Transportation and SMART City Solutions

Transportation Solutions
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS | CCTV | FACIAL RECOGNITION | OBJECT TRACKING | CROWD MONITORING | PARKING | BUILDING SERVICES | SMART HOME

When global government drives to further increase the efficiencies of their national transportation systems in delivering reliable and flexible services, the involvement of technology to play its part in helping deliver those services has never been greater.

BVM’s Transport (in-vehicle, marine and rail) and SMART City Solutions can help address, what can often be, complex requirements via Rugged Motherboards and Industrial System PC’s.  Our products can meet the demands of harsh working temperatures (-40°C to +85°C) and are equipped with a wide power input range to ensure operation remains ‘up’ and continued in those environments.

Where a more befitting or tailored Transportation Solutions is required, with its complement of integration services BVM can help you with BIOS or O/S customisation.  With more than 30 years of experience of being a provider of embedded solutions & associated services, BVM can comprehensively support you in providing and assisting with intelligent transportation applications.


Industrial and Embedded Motherboards

Not surprisingly, transportation system solutions rely on technologies  to provide safe and reliable data transmission – with increasingly faster and more efficient transfer; applications where network connectivity and computing capability are embedded in smart objects, sensors and other devices, allowing them to exchange data over a network. Transportation hardware can achieve stable, high-speed information transfer between devices by utilising  high bandwidth interfaces (typically Ethernet, PCIe, and miniPCIe) on reliable, high-performance industrial-grade motherboards.

Where quite often space-constrained applications can be the norm, the size of embedded motherboard can quickly become the focus of attention – equally as much as its functionality.  Applications such ticketing machines, fare collection machines, and card application systems are designed with small/ slim footprints that still achieve the provision of  functionality whilst retaining flexibility in space-constrained environments. Compact Industrial-grade Motherboards such as Pico-ITX Solutions and 3.5” SBCs  Solutions provide feature rich i/o for such applications.

On the latter, the challenge is to be able to provide the required i/o, inclusive of the i/o shield, within a ‘thin envelope’ of space. With BVM’s selection of certified board lay-outs, our narrow-width boards can provide features such as three independent display outputs supporting HDMI, LVDS, VGA, DVI or DP– additionally supporting up to 9 USB 3.0/2.0 ports, 4 COM ports and expansion slots.

Motherboards and SBCs

Industrial Grade Motherboards and Embedded System PCs provide the backbone for Transportation Solutions, they are revision controlled and are available for a longer time scale compared to commercial motherboard’s and typically operate over a wider temperature range than their commercial equivalents.

Transportation Solutions - SBC
Transportation and SMART City Solutions Mini-ITX

Mini-ITX Motherboards and SBCs

Long Life Industrial and Embedded Mini-ITX Motherboards. A Mini-ITX Motherboard is a solution that offers performance with low power and long-life availability. Mini-ITX is a specification for a motherboard measuring 170 x 170 mm with a conventional I/O shield as used on larger scale motherboards.


System-on-Modules (SOMs)

With increasing usage of public transport systems, ease of maintenance (and on-going maintenance) within transportation systems is a critical item to address for system integrators.

BVM’s SOM (system-on-module) hardware solutions and value add design services provide upgradable designs in combination with ensuring life-time availability of product. Our System on Module solutions come with both high powered Intel iCore, AMD Ryzen and low powered Atom series processors.

Where the cost of product development can be dramatically reduced as each generation of your product moves on to meet future demands of its environment, equally – this hold true from the commence of product life, where SOM’s promote :-

  • Lower engineering costsCOM 653L2
  • Lower product costs
  • Lower cost of life cycle management

Basic changes during the next design phase, or even in the middle of the products life, are more easily manageable. Plug in the next generation of SOM module to :-

  • Lower design risk
  • Lower transition risk

Consequently providing for :-

  • Faster time to market for product
  • Faster reaction time to market changes

Items such as coin & note validators or ticket dispensers – where changes in legislation, tender or just general technology improvements  may need to apply, expansion capabilities required for transportation systems and their ‘future proofing’ become  critical design considerations.

