SPECIAL FEATURE
DC-DC CONVERTERS 2V to 10,000 VDC Outputs 1-300 Watt Modules
Regulated/Proportional/Programmable Isolated/Single/Dual solated/Single/Dual Outputs
High Reliability
Greater than 1,000,000 hrs. Mil Hbk 217F •
Military Upgrades
Expanded operating temperature -55º to +85º C, no derating required •
Environmental Screening
Selected Screening, Mil Std 883 •
ULTRA Miniature
From 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.2" •
Surface Mount/Thru-Hole Figure 3 • Custom Models • US Manufactured • AS 9100 Approved
Specialized I/O functions can be distributed in small, remote boxes installed close to the target devices and sensors. Connected to the onboard network, these small I/O aggregators provide all the custom interfaces.
considerations including data volume, latency, real-time constraints and safety requirements. Nevertheless, the various f lavors of Ethernet are gaining traction. One of their benefits is the conceptual simplicity of using the same technology everywhere. It also allows easy expansion through switches, and the open choice between optical and copper cabling, an attractive form of cost and weight optimization. There are even Ethernet-based solutions to meet real-time requirements and achieve certification.
Multiple Benefits The overall architecture of the system may seem to become more complicated—with more boxes and more connections between them. In fact it actually becomes conceptually simpler and more uniform, transparent and flexible. Adding a new function or interface becomes a question of connecting an additional device to the existing network,
High Reliability AC/DC Power Supplies, Transformers and Inductors
which requires only a spare port on a network switch, instead of several dedicated interfaces on an already crowded computer box. Well-defined, common interfaces favor concurrent engineering, maintenance and technology insertion. There are already initiatives to define open standards for the system architecture that aim at the standardization of the interconnection types, connectors and protocols. Open standards favor COTS solutions, which in turn reduce cost, time-to-market and increase the technology readiness level. Similar initiatives have already been proven in other industries, for example the Generic Vehicle Architecture has been approved by the UK Ministry of Defense for land vehicles. The benefits for maintenance are obvious. Even with basic built-in test environment, failures can be easily isolated to individual boxes, which are small and easy to replace and re-
See PICO’s full line catalog at
www.picoelectronics.com
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YOUR PROVEN SOURCE. Over 40 years providing reliable products. Over 2,500 Standard Modules.
800-431-1064 PICO ELECTRONICS, Inc. 143 Sparks Ave., Pelham, New York 10803 Call Toll Free 800-431-1064 • FAX 914-738-8225
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October 2012 | COTS Journal
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