PLCS & INDUSTRIAL PCS FEATURE When the going gets tough
Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers, and Lars Hallberg of congatec AG, explain what it takes for computers that operate in harsh environments to perform to the best of their ability
S
wedish company JLT Mobile Computers develops computers for tough
environments - from mining and ship yards to forklift trucks and forestry vehicles. Video analysis, GPS, database administration, logistics and complex communications all find their way into these applications and demand high computing power. This is where the new VERSO Series with the Intel Core i7 processor and congatec’s COM-Express module conga-BS67 comes into play. So, what does it take for a computer to survive in such a harsh environment? Engines vibrate and bumpy roads make lorries bounce around. All these vibrations and shocks are transmitted to the computer leading its connectors and other pieces to shake loose and its hard drive to crash. All boards inside a VERSO computer are therefore secured with lots of screws. Cables are sensitive parts, so they are substituted by connectors as far as possible. The VERSO computers incorporate no moving parts, the storage device is a CFast SATA Compact Flash card with up to 128GB. VERSO computers withstand vibrations between 5-500Hz/4.5g 3 h X Y Z. They are shock resistant to 30g for 11ms - a major advantage in vehicles.
FACING THE ELEMENTS Forwarders deliver in all seasons. Temperatures of -30°C are standard winter conditions in some regions just as 50°C are usual during summer in other areas. Even within a single day temperatures can
fluctuate widely. High performance CPUs themselves produce a lot of heat, while displays and batteries do not like extreme cold. These are typical weak points in a non-rugged computer. Temperature differences can also result
in condensation. To prevent this, JLT included a membrane in its computers. This allows the computer to breathe, thereby avoiding condensation. Thanks to the use of LED technology the display has also been removed from the list of temperature related weak points. The VERSO computer LED displays work reliably even at low temperatures down to -30°C. They remain perfectly readable at all temperatures and under all light conditions - even direct sunlight. Spray, rain, mud and dust are standard outdoor perils. Fine particles of dust can occur in sawmills or animal feed production. As they seep through the tiniest gaps, fanless designs are mandatory. There are several solutions to seal connectors against water, humidity and dust. One solution is the use of military grade connectors, but they are bulky, difficult to handle and expensive. By using the Roxtec Sealing Kit, JLT found a perfect alternative. The kit encapsulates connectors, providing secure protection against dust and water up to class IP65. Mobile computers are connected to a
vehicle’s power source, yet the computer must work even if the engine is off. Starting a diesel engine will create interruptions of voltage supply for several seconds. An internal back-up battery is
/AUTOMATION
Below: the heart of the JLT VERSO computer is the type 2 COM Express module conga-BS67 from congatec
used to guarantee smooth operation during short power interruptions or a controlled shut down with data storage. This is an important feature, especially in vehicles. Up to half an hour can be secured by the internal battery. In this operation mode, cold temperatures are not an issue as the battery is not used to get a cold PC started. Integrators arrange many functions and assemble those for vehicle solutions. Most of the typically used functions are already available inside the JLT VERSO computers, including DC/DC, UPS battery, GPS, WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth v2.0, 3G, four USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet and one RS232 interface, waterproof speakers and HD Audio. Peripherals can be connected via wireless or by standard cables with Roxtec sealing. This means less devices to integrate, resulting in simplified assembly and reduced costs.
TRUSTING IN COM
JLT continously researches new materials, tests new processes and technologies to make its mobile computers fit for jobs in harsh environments. JLT needs performance, low power consumption and a special mix of interfaces and features to succeed in this market. In order to be able to react fast to new requirements, the centrepiece of the VERSO is a COM Express module, in this particular case the conga- BS67 from congatec.
congatec
www.congatec.com/en T: +49 991 27 000
Enter 221 AUTOMATION | MARCH 2014 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72