With multiple expansion interfaces, our modules allow various peripheral devices such as smart card readers, receipt printers, cash and coin counters, LCD monitors and coin hoppers to be incorporated via a vast array of I/O connectivity.

Transportation and SMART City Solutions - COM Express

System-On-Modules

COM/SOM modules are ideal for applications where product time to market and longevity of solution are critical to your business. Today’s COM modules mainly come in two main formats; COM Express (COMe) in Mini, Compact, Basic and Qseven.

Plugged into carrier boards (baseboard), they can be upgraded to newer, backwards-compatible versions as processor technology capability progresses. COM/SOM modules are typically used in Industrial, military, aerospace, gaming, medical and transportation.

• Why use a Computer-on-module? What are the Benefits?
COM Express vs Qseven vs SMARC: A Comparison of Modular Embedded Computing Standards


Industrial Computing

For Embedded PC Systems, required features such as 24/7 stable operation in a rugged industrial design format is necessary to run in the challenging environmental conditions of heavy-workload ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems).

Our embedded systems are mechanically robust with components and cable free designs to enhance anti-vibration capability and improve shock resistance.

Anti vibrational qualities and an extended operating temperature range enable BVM systems PC’s to perform under extremely challenging conditions such as uneven surface roads and  extreme or adverse weather conditions

To meet more the complex or exacting application demands, BVM provide integrated systems with modular flexibility and scalability. System dimensions and thermal design are customised to space and environmental limitations. Our solutions support 9 -36 volts input – designed for device damage protection from unstable power supply and the use of replaceable (modular) I/O boards assure the promotion of available up time of your product.

BVM’s success stems from their 30 years decades in helping customers build their systems to meet their requirements for in-vehicle applications, traffic management surveillance systems and trackside (rail) safety systems.

In-Vehicle PCs

In-vehicle and Intelligent Transportation Solutions available with Intel i3 / i5 / i7 / Celeron CPU’s. Tested under extreme temperature conditions and designed to withstand the shock and vibration that comes with driving a vehicle. All our In-Vehicle and Intelligent Transportation solutions meet the demands of harsh working environments.

In-Vehicle Fleet Management: IVS-110-AL
• License Plate Recognition: ES220-CS (5G)
• Roadway Transportation: VC300-CS (MXM, 5G), VC230-AL (5G)
• Railway Transportation: RC300-CS (MXM, 5G)

Venicle Solutions
Rail Solutions

Rail PCs

Railway Certified Embedded PC Systems available with Intel i3 / i5 / i7 / Celeron CPU’s. EN45545, EN50155 and EN50121-4 Certification. Suitable for demanding IIoT applications in the railway sector, including tasks like monitoring and controlling speed, temperature and security, or for fleet management.

Rail Solutions
Case Study: Rail Communications – Custom Modem
Case Study: Rail – Level Crossing Safety Systems
Fleet Management and In-Vehicle Solutions

Marine PCs

IEC60945 Marine Certified PCs are reliable, rugged and highly rated for their waterproof, durable and fanless designs, ideal for use within harsh environments. Aimed at maritime professionals and found in the dock, on the deck, the bridge and control rooms, Marine Embedded PC Systems are protected from water, dust and any stray electrical signals making them perfect for use on ships.

