In modern military operations, field intelligence gathering is crucial for real-time situational awareness and decision-making. One of our customers, a technology provider specializing in military solutions, faced challenges in finding a compact yet high-performance rugged computer capable of real-time data processing in remote and extreme environments. The system needed to withstand extreme temperatures, provide secure and reliable connectivity, and ensure long-term availability for mission success. To address these challenges, Premio delivered the RCO-1000-EHL, a high-performance, rugged fanless mini computer designed for harsh military environments, ensuring seamless integration into mission-critical operations while maintaining durability and efficiency in the field.
Challenges
- Compact edge computing and withstand extreme temperature conditions
- Power efficiency with long product lifecycle for defense applications
- Networking requirements with dual LAN ports and multiple USB ports
- Storage expansion for large-scale data analytics
- US-based supplier for NDAA and TAA compliance for national security purposes
Solution
- Premio RCO-1000-EHL rugged fanless mini computer
- Intel Atom x6425E quad-core processor with 12W TDP and low power consumption
- Compact size, rugged fanless design, and flexible mounting option
- MIL-STD-810G compliant and wide operating temperature (-40°C to 70°C)
- Strong connectivity with dual LAN ports and EDGEBoost IO for extra USB ports
- Flexible storage with one 2.5" SATA HDD and one mSATA expansion
- 15-year longevity with Intel IOTG Product Lifecycle for extended reliability
Benefits
- Local supply chain with NDAA and TAA compliance
- Efficient lead time
Company Background
As a Fortune 500 company, the customer is a leading provider of technology solutions in military, intelligence, and security. With a strong focus on national defense, the company delivers mission-critical innovations that enhance operational efficiency and counter potential threats. Its expertise in data analytics and secure computing ensures fast and accurate processing of critical information, supporting real-time decision-making in defense and intelligence operations.
The Challenges
Rugged and Compact Edge Computing for Extreme Environments
The company needed an edge computer for field intelligence gathering, which would be operating in combat zones, remote surveillance stations, and high-altitude regions. As a result, the edge computing system had to meet military-grade standards and withstand extreme conditions. The customer also required a small form factor that could fit into space-constrained deployments without sacrificing performance. Standard commercial computers were not an option, as they lacked the durability required for mission-critical operations.
Power Efficiency with Long Lifecycle for Defense Applications
In military intelligence and reconnaissance missions, uninterrupted operation is essential. The customer required a low-power computing solution that could efficiently process data while minimizing energy consumption. To support real-time analytics and mission-critical applications, they specifically needed a quad-core processor for enhanced computing performance. Additionally, defense applications demand long product lifecycles, as frequent hardware replacements can disrupt operations and require costly recertifications.
Reliable IoT Connectivity
Data processing at the edge requires strong and stable connectivity to link multiple devices, sensors, and communication networks. The customer needed a system with dual LAN ports to support redundant networking and maintain secure data transmission. Additionally, multiple USB ports were required to connect peripheral devices, secure data transfer tools, and specialized military equipment.
Scalable Storage for Large-Scale Data Analytics
Military intelligence operations generate vast amounts of real-time sensor and camera data that must be processed and analyzed efficiently. The customer required robust storage options to handle this influx of data while maintaining fast access speeds and reliability.
US-Based Supplier with NDAA and TAA Compliance for National Security
For defense and intelligence applications, security is a top priority. The customer needed a trusted US-based supplier that met NDAA and TAA compliance standards, ensuring that all components and manufacturing processes adhered to national security regulations. With supply chain security becoming a growing concern, partnering with a domestic supplier helped mitigate risks associated with foreign-sourced technology, ensuring reliable delivery, support, and long-term availability for mission-critical deployments.
The Solution
Premio RCO-1000-EHL Rugged Fanless Mini Computer
To meet the customer’s mission-critical computing needs, Premio provided the RCO-1000-EHL, a rugged fanless mini computer designed for extreme environments and real-time data processing. Its compact yet durable design, wide temperature tolerance, EDGEBoost I/O for enhanced data transmission, and expandable storage options ensure reliability in remote military deployments, making it an ideal solution for field intelligence gathering.
Intel Atom x6425E Quad-Core Processor with 12W TDP
Powered by the Intel Atom x6425E processor, the RCO-1000-EHL delivers quad-core performance with a low 12W TDP, ensuring efficient power consumption without compromising computing power. This balance allows the system to run intensive analytics while operating in low-power defense applications, reducing energy demands in the field.
Rugged fanless design with compact size and flexible mounting options
With dimensions of 150 (W) x 105 (D) x 49 (H)mm, the RCO-1000-EHL features a fanless rugged design, making it ideal for tight spaces in mobile command centers, unmanned systems, and tactical vehicles. Its small footprint allows for easy integration into military setups while maintaining the rugged durability required for field use. To ensure flexible installation in various military environments, the RCO-1000-EHL offers four mounting options—Wall Mount, Side Mount, DIN Mount, and VESA Mount—to meet the customer’s deployment needs.
MIL-STD-810G compliant and wide operating temperature (-40°C to 70°C)
The RCO-1000-EHL, MIL-STD-810G compliant, meets military environmental standards for shock, vibration, and extreme conditions. Engineered for uncompromising reliability, it operates seamlessly in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C, ensuring steadfast performance in deserts, high-altitude regions, and freezing combat zones where traditional computers would fail.
Strong Connectivity with Dual LAN and EDGEBoost I/O
Reliable connectivity is essential for real-time data analysis and secure military communications. The RCO-1000-EHL is equipped with dual LAN ports for redundant networking and EDGEBoost I/O expansion, which offers optional configurations for additional DisplayPort, DIO, HDMI, USB, and COM ports. For this deployment, four extra USB ports were provided on the EdgeBoost bracket, ensuring seamless integration with surveillance cameras, tactical communication systems, and military-grade sensors.
Flexible Storage for Large-Scale Data Processing
The RCO-1000-EHL includes one 2.5" SATA HDD and an additional mSATA expansion, offering scalable storage options for data-intensive applications. This flexibility allows for high-speed data logging, real-time analytics, and mission-critical intelligence processing, ensuring that military personnel have immediate access to vital information in the field.
15-Year Longevity for Defense Applications
Designed with Intel’s IOTG Product Lifecycle, the RCO-1000-EHL guarantees a 15-year product lifecycle, providing long-term reliability for defense and intelligence operations. This extended longevity reduces the risk of supply chain disruptions and ensures that the military can maintain consistent hardware across missions without frequent upgrades or replacements.
The Benefits
Local Supply Chain with NDAA and TAA Compliance
Premio, located in Los Angeles, CA, ensures compliance with NDAA and TAA regulations. NDAA compliance prohibits the use of restricted Chinese telecommunications products in defense applications, while TAA compliance mandates sourcing from the U.S. or approved countries. Premio actively reviews supplier agreements to uphold these standards, providing a secure and reliable supply chain for government and military partners.
Efficient Lead Time
In military deployments, hardware availability and delivery speed are critical factors in decision-making. Premio’s ISO 9001-certified supply chain and local production capabilities enabled short lead times, allowing the customer to rapidly deploy rugged computing solutions to meet urgent operational demands.