Inova Computers - CompactPCI Systems and Components for Rugged Applications

Since 1997, Inova Computers have been designing and manufacturing rugged 3U and 4U CompactPCI (cPCI), and more recently, CompactPCI Express (cPCIe) rugged solutions for mobile applications. Focusing on the Intel embedded processors, Inova have developed a comprehensive range of scalable 19in, CompactPCI computing solutions that cater for both low-power consuming and high-end platforms. The standard architecture of the CPUs enables rapid software configuration across a variety of operating systems that include:

• Microsoft® Windows XP (embedded)
• (Embedded) Linux
• Windows CE
• QNX
• VxWorks

MOBILE AND RUGGED COMPUTERS FOR RAILWAY APPLICATIONS

The 3U CompactPCI open standard hardware is suitable for use in all environments. Nearly all the boards and solutions based on the 3U CompactPCI form-factor from Inova are available for extended temperature operation, and, thanks to a refined cooling concept, the CPUs can operate in fanless environments. In addition, Inova offer complete environmental protection - from a simple lacquer finish for light moisture ingression (high humidity, dew etc.) to full conformal coating for heavy-duty waterproofing.

All Inova systems are tested at qualified laboratories, and carry certification for conformance to relevant standards. All Inova products also carry a three year warranty against material defects and have a minimum five year availability.

CPUs can have their BIOS tailored to meet individual requirements. BIOS freezing, as it is known, is just one of the services Inova offers to its customers where product availability is a serious issue and enables a version of BIOS (with or without bespoke features), to be captured and programmed into all CPU boards destined for that particular customer.

COMPLIMENTARY INDUSTRIAL I/O AND POWER SUPPLIES

Besides being market leaders in 3U CompactPCI CPUs, with their award-winning innovation and feature set, Inova Computers has also developed a range of complimentary industrial I/O and power supplies based on the same open 3U CompactPCI form-factor. These include products for the following fields:

• Communications - WLAN, GPS, GPRS, GSM ,DAB, DMB, DVB-T, UMTS
• Networking connectivity - Fieldbus (CAN, PROFIBUS, Intebus), Serial I/O (IBIS, RS232, RS485, RS422, TTY) and LAN
• Classical I/O - analogue and digital I/O, and multi-functional I/O including timers
• Video surveillance and graphics - high-end GigaSTAR-based video links, video over IP and digital networked IP cameras
• Mass-Storage - 19in serial ATA RAID solutions and flash-based mass-storage solutions
• Power supplies and packaging - 100W DC PSU with +8.6V DC to +36V DC input, 60W DC PSU with +24V DC input, 120W auto ranging AC PSU with +90V AC to 253V AC input, 70W AC PSU with 115V AC or 230V AC input, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), 1 to 15 slot passive backplanes, 18, 30, 42, 63 and 84 HP 3U enclosures, and 84 HP 4U enclosures with integrated fan cooling

PASSENGER INFORMATION / ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS

Inova’s range of complimentary industrial I/O and power supplies is typically used in specialised equipment in the offshore, dockside, military engineering, traffic control, signaling, mining, packaging, medical and automotive industries.

However, being rugged and based on an open-standard, passive backplane architecture, these products are particularly suited to passenger information and entertainment systems, video surveillance, passenger counting, and networking systems in mobile applications such as trains, coaches, buses and trams.

RUGGED ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS FOR RAIL APPLICATIONS

Any piece of electronic equipment designed for mobile applications needs to meet rigid safety criteria and be rugged enough to withstand the all-too-familiar shock and vibration associated with these forms of transportation. Reliability is a major concern at Inova as downtime costs associated with component failure are calculable.

Choosing to use the plug-in concept inherent in the 3U CompactPCI design is key to customer satisfaction. In the unlikely event of board failure, the offending board can simply be pulled and replaced. Performing a similar task with a wired-in motherboard solution, for example, is very inefficient.

Inova Computers is a global player with sales outlets in all the main industrial countries.