Industrial Electronic Engineering
Background
This Military Weapon System Integrator requested a rugged avionics display that could provide a direct full-high definition (Full-HD) image of their modern high resolution sensors and cameras. In addition, this rotary-wing application required extreme flexibility in the operator control inputs for commanding the modes and positioning of the multiple weapon system devices and helicopter payloads.
Challenge:
The major challenge was the requirement to present high-resolution sensor, map, and symbology legibly in the wide range of ambient light conditions found in the cockpit of a military helicopter; from direct sunlight to dark night NVIS goggle operation. The customer’s weapon system is designed to accommodate a wide range of weapon payloads and mission configurations. The system achieves improved mission effectiveness by enabling the operator to efficiently control and monitor the system through a full suite of bezel controls, including: programmable bezel pushbuttons, dual concentric encoders, an 8-way joystick and a Night/Day/Off selector switch.
Solutions:
IEE created custom optical bonding with a heavy-duty, full color, very high bright (1,100 cd/m2 typical) high resolution screen (1920x1200) AMLCD. This 10.1-inch Multi-Function Display has very wide viewing angles and a selectable dual-mode LED backlight providing the flexibility needed to assist the operator. A heating unit was added for cold temperature operation. State of the art digital video capability requirements were satisfied with 2 x HD-SDI (with loop-through), 2 x DVI-D and a Serial Communication Interface (RS-422). The interface included an 8-way joystick, encoder knobs and thirteen programmable bezel pushbuttons to support a wide range of applications. IEE delivered the System Integration Lab, (SIL) units before moving to full production.
This 10.1" Multi-Function Display has been awarded the Editor’s Choice Award from Military Embedded Systems Magazine.