Per dictionary the word "rugged" is defined as "robust" and "hardy," or "strongly
built and constituted." The latter is what we generally mean when we refer to a
computer as "rugged." However, there are no simple, universally accepted
definitions as to what makes a device rugged rather than just well built or
durable. So let's take a look at ruggedness as it applies to computers. How
rugged does a device have to be? What are the trade-offs in terms of cost and
weight? What questions do you need to ask yourself? And where can you learn about
the terminology of ruggedness?
Although there are a variety of testing methods and ratings, there is no single
entity that manages, monitors, and enforces a set of ruggedness standards for
mobile computers. As a result, the term "rugged" is relative. Just because a
manufacturer describes a device as "rugged" doesn't necessarily mean that it
fills your particular needs. Any "rugged" device has likely been reinforced to
some extent and will offer some extra protection, but in order to find out you
need to take a good look at it, know what the listed ruggedness specifications
mean, and probably ask a number of questions.
In fairness to manufacturers, the lack of a clear definition of the term "rugged"
is probably as frustrating to them as it is to customers. It makes, for example,
no sense to go all out and design a device that is nearly indestructible when all
that is needed is protection from a bit of occasional rain or some bumps in the
road. In the same respect, if a device must survive under the harshest
environmental conditions, then it better be up to the task.
With that in mind, let's consider what ruggedness really means, and what
different categories of ruggedness there are. The basic purpose of ruggedization
is protection from external abuse and penetration. The device needs to be able to
not only physically survive punishment, but continue to function as well. Quite
obviously, "abuse" is relative. Let's look at some examples. A Sony Playstation,
for example, must be able to take plenty of abuse from kids without losing its
ability to read a CD-ROM disk, but no one would call a Playstation "rugged." A
notebook computer that does duty in a police cruiser must be able to withstand
some vibration and a few bumps, handle the temperature extremes encountered in a
vehicle, and generally absorb some rough handling day after day. That requires a
certain degree of ruggedization, but they are minor compared to what would be
required for a device that will be strapped down inside a tank. Similarly, a
handheld data collection terminal used to read meter data at customer locations
must be engineered to be water resistant (though not necessarily water-proof) and
handle an occasional drop. One used by the US Marines, on the other hand, must be
totally waterproof and able to withstand just about any torture imaginable.
Considering the above, it is easy to come to some conclusions. First, when it
comes to ruggedization one size does not fit all. You need to figure out what the
device needs to be protected against and then seek one that provides that
protection. Second, ruggedization means extra cost and extra weight. It makes no
sense to go for maximum protection with the corresponding high cost when a less
extreme design will do.
So let's look at some of the questions you need to ask yourself:
Indoor/outdoor: Will the device be used outdoors or mainly indoors? Ruggedness
requirements for computers used indoors are almost always less than those used
outdoors.
Temperature: What temperature ranges will the device encounter? A handheld like
the Symbol PPT2700 has an operating range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. That
covers just about everything from a cold winter night in North Dakota to high
noon in Death Valley. A Hitachi ePlate 630ETR, on the other hand, has a narrower
41 to 104 degree operating range. Only you know if that is enough or not.
Impact: What's the likelihood that the device will be dropped? From what height?
And onto what kind of surface? And will those be freak occurrences or something
that might happen on a daily basis?
Vibration: We don't usually think of vibration as a problem for electronic
equipment, but constant exposure can damage circuits and severe connections.
Water resistance: If you use your device outdoors, will it encounter just a few
drops every now and then? Will it be operated in rainstorms? Could it be totally
submerged in water?
Humidity: Again, not something we usually give much thought to. But constant high
humidity may wreak havoc with sensitive circuits unless they are properly
protected.
Altitude: Will the device be operated in an airplane? A submarine? In high
altitudes?
Sand and dust: Remember the last trip to the beach? Sand accumulates everywhere.
If your computer will be exposed to sand and dust it better be protected against
them.
These are just some environmental variables a computer may need protection
against. Others include temperature shock, fungus, safe operation in explosive
atmospheres, sudden acceleration, salt fog, gunfire, icing, and more.
Many of the answers are obvious once you think through the potential scenarios
and apply some common sense. Now you're ready to look for the proper equipment
for the job. And that means you have to familiarize yourself with some of the
ruggedness lingo. In the United States, you will most often encounter references
to MIL-STD-810, IP ratings, and NEMA protection ratings.
MIL-STD-810 goes back to December of 1961 and described "Environmental Test
Methods for Aerospace and Ground Equipment." It was initially published as a
svelte 66-page US Air Force document. Over the past 40 years, six revisions were
written and the latest, 810F, has grown into a 540 page document. The MIL-STD, as
is, provides a large number of tests and testing methods to determine the effect
of natural and artificial impact on equipment. Interpreting what it all means may
require a good deal of research. Product spec sheets often state something like
"designed using MIL-STD-810 test procedures." Since there are hundreds of them
and they test different degrees of protection, the mere reference to MIL-STD-810
provides very little information. Find out which tests were performed, whether
test reports are available, and whether the tests were done inhouse or by an
independent testing lab. This is not to say that inhouse testing is suspect. I've
seen the "torture chambers" of several of the major vertical market hardware
manufacturers and came away impressed. Most of them perform tests inhouse, then,
when satisfied that a product will pass independent muster, it is sent away to an
outside lab.
In an effort to avoid the complexity and vagueness of MIL-STD references, some
manufacturers provide IP (Ingress Protection) ratings for their equipment. IP
ratings consist of a single number, such as IP44, and classify the degree of
protection provided for electrical equipment by enclosures. The first number
indicates, on a scale from 0 to 6, the protection against solid objects
penetrating the housing. The second number gives, on a scale from 0 to 8,
protection against penetration by liquids. For both numbers, a 0 means no
protection and the highest number maximum protection. A rugged device may, for
example, have an IP54 rating. The "5" means that the device offers complete
protection against contact with live and moving parts and also offers protection
from dust deposits. The "4" indicates protection against splashing from any
direction.
The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) provides yet another
classification system. NEMA 250 describes a variety of different enclosures and
how they hold up against different environmental impact.
All of this information is available on the web from a variety of sources. The
MIL-STD-810 document is available at http://assist.daps.mil (you need to
register). NEMA enclosure types are described at
www.nema.org/engineering/papers/enclosure.html and
www.dancon.com/techsup/nema_and_ip.htm. www.bray.com/bulletins/
misc/iprating.html shows both NEMA and IP250 protection ratings and how they
relate.
I hope this will get you started in determining the ruggedness requirements for
your device. It probably also gives you an idea of how difficult it is to weigh
ruggedness against other important factors, such as size, weight, performance and
price. Even the laws of physics come into play: it is easier to protect a small,
light device than a large, heavy one. Smaller screens are less likely to break,
and solid state storage is inherently less prone to failure than rotating media.
A display with a thick protection shield in front of it may be difficult to read,
and a completely sealed keyboard hard to type on. Finally, use your judgement.
I've seen supposedly rugged machinery that didn't look like it would live up to
the task and some plain vanilla consumer products that felt bulletproof.
Rugged computers are a bit like off-road vehicles where the spectrum ranges from
fun "lifestyle" models such as the Toyota RAV4 all the way to the mighty Hummer.
Only you can decide which one is right for you.
By Conrad H. Blickenstorfer