• Marine Solutions
Case Study: Transportable Control Centre
• Winmate ECDIS Marine Panel PCs

Marine Solutions

AI-based Transportation and SMART City Solutions

AI-based Transportation Solutions

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being implemented in various industries to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance safety. One of the areas where AI is being extensively used is the transportation industry. AI-powered technologies such as autonomous vehicles, logistics and supply chain management and air transportation are being developed and implemented to optimize delivery schedules and routes, reduce transportation costs, improve delivery times, enhance safety and provide more personalized and efficient customer service. AI is expected to revolutionize the transportation industry and bring significant changes in how transportation systems work.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Transportation and the SMART City

Here are a few examples of how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in transportation and the smart city:

  • Autonomous vehicles: AI is being used to enable vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses and drones to operate without human intervention. AI can be used to help these vehicles navigate, avoid obstacles and make decisions about routes and destinations for travelling efficiency. 
  • Traffic management: AI can be used to analyse data from sensors and other sources to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion. This can include everything from adjusting traffic light timing to routing vehicles onto less congested roads.
  • Public transportation: AI can be used to optimise routes and schedules for public transportation, such as buses and trains, improving efficiencies and reduce costs. AI can also be used to provide real-time information to passengers about delays, re-routing and other disruptions.
  • Logistics and supply chain management: AI can be used to optimise the flow of goods through the supply chain, reducing waste and improving efficiency. This can include everything from routing trucks to identifying the most efficient warehouses for storing and distributing goods.
  • Energy management: AI can be used to optimise energy use in buildings and other infrastructure, improving efficiencies and reducing costs. This can include everything from adjusting heating and cooling systems to managing the flow of electricity through a grid network.
  • Environmental monitoring: AI can be used to monitor the environment and identify patterns and trends that may be relevant to public health or the environment. This can include everything from analysing air quality data to tracking the movements of wildlife.

AI-ready Transportation Solutions

The hardware required to support artificial intelligence (AI) can vary depending on the specific  application and the type of AI being used. Some AI algorithms are computationally intensive and require powerful hardware to run effectively.

Deep learning algorithms, which are used for tasks such as image and speech recognition, typically require specialised hardware such as graphics processing units (GPUs) to run efficiently. GPUs are designed to perform the complex matrix calculations that are required for deep learning – and they can be much faster than traditional central processing units (CPUs) at these types of tasks.

Other types of AI, such as rule-based systems, may not require as much computational power and can be run on standard CPUs.

Transportation and SMART City Solutions

Industrial Displays

Advances in digital signage technology in recent years has given rise to further use of TFT displays in transportation hubs such as airports, railway stations and bus stops to provide real-time travel information, interactive advertising and enhanced customer services for travellers.

Displays used both for indoor & outdoor applications require 24/7 reliable operation with resistance to environmental factors such as sunlight, dust or humidity. BVM provides bar-type display solutions available in multiple panel sizes designed to accommodate the demands of non-standard mechanical sizes with tight space constraints, lending themselves to bus, tram or rail.

Features including wide viewing angles, high brightness, wide operating temperatures and industrial-grade ruggedness for operation in a wide range of transportation application environments; bus stop information systems, ticketing machines and outdoor advertising.

In addition, BVM provides customisation services to design and manufacture displays that meet your unique demands. With our OEM partner network, we can tailor bespoke solutions to your exacting requirements into cost-effective and well engineered solutions for virtually all kinds of transportation environments.

TFT Displays

Displays and Touchscreen Monitors

We frequently marry IPC solutions to drive & control TFT displays in the provision of an overall solution; whether that’s the need to simply read & understand data output or providing a means of interaction (HMI) for the control and interrogation of parameters.

For user interaction, we can provide single point touch through to ‘pinch’, ‘zoom’ and multipoint gesturing. We can accommodate for ambient lighting conditions with the application of anti-glare or anti-reflective coatings, optical bonding and upgrading of backlighting.


BVM Design and Manufacturing Services
The manufacturer behind the solutions you know

When a standard embedded design won’t suffice for what you need, you can always turn to BVM for help and use our custom design and manufacturing services. Our custom designs are implemented against an ISO 9001-2015 quality management system. Important aspects to the design’s potential – such as power delivery, thermal management, vibration & shock and EMC (for the application of any necessary certifications) are all accounted for at the early stages of a product’s design.

And pivotal to everything we design is the products ability to be efficiently manufactured on a repeatable basis.

