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Military & Aerospace Electronics, , presents a "Gold Award" to MPL, as part of the Technology Innovators Awards 2020
APLUS Système Automation is pleased to announce that the MILCOTS-4x (militarized PIP40 family) from its partner MPL, has been awarded in 2020 among the best, during the Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards.
MPL’s MILCOTS-4x is a militarized SWaP-C computer. It was developed to meet the MIL-STD-810 standard as well as parts of the DO-160. Its electronics are housed in a compact IP67 enclosure, equipped with four MIL D-38999 connectors, or more.
Why innovate?
Most ruggedized computers used in the industry are equipped with standard connectors on the main PCB of the motherboard. The inputs/outputs are then wired from these connectors to the connectors on the sides of the computer. In most cases, this approach is sufficient for industrial applications, but not for defense applications. Indeed, in the military field, the environmental specifications are much more severe. They require a different approach to ensure sufficient reliability throughout the life of the application.
The solution
Instead of wiring wires to the defense-required D-38999 connectors, MPL uses flexible Ridged-Flex PCBs with solder connectors. In general, the traditional approach to wiring is that the wire cross-section used is too small for a D-38999 connector and too large for the high-density connectors used on the boards. This situation can be solved by using a Ridget-Flex PCB that will connect each D-38999 connector to the corresponding high density connector on the main PCB. With this innovative solution, the connections are reliable throughout the life of the product and easily withstand shock and/or vibration.
This approach is only possible because MPL AG provides the complete engineering chain for all hardware (electronic as well as mechanical) in their premises in Switzerland with their own team of engineers.
The advantages
The advantages of the approach described above are obvious. This approach meets 100% of the needs of each environmental constraint and for each military application.
