Feature: Industrial electronics
operating temperatures and improving overall reliability. For shock and vibration, there are several
steps that embedded computing system designers can take to meet performance requirements. T icker PCBs, for example, provide improved shock and vibration resistance, as do lower profi le parts and latching connectors for I/O interfaces. Tackling power problems, such as an
Rugged network switches require proper enclosures
that is specially designed for harsh rolling-stock operating environments. T e D510, for example, is a confi gurable six-port Ethernet switch that is compliant to EN50155, IEC61375 and IEEE802.3. T e switch is housed in a rugged, compact enclosure and features integrated DC/DC conversion to eliminate the need for an external power supply. Alternatively, marine environments
require switches that are ingress-protected to IP67 standard or higher and which function consistently and eff ectively at low temperatures. Due to the nature of marine operations, the ability for a switch to support a several data paths is also advantageous. In marine environments, a switch such
as Kontron’s VX6940 6U VPX Ethernet switch may be used, since it is well suited to data-intensive applications that require many data paths, including naval radar systems, and features two front-end QSFP28 transceivers, supporting up to 100G optical or passive copper connections.
Ruggedness In many networked applications, ruggedness is a critical consideration. T is is true for outdoor applications, on-vehicle networks, factory fl oor in both discrete and process manufacturing, and more. Environmental conditions are a key factor
in these types of applications. Particularly, system designers should note factors such as operating temperature range, levels of shock and vibration during operation, and the
unreliable or unclean commercial or other power source, is a relatively simple fi x. Ethernet switches with onboard DC/DC power supplies eliminate power source problems by providing clean, steady power to the electronics. T e fi nal general consideration for rugged
Boxes can be mounted in protected locations with Ethernet, power and serial cables
network switches is to use enclosures. Ethernet switches can be built into a sealed enclosure that mitigates much of the temperature, contaminant, shock and vibration concerns. T ese boxes can be mounted in more protected locations with Ethernet, power and serial cables connecting to the box with rugged or even military-grade connectors. T e exact requirements will vary from
quality of the power source. For many critical applications, size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) of networking devices will also be key considerations. Selecting off -the-shelf Ethernet
switches for demanding applications requires a clear understanding of the environmental needs and evaluation of each product’s specifi cation. To thrive in harsh environments, networks must be designed with these needs in mind. For extended temperature operation, this includes everything from PCB layout and part specifi cation to stringent environmental testing to verify performance. Rugged switches are rated for an operating temperature spanning -40o +85o
to C and have been tested across this
temperature range. Conduction cooling solutions play an important role here, to effi ciently remove heat, reducing local
36 December/January 2021
www.electronicsworld.co.uk
application to application, so there is no one-size-fi ts-all approach to switch selection or ruggedisation. T is is where partnering with an embedded system design specialist is benefi cial. As Diamond Systems summarises in
its whitepaper: “For a successful overall network design, it takes forethought on establishing and managing a network, determining the network load and taking into account traffi c and security considerations as part of the network design. Additionally, environmental and power considerations are equally important in selecting the best products for any application.” With connectivity playing an increasingly
central role in many applications, it’s important that these considerations are made to ensure eff ective, lasting embedded system performance. Failure to fully plan for the operational and environmental conditions or choosing the wrong switch are costly mistakes for manufacturers, but can be avoided with planning and suitable technical expertise.
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