 Case Study: London Underground Rail Communications Custom Modem

Case Study: London Underground Rail Communications Custom Modem

Custom quad modem design for railway system communication. Low speed modem for multi-drop information flow in track side operation.


 Case Study: Road Traffic Control – Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

Case Study: Road Traffic Control – Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

Our client provides traffic and parking systems for the intelligent monitoring and maintaining of free flowing traffic around bus lanes, yellow box junctions and red routes for towns and cities across the UK and USA.


Case Study: Rail – Level Crossing Safety Systems

Case Study: Rail – Level Crossing Safety Systems

Here at BVM, we work on a wide range of projects, applying a range of expertise. Here we discuss our design and manufacture of a system PC, highlighting the challenge and our solution, plus much more.


Case Study: Thermal Print Mechanism for Temperature Monitoring Units

Case Study: Thermal Print Mechanism for Temperature Monitoring Units

Our client provides temperature monitoring units for refrigerated vehicles. These compact devices take temperature readings at regular intervals throughout the journey and produce a log of the temperatures alongside the time of each reading.

BVM’s embedded ‘Design to Order’ services are there to take your Transportation Solution ideas from concept to initial designs and prototyping
– culminating in manufacturable products.

Custom Carrier Board and Custom PCB Design

Custom Carrier Board and Custom PCB Design

At BVM we have an established history of design and manufacture of embedded computer boards. From the early days of VMEbus board design through to Compact PCI and PMC Module design. In today’s world, BVM frequently custom carrier designs for bespoke solutions – also including System On Module (SOM) applications using Computer on Modules (COM) such as COM Express (Type 6, 7 and 10) and Qseven. We also produce custom power supply units, too – where & when the situation requires it.

Custom Chassis and Cooling Design

Custom Chassis and Cooling Design

Not everything ‘off the shelf’ will be a fit for your specific application – which is fine, quite often one size doesn’t fit all.  With our CAD design team using the very latest in 3D modelling software, BVM engineering will custom design solutions to provide for the exact heat dissipation needed – whilst also ensuring any ingress protection needs are looked after, if needs be. Typically, this takes the consideration of the housing & accommodation of the motherboard, TFT displays with integrated touch, peripheral cabling for data communication (LVDS) and backlighting  – and any other embedded supporting devices where needed to aid your application.

Custom Cable Design

Custom Cable Design

BVM has an experienced team of operatives with the ability to manufacture and build the most complex cable harnesses, wiring looms – and provide ‘box build – from simple control boxes, power & distribution boxes to more complex systems. From the initial design, prototyping, production & test – through to delivery, every member of our team is committed to getting it right first time – produced to exacting standards, time after time.

Touch Screen Integration and Display Enhancement Services

Touch Screen Integration and Display Enhancement Services 1

More and more of the products we use in our everyday lives require a means of interaction via their display output. At BVM we have the ability to integrate the touch screen solution that’s befitting your application, so whether you need single point of touch or full ’10 point’ interactivity with on screen gesturing (‘flick, zoom, pinch’) – we’ll integrate the touch solution that provides functionality you need.  In addition, we also provide other display enhancement services, ensuring your product can always be seen and read within their surrounding environment lighting conditions.


BVM Embedded News and Press Releases
Transportation and SMART City Solutions

We like to make life easier ….

Our supporting team have all worked in industrial and embedded environments for a number of years, consequently providing knowledge, experience and good advice around all BVM’s products & services when and where you need it. We don’t profess to know everything you need at the time  – but we’ll always help in the first instance and get back to you when a little more information is required.

You can either Call us directly on +(0) 1489 780 144 and talk to one of the team | E-mail us at sales@bvmltd.co.uk | Use our quick contact form here

BVM Design and Manufacturing Services: The manufacturer behind the solutions you know

When a standard embedded design won’t suffice for what you need, you can always turn to BVM for help and use our custom design and manufacturing services.