Description
This design and configuration is an example of a solution we’ve produced for one of our customers and
will hopefully serve to provide you with an idea of what we can produce.
Project Overview: Custom Portable PC in a Compact and Rugged Enclosure
This project showcases a custom-engineered solution designed to meet a client’s specific need for a robust, field-deployable computing system. The core challenge was to take the client’s essential processing technology—an iMX7 System on Module (SOM)—and build a complete, self-contained, and ruggedized system around it. BVM managed the integration of this core component, a custom carrier board, a high-capacity battery, and all necessary I/O into the proven, durable framework of a Pelicase 1400. The result is a mission-ready, portable Human-Machine Interface (HMI) built to withstand the extreme conditions of marine and military operations while providing reliable performance in the field.
Core Design Requirements
- System on Module Integration: Accommodate the client’s iMX7 COM/SOM module with a custom-designed carrier PCB.
- Autonomous Power: Integrate a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery to deliver up to 8 hours of continuous field operation.
- Ingress Protection: Achieve specific IP ratings: IP67 for protection when the case is closed and IP66 for protection when open and operational.
- Targeted Applications: Designed for harsh environments in Coastal Science, Military Diving, Mining Counter Measures, and ROV control, specifically for non-electric mine neutralisation.
Application & Deployment
The resulting portable, compact and rugged system is deployed for the wireless initiation of unexploded sea mine neutralization from sea vessels. The versatile solution is also used to support a variety of underwater technologies in harsh marine environments, including environmental surveys, aquaculture, sensor tracking, and the analysis of ocean current behaviours.
Solution Specifications
| HMI | Display: 7″ TFT LCD (800×480) | Power | DC Input: 12V & 24V DC |
| Brightness: 1000 nits | Battery: Li-Ion (Up to 8 hrs) | ||
| Touch Interface: 4-wire Resistive | Environmental | Operating Temp: -20°C to +55°C | |
| PC Engine | Processor: iMX7ULP uCOM module | Storage Temp: -30°C to +70°C | |
| Interfaces | Networking: 2 x Ethernet | IP Rating (Closed): IP67 | |
| Serial: 1 x RS232/RS485, 1 x RS232 DB9 | IP Rating (Open): IP66 | ||
| Data: 1 x USB (for data offload) | Certifications | EMC: BS EN 60945, BS EN 61000 | |
| Mechanical | Enclosure: Pelicase 1400 | GNSS: EN 301 489, EN 303 413 | |
| Construction: Custom Aluminium Bezel | General: CE & FCC | ||
| Protection: Enclosed for EMC | Physical Tests: Saltfog, Drop (30″), Vibration | ||
| Weight: 10.9 kgs |
**The configuration detailed above is an example of a successful client system; we can customise any aspect of our Pelicase PC solutions to meet customers unique requirements.
Customisation, Performance and Reliability
Our Build to Order: Our Rugged, Portable Peli Case PCs never need resuscitation.
Customization: Built on the South Coast of England BVM’s industrial and embedded systems can be configured to any specification.
Performance: Our industrial and embedded systems are available with a wide range CPU’s ranging from Intel Celeron to the latest Intel Core i7 CPU’s.
Reliability: Built from the highest quality industrial components BVM’s industrial and embedded systems are designed to run 24/7 in the harshest of environments.
Compact & Rugged PC Solutions with touchscreen interactivity…….
For customers requiring a robust PC that is ruggedized by design yet remains lightweight and portable, BVM offers a specialist design and manufacturing service to create your ideal ‘system in a case’. We understand that no two applications are the same. Our service is entirely tailored to your exact technical and environmental requirements, ensuring you get a solution that is fit for purpose, reliable, and built to last.
Why Choose a BVM Custom Solution?
Customers choose our bespoke solutions as a superior alternative to off-the-shelf rugged laptops or tablets. Our Peli Case PCs offer:
- Superior Protection: Provides better protection against impact and vibration, with custom IP ratings available to protect against dust and water ingress.
- Integrated Systems: A perfect solution for combining specialized instrumentation, computing hardware, and I/O into a single, cohesive, and portable package.
- Bespoke by Design: Where a standard rugged computer won’t meet the need, we deliver a custom-engineered solution with the exact HMI, performance, and connectivity you require.
Extensive Customisation Options
We can tailor almost any parameter to meet your project’s needs. Here is a selection of available options:
- Peli Case Enclosures: Utilise Peli’s wide range of case sizes to suit any footprint or equipment requirement.
- Processing Power: Integrate modern computing platforms, from low-power Intel Atom to high-performance desktop Intel Core i7 processors (up to 65W TDP).
- LCD & Touchscreens: Choose from display sizes ranging from 7.0” to 21” with either resistive or PCAP touch interactivity for your HMI.
- Connectivity: Integrate the latest in wireless technology, including LTE (4G/5G), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
- Storage & Expansion: A variety of Solid State Drive (SSD) options and internal expansion slots (mPCI-E, M.2, PCI-Express) are available.
- Custom Electronics: We can integrate electronics provided by you or design and manufacture custom controller boards in-house.
- Bespoke Fascias & Cabling: Custom-milled internal and external fascias to provide the exact I/O and user interactivity you need, supported by custom internal cabling.
- Enhanced Security: Solutions can be made tamper-proof with locking mechanisms and a choice of handle grips.
- Long-Term Availability: We focus on product reliability and ensure lifetime availability for your system, often exceeding 5 years.
Our Collaborative Design Process
Our service is geared towards creating production-ready solutions. While we cannot cater for ‘one-off’ projects, we provide a structured, collaborative process for our partners:
- Requirement Specification: The process begins with you providing a specification of your needs.
- Technical & Commercial Discussion: We work with you to refine the design and scope.
- Prototyping: A prototype is developed for your testing, evaluation, and final sign-off.
- Production: Following approval, we move to the full production of your units.
Let’s Build Your Solution
To get the exact system you want, talk to our expert team today. We are always happy to provide help and advice for your next project.













