Field repeater station – example of ruggedised ICT equipment (Huawei)
Unfortunately, modern, mass produced, consumer product development philosophy is diametrically opposed to the needs of many commercial applications where robustness and reliability in demanding environments is required.
Many commercial applications need solutions that can be placed in the market rapidly,in modest volumes (not mass market levels) and need to satisfy demanding environmental requirements. This is the domain where Tuftec Solutions focuses it’s efforts.
Tuftec works closely with it’s clients to fully understand the real requirements of a project. We select appropriate components/technologies, undertaking a suitable level of additional engineering and systems integration to ensure that the final
solution meets the client’s specifications at the lowest practical cost and with the shortest possible time to market.
Where possible, Tuftec attempts to utilize cost effective consumer developed technologies and then harden the system design appropriately to meet the specified requirements.
Depending on the intended application, the hardening/re-engineering process can be as simple as developing and supplying an appropriate protective housing for a device,through to a total ground up design to stringent specifications.
More often than not, development of “tuff” (ruggedised) technology solutions involves the application of one or more of the following additional technologies:
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Mechanical protective housings from engineering plastics or metal alloys
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Shielding for EMI/EMC protection/compliance
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Additional user safety protection measures
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Transient/surge protection of electrical inputs and outputs
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Shock protection of critical components
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Weather proofing
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Thermal protection/management, including the use of passive and active heat exchanger technologies
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Specialist power supplies to employ alternate/renewable energy sources for remote/unattended applications
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Protection against accidental damage and general wear and tear
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Protection against unauthorized tampering
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Safety protection for explosive gas/dust environments
Military communications station – Tuftec personnel past development (NEC)