Smart Computer Displays

Multi-Function Displays: PM-10.4-MFD
The NLS PM-10.4-MFD represents a technological advancement of MFD technology featuring an MCU controlled Dual-Mode Hi-Brite/NVIS backlight system to ensure optimal viewing under all cockpit lighting conditions from glaring sunlight down to night-time brightness levels compatible with NVG use. The PM-10.4-MFD is designed for installation in both Portrait and Landscape orientations. Powerful internal video rotation circuitry ensures that the images are always displayed in the proper orientation. The PM-10.4-MFD can be ordered with a number of different video input configurations, custom bezel button signage, output data sequences, and other options.

Backplane Workstation: RW-15
Standard features include a Hard Drive, DVD Read/Write ROM, SATA, USB and RS-232 Ports. A 15″ XGA LCD panel with armored resistive touchscreen is standard but other LCD panels and touchscreen options are available including Full HD.

Panel PCs: CF-8-NP1
Unlike typical Panel PCs designed around a deeply embedded single board computer, NLS Military PPC models, like our PM-8 CF-8-NP1, incorporate a Backplane Architecture: VITA-74 or similar. The great majority of PPC failures involve the power supply and/or other peripherals, not the CPU. The architecture of typical PPCs requires the entire unit to be returned to the factory for repair of any failure, often a lengthy and inconvenient process, as the unit is must be removed from action. In contrast, the NLS PPC can be repaired in the time it takes to unplug and remove the SBC module, which includes the OS, application software, and data, and transfers it to new housing. All Secure Information is easily removed for protection and/or transferal to another operational platform.

The backplane design architecture of the PM-8 CF-8-NP1 can easily be incorporated into larger LCDs to convert a standard display into a powerful engine that can perform internal processing and encode/decode H.264 MPEG-4 video and perform internal processing and other high-level operations without the need for a separate computer, saving space, power and cost. Our PM-10.4-MFD can be ordered with a number of different video input configurations, custom bezel button signage, and output data sequences and other options. Our PM-10.4-MFD can be ordered with a number of different video input configurations, custom bezel button signage and output data sequences and other options.

DESIGN SOLUTION

Customer Need:

The electrical generator system for powering the Universal Ground Control Station required a Smart Display running the generator manufacturer’s proprietary software application. The Smart Display had to conform to specific physical outer dimensions and fit into a pre-existing mounting space in the UGCS.

NLS Solution: CF-8-NP1

NLS modified an existing 10.4” COTS touchscreen display to conform to the prescribed physical outline dimensions. We changed the 10.4” LCD panel to an industrial grade 8.4” LCD to free up space to add front panel controls and LED indicators. Working in conjunction with the computer manufacturer, we designed a backplane breakout board for routing the various I/O, video and power signals from the computer to the appropriate destinations inside the display housing.

A key feature of the design was that in the event of a hardware failure, the whole computer can be quickly removed from the display system in the field and the failed component can be quickly replaced using spares, and put back on-line without the need to remove the whole PPC unit from a possibly secure area.