Citation
(2008), "Rugged ATX server is designed for extreme environmental conditions", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780bad.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Rugged ATX server is designed for extreme environmental conditions
Article Type: Equipment From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 80, Issue 2.
AMETEK Aerospace & Defense, a major company in thermal management systems for commercial and military aircraft, has joined forces with Macrolink, Inc., a developer of rugged electronic equipment enclosures for military and aerospace applications, on the first actively cooled MIL-Spec ATX server specifically designed for extreme environmental conditions.
“As military and airborne electronic systems generate more heat and the space available to package these systems becomes smaller, there is a need to provide them with reliable cooling in a compact, rugged enclosure able to withstand the harshest operating conditions,” comments Wes Hardin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of AMETEK Aerospace & defense.
“The Extreme Environment ATX Server from Macrolink is designed to provide maximum operational flexibility and reliability. The 1 and 1/2 ATR-long enclosure is capable of withstanding extreme temperature, altitude, humidity, shock, vibration, EMI and chemical exposure. The robust chassis is designed for avionics and ground vehicle applications and incorporates an advanced embedded vapour cycle (refrigerant-based) cooling system from the Thermal Management Systems business unit of AMETEK Aerospace & Defense. The vapour cycle cooling system reduces internal air temperatures by as much as 228C below ambient.”
The fully integrated system is said to provide a completely self-contained and sealed environment so that dirt, sand, humidity, salt, and other contaminants do not get into electronics compartment. The active cooling system consists of three high-performance Rotron brushless Aximax vaneaxial fans and two lightweight Hughes-Treitler heat exchangers. The modular system allows for field service and repair (low MTTR).
The unit's six PCI-slot enclosure features an integral front panel that accommodates MIL style M38999 connectors along with high-density COTS components. System boards and peripherals are easily accessed through a removable top cover. Each unit can be customised to specific application requirements and is tested to MIL-STD 810 and RCTA/DO- 160D. All internal and external surfaces are coated with an exterior epoxy finish for maximum corrosion protection. Additional sizes, including 1 ATR, are under development.
Details available from: AMETEK Aerospace & Defense, Tel:+1 978 988 4639, Fax:+1 978 988 4944. E-mail: aerosales@ametek.com