High-Performance NUC: Delivering Rugged Computing for Global Defence
A BVM CASE STUDY
Introduction: Partnering with a Defence & Technology Leader
Our client is a premier global technology innovator and defence contractor, delivering mission-critical solutions across Air, Land, Sea, Space, and Cyber domains. As a leading information technology services provider, they operate at the forefront of national security and advanced engineering, requiring hardware that matches their rigorous standards for reliability and performance.
Customer Requirements: Precision Engineering in a Compact Footprint
The project demanded a computing platform with exceptional processing power and extensive I/O expansion capabilities to handle complex data streams. Crucially, this high performance had to be delivered within strict, non-negotiable dimensional parameters. The system needed to fit precisely within the client’s existing proprietary enclosure, leaving zero margin for error in size or thermal management.
The Challenge: Overcoming Space & Thermal Constraints
The customer had initially developed a prototype, but it lacked the ruggedization necessary for deployment in harsh field environments.
- Space Limitations: The restrictive physical envelope of the final system meant a standard 3.5” Single Board Computer (SBC) was not viable. A NUC (Next Unit of Computing) form factor was identified as the only solution that could meet the size constraints without sacrificing performance.
- Thermal Management: Packing high-performance silicon into such a compact, ruggedized chassis introduced significant thermal obstacles. The system needed to dissipate heat effectively to prevent throttling and ensure 24/7 reliability under load.
BVM Solution: The Ruggedized Intel Core i7 NUC
BVM supplied and configured the ASRock Industrial NUC-1360P/D5, powered by the potent 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-1360P processor. This solution was selected for its perfect balance of size, power, and connectivity:
- Comprehensive Connectivity: The board features extensive expansion options on both the front and rear panels, along with internal on-board headers, allowing the customer to seamlessly interface with all their specialized hardware peripherals.
- High-Speed Memory: To support data-intensive applications, BVM populated the dual SO-DIMM slots to provide a massive 64GB of high-speed DDR5 memory, ensuring rapid data processing and multitasking capability.
- Extreme Thermal Resilience: Crucially, the supplied board meets strict industrial temperature requirements, ensuring reliability across a massive range:
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to 70°C
- Storage Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
Result: Global Deployment of Mission-Critical Systems
Following successful validation of the ruggedized NUC solution, the customer has moved from prototyping to full-scale production. These high-performance systems are now being deployed globally, supporting critical defence and technology operations in demanding environments around the world.
BVM: Your Expert Partner for Embedded Computing
Facing strict size constraints or ruggedization challenges for your next project?
With over 30 years of experience in industrial and embedded computing, BVM specializes in turning complex requirements into reliable, deployable reality. Whether you need a custom NUC, a rugged SBC, or a full system design, we are here to help.
We like to make life easier ….
BVM supply a wide and diverse range of Industrial and Embedded Systems. From Industrial Motherboards, SBCs and Box PCs, to Rack Mount computers and Industrial Panel PCs. If you cant find an off the shelf product that meets your specific requirements speak with our in house design team who can customize an existing product or design a new product from start to finish.
You can call us on +(0) 1489 780 144, E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk or Use our contact form here