Aitech Nighthawk

Introduction

Ideal for low SWaP Data Concentrator Unit (DCU) and Remote Interface Unit (RIU) applications, Aitech’s new NightHawk RCU™ is a low power, high performance, environmentally sealed and rugged, PC-based controller utilizing Intel’s latest low power N270 Atom Navy Pier processor technology. The NightHawk RCU provides a complete set of standard PC I/O interfaces as well as additional I/O typically needed in remote and embedded vehicle applications through multiple internal I/O expansion bays to add standard boards, modules and mezzanines to interface with a wide variety of military and industrial I/O. The naturally convection cooled and sealed enclosure is rugged and reliable, lightweight and compact. EMI/EMC protected, the NightHawk RCU is capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions of low and high altitude, temperature, moisture, shock, vibration, EMI and chemical exposure. The NightHawk RCU is ideal for use in rugged automotive, industrial, light or heavy rail, military and aerospace applications such as manned or unmanned, ground or airborne vehicles.

Processor and Peripherals

• Low Power 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270
• 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM
• 533 MHz Front Side Bus (FSB)
• 4 to 8 GB Solid State Drive (SSD)

Standard PC I/O

• (2) Gigabit Ethernet Ports
• (6) High Speed USB 2.0 Ports
• PS/2 Keyboard & Mouse Ports
• (2) RS-232 Serial Ports
• (2) RS-232/422/485 Serial Ports
• Dual Video output / Stereo Audio (in/out)
• I/O wired to standard -38999 connectors

Optional I/O and Data Storage (consult factory for details)

• MIL-STD 1553B
• ARINC-429, ARINC 708
• WiFi, WAN, CAN Bus
• Discrete RTD, Digital and/or Analog I/O
• Video / Frame Capture and Processing
• Gigabit Ethernet Switch (8 Port)
• Up to 256 GB SATA, up to 32 GB CF SSD

Sturdy Mechanical Design

The natural convection - / radiation-cooled NightHawk RCU is constructed of durable extruded 6063-T6 aluminum. Fasteners are stainless steel and removable cover screw threads have self-locking stainless steel helicoils to withstand severe vibration and shock. All I/O connectors are located on the front panel of the enclosure for easy access.

Front Panel

The front panel features a flexible configuration of user-defined Mil-C-38999-style connectors that conform to military standards, one for input power and remainder dedicated for User I/O. Depending on the size and number of 38999 I/O connectors, the front panel may also be equipped with any of the following options: elapsed-time meter, LED indicator to track system operation, On/Off switch and optional external grounding lug.

Rear Panel

The NightHawk RCU provides the optional area and internal access points needed to mount an external WAN or WiFi antenna and/or a user accessible Compact Flash SSD behind a removable sealed cover panel.

Dual Video Outputs

The NightHawk RCU supports true, dual independent video outputs – XVGA and TV supporting either standard NTSC or PAL video formats (480 or 520 lines) with extended desktop.

Thermally Efficient

The NightHawk RCU is cooled by natural, passive convection and/or radiation. All internal boards are conduction-cooled, conformal coated and environmentally sealed, and internally thermally managed within the chassis thereby allowing the NightHawk RCU to operate at temperatures from -55°C to +55°C, or -55°C to +71°C with the baseplate cooled option. Consult the factory for operational parameters with optional expansion I/O installed or if other operational temperatures are required.

Environmental Sealing

The NightHawk RCU is sealed against intrusion of external environment contaminants found in rugged industrial and defense applications, including: humidity, sand and dust, and contaminant splash. Enclosure mating surfaces are sealed with silicon rubber O-ring seals. Connectors and other accessories are protected also in the same manner. All internal printed wiring boards are conformal coated for added humidity protection.

Block Diagram