This ensures the system’s long-term stability and reliability, even in extreme temperatures (-40 to 70°C).
The Neousys’ systems feature wide-range DC/DC inputs that are exceptionally stable with high-efficiency power conversion rates. This guarantees steady power delivery for various in-vehicle application deployments.
- Intelligent ignition control
The units use user definable power-on and power-off ignition timing control to avoid power surges during vehicle startups and unforeseen low-battery detection shutdowns.
- Patented damping bracket
Neousys patented damping brackets are shock- and vibration-proof and MIL-STD-810G certified, ensuring operation in three-axis conditions, and up to three GRMS in-vehicle applications.
In summary
Backplane Systems Technology has been in the computing business for over 30 years.
As such, it is one of the most experienced and trusted suppliers of rugged in-vehicle computing technology and the latest generation edge AI Platforms.
Proven to be reliable, fit for purpose and fully supported in the Australian market for up to 10 to 15 years, Backplane can work with companies to identify and scale a solution to meet their needs.
Australian adoption of advanced AI technology continues to grow in the rail industry. Read the BST white paper to see how leading edge rail certified computers can be the next step for the rail industry as they show success and durability in the harsh Australian environment.
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