Rugged Embedded Precision Control in UAV Ground Control Stations

Modern military operations increasingly rely on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions. A critical component of this ecosystem is a UAV Ground Control Station (GCS), responsible for real-time monitoring and precision control of UAVs to ensure mission success within a command and control framework.

The client, a leading defence system integrator in South Asia, specialises in the research, development, and integration of air, land, and maritime defence solutions. Their mission-critical operations demand high-performance computing solutions that ensure precision control and operational reliability in challenging environments. To meet these requirements, the embedded computer is required to be able to operate in harsh enviornments and to serve as the control system for UAV GCS, delivering efficient processing power, robust expansion options, and a ruggedised design tailored for demanding defence applications.

The embedded computer is required to be able to operate in harsh enviornments and to serve as the control system for UAV GCS, delivering efficient processing power, robust expansion options, and a ruggedised design tailored for demanding defence applications.

High-Performance Image and Data Processing

The UAV Ground Control Station (GCS) sends control instructions to UAVs, receives flight data, and processes real-time imagery. For seamless operation, the embedded computer must support:

• High-performance processors for fast data processing
• Video capture capabilities for real-time image transmission
• Reliable computing power to ensure uninterrupted mission execution

Extensive I/O and Display Support

To maintain uninterrupted remote control and data transmission, the embedded computer must feature:

• Multiple display outputs for real-time UAV monitoring
• Comprehensive I/O interfaces to support external sensors and peripherals
• Stable, high-speed communication interfaces for reliable UAV control

Durability in Harsh Environments

UAV GCSs often operate in extreme conditions, including volatile power supplies, electromagnetic interference, and physically demanding battlefield scenarios. The embedded computer must offer:

• Wide temperature and voltage tolerance
• Protection against shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference
• Compliance with military-grade durability standards for stable and secure operation

The Cincoze DS-1302 was deemed as being almost purpose-built for this application.

High Performance and PCIe Expansion

The Cincoze  is powered by 10th generation Intel® Xeon® and Core™ i9/i7/i5/i3 processors, with support for up to 64 GB DDR4 memory, while its PCIe expansion slots allow for integration with video capture and GPU cards, enabling:

• The rapid processing of flight data, navigation systems, and UAV sensor information
• High-resolution image and video processing for accurate real-time monitoring
• Efficient decision-making and mission execution through enhanced computational performance

Extensive I/O and Multi-Display Capability

Virtual cockpits require multiple displays to provide pilots with essential information, such as maps, telemetry, and flight status. The DS-1302 features:

• 1x HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, and 1x VGA outputs with patented Flexible Selection of Display Output Interface (Patent No: I809413)
• 6x USB 3.2 interfaces for precision flight control stick and throttle input
• 2x 1GbE LAN interfaces for stable, high-speed satellite communication
• 2x COM interfaces (expandable to six via the Cincoze CMI module) for key equipment such as flight controllers and wind speed sensors

Ruggedised Design for Mission-Critical Deployments

Built to withstand the toughest conditions, the DS-1302 meets the rigorous demands of defence applications with:

• Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to 70°C)
• Wide voltage input (9-48V DC) for stable power supply
• MIL-STD-810G certification for shock and vibration resistance
• EMC compliance (CE, UKCA, FCC, ICES-003 Class A) to ensure operational stability in complex electromagnetic environments
• IEC/EN 62368-1 safety compliance for enhanced reliability and safety

The Cincoze DS-1302 embedded computer is an industry-leading solution for UAV Ground Control Stations, delivering powerful computing performance, robust expansion capabilities, and military-grade durability. By providing seamless data processing, real-time video capture, and mission-critical reliability, the DS-1302 ensures precision UAV control for defence operations in the most challenging environments.

With its cutting-edge features and ruggedised build, the DS-1302 empowers defence system integrators to enhance situational awareness, improve mission accuracy, and maintain operational efficiency, making it the ultimate embedded computing solution for UAV GCS applications.