Fully Rugged Computing and Mobility Solutions

Standard, non-rugged computers typically have specifications of:

• Operating temperature: 50 °F to 95 °F
• Storage temperature: -13 °F to 113 °F
• Operating altitude: 10,000 feet
• Storage altitude: 15,000 feet
• Relative humidity: 30%-65%

If your working conditions fall outside of these specifications or nearly fall outside, a rugged tablet or laptop is likely a better fit for you.

Beyond those specifications, rugged units are often equipped with protection to face multiple challenges, such as:

• Shock and vibration
• Corrosion and abrasion
• Water immersion
• Electromagnetic interference
• Minimal size, weight, and power

In environments where rugged computers are commonly used, the total cost of ownership was significantly reduced when users opted for a rugged or semi-rugged computer over a durable or non-rugged computer. [source]

Dirt and Dust Resistance

Dirt and dust resistance is essential for any type of rugged device that must perform reliably in harsh but dry conditions. Clogging of dirt and dust in computing components can lead to reduced performance and overheating, causing a domino effect of issues in devices not rated for these environments.

Furthermore, dust and dirt can corrode parts and erode optical clarity. This is particularly important for sensors, cameras, or other optical instruments that need to retain clear imagery.

Water Resistance is Key

One of the most commonly sought-after ratings is for water resistance. In most computing applications, water and humidity cause the most concern. Not only can water resistance with rugged computing prevent short circuits and provide protection for sensitive components, but it also allows these computers to be used in a range of outdoor or industrial applications.

Whether you need the device to perform in light rain or require full submersion of equipment, it’s essential to look for a device with the appropriate IP rating.

MIL-STD-810G Testing

MIL-STD-810G Testing was designed by the US military to test its equipment limits in varying conditions. It’s comprised of about 24 laboratory tests and covers a wide range of potential environments, from the ability to perform at a high altitude (method 500.5) to the ability to survive mechanically induced shocks (method 516.6). The more methods tested and passed, the more rugged the unit.

Here are some of the typical MIL-STD-810G tests used to certify ruggedness for mobile laptops and tablets:

• Test Method 500.5 Low Pressure (Altitude)
• Test Method 501.5 High Temperature
• Test Method 502.5 Low Temperature
• Test Method 503.5 Temperature Shock
• Test Method 506.5 Rain
• Test Method 507.5 Humidity
• Test Method 509.5 Salt Fog
• Test Method 510.5 Sand and Dust
• Test Method 514.6 Vibration
• Test Method 515.6 Acoustic Noise
• Test Method 516.6 Shock

The tests you look for will depend on the environment you work in.

IP Rating

The IP Rating (International Protection Rating, Ingress Protection Rating) is a two-digit number (e.g. IP65) which classifies the protection provided against solids and liquids. The first number relates to solids and the second to liquids.

This rating is used to provide more accurate information about the protection level for a device, rather than general marketing terms such as “waterproof” or “water resistant.”

What is the Highest Ingress Protection Rating?

Understanding a device’s ingress protection rating (IP) is essential for determining how well it stands up to rugged conditions like wind, rain, dust, sand, and other particles or liquids. The highest possible rating is IP69, however, it is not defined by the international standard IEC. Still, this rating for rugged computers can still appear for industry-specific uses. IP69 devices are typically designed to withstand high-pressure cleaning or industrial applications.

For devices defined by the international standard IEC, however, IP68 is the highest rated ingress protection rating. This rating means the device is tested for its standards in solid and liquid particle resistance, making it both waterproof and dust-tight in particularly harsh conditions.

What is the Highest IP Rating Waterproof?

The highest waterproof rating is indicated by the second number on the IP rating. Resistance to liquids like water is rated on a scale of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest level of protection. Most devices only rate up to 8, but at this level of protection, the device is considered fully submersible. The specific depth of these devices is rated by the manufacturer and may be different based on the device model.

