Rugged ComputerA truly rugged computer is so much more than just a normal computer wrapped in a tough outer case. First of all, let me distinguish between a "rugged" computer and a "ruggedized" computer (or tablet or Smartphone). A rugged computer is designed to operate reliably in very harsh environments and conditions. The term "ruggedized" gives the sense that fragile internal components have been somehow protected. Truly rugged devices are not simply wrapped in a tough shell. Tough and durable mobile computers and smart phones are gaining in popularity because customers demand more durable products! There are actually some mainstream devices that could be described as ruggedized (and are often advertised as rugged), but they are not truly rugged. They might be waterproof, but lack other aspects of ruggedness, like the ability to withstand vibrations/shocks and function well in extreme temperatures. Let me briefly recap the definition of ruggedness:The devices should have passed some of the MIL-STD tests (i.e. the American military standard for equipment). Twenty-four laboratory test methods ensure that the equipment can handle low pressure at high altitudes, exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shocks, rain, humidity, sand and dust exposure, leakage, shock, and vibration. P65 rating, for example, would ensure complete protection against dust and protection against water jets. Now, let's take a closer look at the tests carried out on rugged computers:Drop and shock test -- This is one of the most important tests for rugged computers, simply because rugged computers are dropped all the time by workers in the logistics, forestry, public transportation, construction, mining, security, and other industries where rugged computers are in high demand. Drop a normal computer and you will easily break the display or the hard drive. Drop a rugged computer and nothing will happen - at least it is highly unlikely that the device will break if it has passed all the relevant tests. All rugged mobile computers are tested to ensure they can survive falls as well as high-force impacts to the devices' casings. Drop tests are certified by independent test laboratories and performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810G. There are eight different procedures to choose from that each use different ways to cause shock or impact. The "transit drop test" is the most cited. It requires items to survive a total of 26 drops from the height of 122 cm, on each face, edge, and corner, onto a hard surface like concrete. Liquid resistance tests -- Mobile field computers are inevitably exposed to rain, spills, and splashes. The second number of the IP code describes the liquid ingress protection, i.e. how well the unit is protected against water. The scale ranges from dripping water to continuous immersion in water. The manufacturers of rugged computers often carry out water resistance tests by exposing the computer to powerful water jets from many directions without harmful effects. The test duration, water volume, and water pressure varies depending on the rating. The water temperature is lower than the device. Vibration tests -- Ordinary mobile computers are sensitive to vibrations and are not built to handle vibrations. Hard drives disks are especially vulnerable when subjected to vibration. Rugged computers, however, must be able to handle vibrations since they are often used in vehicles that travel on bumpy and rough surfaces. Vibration tests are performed in accordance with MIL-STD-810G. They are designed to determine if a device can withstand the vibrations it would be exposed to during its lifecycle. The tests use laboratory shakers set to different levels to simulate being on a vehicle or carried by a person, with variations in the vibrations' wave form, frequency, and intensity depending on the type of device and the environment being simulated. Sand and dust testing -- A rugged computer must be able to keep out particles. Almost all field workers are exposed to dust and dirt at some point that would slow key functions and damage components if not protected. The dust resistance procedure tests ingress of small dust particles. Flour and sand is projected onto the device at high wind speeds and high temperatures for several hours, rotating the device and varying the temperature and wind speed. The blowing sand resistance procedure is basically the same as the dust test, but the test is performed at a higher wind speed. The high-end test simulates being near an aircraft. Extreme temperature tests -- Rugged mobile computers must be able to handle extreme temperatures and wild temperature swings. For example, Handheld's recently launched Nautiz X1 smartphone is designed to function well in temperatures ranging from -20ºC to 60ºC (-4ºF to 140ºF). High temperature and low temperature tests are conducted in accordance with MIL-STD-810G. When testing for operability during high temperatures, the devices exposed to high temperatures while it is turned off (storage), while being turned on used (operation), and how it works under operational temperatures after having been exposed to higher storage temperatures (tactical-standby to operational). When testing for operability during low temperatures, again three procedures are carried out to determine how the device will behave in low temperatures. They are much the same as in the high temperatures tests, except conducted in freezing conditions. Humidity testing -- In addition to liquid resistance testing for IP rating, many manufacturers of rugged mobile computers test their devices in highly humid conditions as a separate test that is defined by the MIL-STD-810G standard. The computers are exposed to humidity well over 90 per cent for several days in tropical heat. Many of the same features that make mobile computers liquid resistant also help prevent damage from high humidity. These are the most important tests.The next question is: How do manufacturers of rugged mobile computers actually make their devices tough enough to pass these tests?
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