Integrated rack-level systems for rugged environments

Elma Electronic Inc. now offers rack-level integration services that enable deployment of commercial equipment in rugged and mobile environments. Providing configuration control and lifecycle management as well as intricate custom I/O and cabling, Elma supports the installation of its rack-level integrated systems from start to finish.

As commercial computing equipment from companies like Dell and Cisco makes its way into rugged environments, designers are looking for racking solutions for rugged, military and seismic environments. Equally important is the ability to work with a supplier who can source, build and support a high-mix range of architectures and computing elements in a rack system.

Elma’s rack-level systems can be configured with equipment from Cisco, Dell and others, carefully tailored to a customer’s implementation requirements. Elma is a Cisco STI Partner.

Elma’s integrated rack-level systems are successfully deployed in a number of mission-critical applications including flight training, shipboard and ground communications, test instrumentation, transportation and emergency services. They also ensure reliable operation in mobile equipment as well as broadcasting and telecom applications.

Depending on application requirements, each tailored rack can use a number of system elements including servers, storage bays, routers and Ethernet switches, power supplies as well as a keyboard and monitor.

For added reliability in critical applications, Elma’s cabinets are available in a range of designs to appropriately meet environmental requirements. These include several defense and industrial specifications such as MIL-STD-901D, MIL-STD-810F, MIL-STD-167 and MIL-STD-461 as well as NEBS Level 3 Zone 4, GR-63-CORE and AREMA/CENELEC.

The support team at Elma reviews and designs all cabling and I/O parameters to ensure competing requirements don’t impact overall performance. Areas analyzed include signal integrity, isolation timing and speed as well as airflow, strain relief and ease of movement if sliding bays are required.

All functional testing and verification of the rack, from the board up to the complete system, is performed prior to shipment to confirm that the cabinet is application-ready.

Complete documentation packages are delivered with every integrated rack-level system from Elma.

Technical Specifications:
· Integrated, ruggedized racks use cost-effective COTS components (Cisco, Dell)
· Complex cabling and I/O designed and tested prior to delivery
· Racks designed to meet several MIL-STD and environmental specifications
· Full system functional testing and verification ensures application-ready cabinet