Likewise, 0 is the lowest level of protection which indicates there is no specific protection against water or liquids. Most consumer-grade, non-rugged devices are rated anywhere from 0 to 2. Consumer-grade submersible devices are typically for things like underwater photography.

For more demanding water resistance requirements, 6 is considered the minimum for industrial settings or extreme outdoor conditions.

Type of Ruggedness: Fully Rugged or Semi-Rugged

Semi-rugged computers are usually tested to some parts of MIL-STD-810G and IP specifications and offer more protection than standard PCs. While semi-rugged devices are significantly more durable than a standard device, they are still susceptible to a decrease in performance in extreme conditions.

Fully rugged computers are generally fully tested against applicable MIL-STD-810G testing methods and often are totally resistant to both water and dust (IP65 or greater). Fully rugged laptops and tablets are designed to operate in any condition.

Affinity helps organizations protect their digital data by providing tailored computing and mobility solutions designed to withstand rugged environments.

Why is Ingress Protection Rating of Mobile Computers Especially Important?

Water, sand, and dust are all nuisances that can affect the performance of electronics. This is a particular problem with computers and mobile devices which have outlets like fans that allow it to cool down. Most mobile computers are used by professionals in difficult terrain, which means they need a device that can withstand these challenges.

First responders rely on these devices for critical tasks and communication. Time is of the essence in these professions, which means any delay in response due to sand or water in the machine could become a safety hazard.

Scientists also rely on these computers for fieldwork, which can mean working in unpredictable environmental conditions, requiring a computer that can withstand the challenges without a loss of data.

Professionals in industrial settings like oil and gas also require rugged computing technology with a high IP rating, as these devices allow communication, system controls, and monitoring of potentially hazardous areas without difficulty. A regular computer would see a reduced performance in these areas with a high volume of particles in the air, but rugged computers with good IP ratings are designed to withstand these challenges.

What is IP65 Ingress Protection?

IP65 ingress protection is rated for enough protection to prevent low-pressure water from interfering with the computer’s performance from any direction.

This means that while it’s suitable for use in outdoor environments, it can’t withstand extreme weather or submersion. With this rating, the device is not fully waterproof, but a light rain or ocean spray is perfectly fine. Water resistance is considered higher than a normal device, with all the durability benefits of other rugged computing options.

Rugged computers with this rating have received the highest rating for dust protection, however, making it a perfect companion in less than ideal but dry conditions like deserts or similarly dusty areas.

What is the Difference Between IP65 and IP68?

A rugged computer’s high ingress protection rating is advertised in the two numbers after IP. The first number is a scale of 0 to 6 and indicates the level of protection against solids like sand. The second number is rated on a scale of 0 to 9 and indicates protection against liquids like water. In the case of IP68, it is more resistant to water than IP65, but they are both equally protective against dust and sand.

If you are struggling to choose between IP65 and IP68, it’s important to consider your requirements for the device and the environmental conditions it will be exposed to. If the device needs to be completely waterproof or able to withstand submersion, IP68 is the better choice as IP65 is not rated for submersion in water. If you only need protection against dust and light water exposure, however, IP65 may be the right choice for you as it is dustproof, and typically less expensive than IP68 while still providing water resistance.

Affinity provides quality hardware solutions to help our clients’ organizations run smoothly. We partner with brands that have a track record of success, outstanding warranties, and that have performed under difficult conditions and provide recommendations based on our expertise and product knowledge.

Our focus on specific brands allows us to have expert product knowledge and superior implementation services for the products we offer.

No matter your challenges, our technology consultants will expertly guide you through your rugged computing options to find the highest quality solution that meets your needs and fits your budget. When you choose Affinity, you choose the expertise of rugged computing specialists to help you find the perfect device for your needs.

Affinity offers a full range of rugged computing and mobility solutions, including rugged devices, mounting solutions, rugged accessories. We partner with some of the best brands in the industry, such as Getac, Gamber Johnson, Havis, and Printek for premium quality hardware solutions that fit the needs of your organization.

