Real-time drone detection demands a reliable edge computing platform capable of processing sensor data and maintaining continuous operation in mission-critical environments. A developer of advanced counter-drone detection solutions needed a compact industrial computer that could support real-time airspace monitoring while integrating multiple sensors and communication interfaces. By deploying an industrial fanless embedded computer, the company gained the performance, connectivity, and rugged reliability needed to help protect critical infrastructure, government facilities, and public safety operations.
Challenges
- Limited processing performance for continuous real time drone detection and edge computing workloads
- Insufficient network connectivity to support multiple sensors and communication interfaces
- Need for comprehensive I/O to integrate detection equipment and future expansion modules
- Large computing platforms complicated installation in space constrained edge deployments
- Government and critical infrastructure projects required UL certification along with NDAA and TAA compliance
Solution
- Premio's fanless embedded computer (DCO-1000-ASL Series)
- Intel® Atom® x7835RE processor with DDR5 memory for efficient real time edge processing
- Four 2.5GbE LAN ports and comprehensive I/O for flexible sensor and network integration
- Compact 150 x 105 x 50 mm design for installation in confined industrial enclosures
- UL certified with NDAA and TAA compliance for regulated deployment environments
Benefits
- Long-term deployment stability with Intel embedded processor lifecycle support of up to ten years
- Responsive engineering support from the Los Angeles headquarters team, backed by ISO certified manufacturing and quality standards
Company Overview
Specializing in counter-drone technology, the organization develops solutions that detect, identify, and monitor unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles in real time. Its portfolio combines advanced sensing technology with cloud-based monitoring tools to help protect airports, critical infrastructure, public events, military facilities, and other sensitive locations. As demand for airspace security continues to grow, the company continues expanding scalable solutions that simplify drone detection while improving operational awareness.
The Challenges
Processing Real-Time Drone Detection Data
Real-time drone detection requires continuous processing of incoming data from multiple detection sources without introducing delays. As monitoring requirements expanded, the existing computing platform needed greater multi-core performance to handle simultaneous workloads at the edge.
Supporting Multiple Sensors and Networks
The drone detection platform needed to communicate with multiple sensors, networking devices, and cloud services simultaneously. Limited network interfaces reduced deployment flexibility and complicated system integration.
Integrating Diverse Detection Equipment
Counter-drone systems rely on numerous peripheral devices, including communication modules, detection hardware, and expansion interfaces. The embedded computer needed sufficient connectivity to integrate these components without requiring additional external hardware. Flexible I/O would also allow the platform to adapt as future operational requirements evolved.
Deploying in Compact Edge Installations
Many deployments are installed inside outdoor enclosures, equipment cabinets, or other space-constrained environments where available installation space is limited. Larger computing systems reduced installation flexibility and increased deployment complexity.
Meeting Government Deployment Requirements
Many end users operate within regulated industries where certified and trusted hardware is expected. The platform needed to satisfy reliability expectations while aligning with procurement requirements for government and critical infrastructure projects. UL certification together with NDAA and TAA compliance helped ensure the system was suitable for these demanding environments.
The Solution
Premio's fanless embedded computer (DCO-1000-ASL Series)
The DCO-1000-ASL Series serves as the edge computing engine within the customer's drone detection platform. Powered by the Intel® Atom® x7835RE processor, it combines industrial reliability with a compact design to continuously process detection data while supporting a wide range of connected devices. Its fanless architecture and wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 55°C enable dependable 24/7 operation in demanding outdoor and industrial environments.
Intel® Atom® x7835RE with DDR5 Memory
The Intel® Atom® x7835RE features an eight-core architecture that provides the processing power needed to handle multiple drone detection workloads simultaneously. Despite its high core count, the processor maintains a low 12W TDP, delivering an excellent balance of performance and energy efficiency for fanless edge computing. Combined with DDR5 memory, the platform provides the bandwidth required to efficiently manage real-time data streams and multiple software services.
Four 2.5GbE LAN Ports and Comprehensive I/O
Four integrated 2.5GbE LAN ports provide the flexibility to connect multiple detection sensors, network segments, and communication systems simultaneously. Comprehensive I/O further simplifies integration with additional peripherals and expansion modules. This allows the platform to support evolving operational requirements without requiring significant hardware changes.
Compact Industrial Design
Measuring only 150 x 105 x 50 mm, the compact embedded computer fits easily inside industrial control cabinets and space-constrained edge installations. Its fanless construction minimizes maintenance while improving long-term reliability. The rugged enclosure is well suited for continuous operation in demanding outdoor and industrial environments.
UL Certified with NDAA and TAA Compliance
The embedded platform supports deployments requiring trusted industrial hardware with UL certification, NDAA and TAA compliance, and a design that complies with MIL-STD-810H for shock and vibration. Together, these qualifications make it well suited for government, defense, transportation, and critical infrastructure applications where reliability and compliance are essential.
The Benefits
Long-Term Deployment Stability
Support for Intel embedded processor lifecycle availability of up to ten years helped ensure the monitoring infrastructure could remain in service without frequent hardware redesigns. This provided greater planning confidence for long term conservation deployments operating across remote locations.
Accessible Engineering Support and Certified Manufacturing
Engineering support from the Los Angeles headquarters provided direct technical assistance during evaluation and deployment. Combined with ISO certified manufacturing standards, this helped ensure consistent product quality and dependable long-term operation in the field.
Conclusion
By combining high-performance edge computing, extensive connectivity, and industrial-grade reliability, the DCO-1000-ASL Series provides a dependable foundation for real-time drone detection and airspace monitoring. Its compact design and trusted compliance credentials enable deployment across demanding government, public safety, and critical infrastructure environments. The result is a scalable platform that helps strengthen airspace security while supporting future operational growth.