Laptops

Dual batteries for limitless power. 27% faster Intel Core processors. Brighter and stronger screens. QuadraClear anti-reflection screen display. Ultrafast 4G LTE. But most importantly, notebooks can be used in rugged conditions and still perform optimally. Whether it be freezing cold temperatures, dust storms, or an unexpected downpour, Getac’s four protective casings on their rugged notebooks will safeguard your work. Getac offers five notebooks, from a compact and lightweight convertible to a fully rugged mobile server, that are backed up by one of the best warranties in the industry.

Tablets

Ranging from tactical to medical to wearable, rugged tablets go wherever you do and provide best in class battery life, widescreen displays, industry-leading security, seamless connectivity, and a comfortable grip. Getac offers tablets suited to fit zone 0, critical, or medical environments.

Handhelds

Expand your reach in the field with a rugged handheld device. Built for power, functionality, and ruggedness, rugged handhelds feature a large 3.5” display with a pressure sensitive touchscreen, advanced GPS, alphanumeric keyboard, ample power to run multiple apps, and the best rugged standards in the industry. Rugged handhelds are protected against dust, repeated drops, vibrations, shocks, water up to one meter, and can operate in temperatures ranging from -22° F to 140° F.

Video

Rugged video capture and evidence management solutions are customizable to every need, providing best in class video capture in equipment that can stand harsh environments and abuse. High definition, ultra sharp video recording devices deliver amazingly crisp results in low lighting, providing visibility into an environment of absolute darkness. Body-worn cameras allow for live streaming to the cloud, where all video and officer locations can be seen in real-time on a map, and in field tagging allows users to easily classify and organize videos on any device.

Mobile Docking and Mounting Solutions

Mobile docking and mounting solutions make your equipment easy to see, reach, and operate while in the driver’s seat, all the while creating additional space and comfort and extending the life of ports, cables, and peripherals. Affinity can help with docks and mounts for cars, trucks, forklifts, mobile carts, and office stations. For example, custom-built docking stations for Getac laptops and tablets provide a secure location for charging and connecting to external devices, such as printers, scanners, external antennas, and more.

Rugged Accessories

Affinity also partners with companies who engineer rugged peripherals, such as keyboards, printers, and antennas. iKey keyboards are rugged, resilient, and fail-proof, and are able to withstand dust, dirt, water, corrosive liquids, and extreme temperatures. Airgain external antennas offer superior performance and flexible mounting options for various deployment scenarios and devices.

• Agriculture – Collect and analyze soil samples, track livestock with RFID, manage farm inventory, run irrigation control systems and more.
• Construction – Run projects from the build site, communicate real-time with central HQ, access blueprints without damaging, run analyses onsite enabling immediate direction and action based on results.
• Environmental – Biologists, scientists and environmental consultants: Collect sea ice samples, use GPS data to accelerate triage of oil spill sites, inspect and monitor stormwater assets, etc.
• Field Service – Schedule service calls, navigate with GPS, manage team schedules, update work orders, track inventory, enter time onsite, sync field measurements and meter readings in real-time.
• Forestry – Cruise timber, navigate using dedicated GPS, map, image, report, and analyze data for wildlife surveying, silviculture, and forest management.
• GIS/Mapping – Get more done while in the field. Gather and analyze GIS data, create maps, and communicate real-time even from remote locations.
• Healthcare – Hospital staff, with patients, in the lab: Efficiently and securely collect, share, and monitor patient data. Move quickly, not worrying about shakes, vibrations, drops, shocks, cart crashes. Decontaminate and sterilize devices from patient to patient.
• Industrial – Send data wirelessly in real-time, create reports and sync automatically with office technology, integrate with onsite machinery for status tracking, etc.
• Logistics – Inventory, distribution, and supply chain management.
• Manufacturing – Inspection, quality and inventory control, machinery maintenance, order tracking.
• Mining – Streamline data management and operations: timekeeping, vehicle tracking, maintenance logging, supplies deliveries,real-time communications with those off-site. Perform in the face of vibrations, dust, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.