BAE announcement

Solid State plc (AIM: SOLI), the specialist value added component supplier and design-in manufacturer of computing, power, and communications products, announces that following a pre-qualification stage and a competitive tender process, BAE Systems has awarded Steatite Ltd, the manufacturing arm of Solid State Plc, a multi-million pound contract to design, develop and qualify computer consoles for maritime platforms. The multi-function use of the console will need to comply with many industry and MOD specific standards. This challenging set of requirements required an approach that offered innovation, value and agility.

A BAE Systems’ representative, said: “This is a critical path programme and our expectations are high.  Steatite provided us with the assurance that they have the technical skills, resources and commitment to deliver against challenging timescales and meeting commercial constraints.  We are looking forward to working with the team on the project.”

Matthew Richards, Managing Director at Steatite, added: “We have worked with BAE Systems for many years on maritime and land based systems. I am delighted that our recent investments in test and security infrastructure and personnel combined with our existing engineering expertise has been recognised by BAE Systems.  We have hit the ground running on the project and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with BAE Systems.”

The project will be led from the Redditch site utilising the new EMC facility installed in 2021 whilst drawing on technical skills from the Solid State Group.

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Compact autofocus-zoom camera with 4K resolution

Active Silicon’s latest addition to the Harrier camera range brings 4K resolution to imaging systems and vision applications.

With its small size and high resolution, the block camera is ideal for applications where broadcast-quality UHD vision is required such as high-speed industrial inspection, security & surveillance and medical imaging.

The Harrier 18x AF-Zoom HDMI 4K Camera is a compact autofocus-zoom camera with real-time 4K video output and 18x optical zoom. Fitted with a 8.4MP Sony CMOS sensor, the camera provides HDMI video at a maximum of 3840x2160p 30/25 fps and simultaneous CVBS analog output.

The camera also offers sophisticated camera features including Real-time True Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), Day & Night mode – Infrared Cut filter Removal (ICR), Digital Noise Reduction (2D + 3D DNR) and Digital Image Stabilization. VISCA or Pelco–D/P Control Protocol over serial communication or USB (virtual COM port) are available for camera control.

The Harrier 4K camera adds the option for razor-sharp stills and crystal clear video options to the Harrier autofocus-zoom camera range. Other HD Harrier modules deliver 3G/HD-SDI, HDMI, USB3 and IP H.264 Ethernet with optical zooms of 10x to 40x.

With a camera for every application and budget, you can see the full range online and contact Active Silicon to see which camera option will best enhance your vision system.

DS-1300: Computing for a demanding world.

We’ve just added the new Cincoze DS-1300 series to our range of high-performance fanless computers, enabling us to meet the most challenging operational requirements. 

The units are based on latest 10th generation Intel Core and Xeon processors, and can be easily configured to meet the exact requirements of military, transport and industrial applications. 

The computers are ultra-reliable, rugged and flexible and are well suited to the extreme environmental conditions associated with mobile/vehicular use, or the durability needed to operate in a 24/7 manufacturing setting. 

The DS-1300 series is designed with a wide operating temperature, wide range DC power input (from 9V to 48V), high tolerance to shock and vibration, and high-standard industrial protection.

It’s also certified to stringent industry standards, including MIL-STD-810G military standard and EN50155 (EN 50121-3-2 only) for rolling stock environments.

Benefits include: 

Expansion – Multiple PCI Express, PCI & Mini PCIe options, plus CMI slots for additional Ethernet, COM & DIO.

Temperature – The DS-1300 range is designed for use in extreme operating environments, with support for an external fan to enhance cooling in the harshest environments. 

Performance – High performance embedded PCs supporting latest generation Core i9 10-core and Xeon server-grade processors.

Longevity – Due to be in production for around 10 years, the DS-1300 fanless PC is ideal for long-term projects 

Specification – The DS-1300 series is fully modular and can be configured to meet the exact requirements of the application.

Reliability – Built using the highest quality industrial-grade components, the Cincoze DS-1300 fanless PC is designed to last.

For more information regarding the DS-1300, please click here: https://www.steatite-embedded.co.uk/products/high-performance-fanless-pcs/cincoze-ds-1300/

Steatite acquires digital imaging specialist, Active Silicon

Steatite has acquired digital imaging specialist, Active Silicon Ltd, in a move that will strengthen Steatite’s computing capabilities in key target areas.

Established in 1988, Active Silicon designs and manufacturers imaging and embedded vision systems allowing the capture, processing, and transmission of image data in high performance and critical environments.

World-class products include innovative embedded systems for IoT applications, pioneering autofocus-zoom cameras and high-speed acquisition cards allowing real-time, high-resolution image capture over long cable lengths. 

With a longstanding, global customer base, Active Silicon’s products have applications in multiple areas of industry, science, and technology – including advanced manufacturing, life sciences, robotics, medical imaging, security and defence.

Combining Active Silicon’s expertise and technology with our industrial computer product portfolio will enable the enlarged business to address the growing demand for 3D vision and robotic applications, as well as the increased requirements for embedded machine vision and edge AI computing products.

Commenting on the acquisition, Gary Marsh, Chief Executive of Solid State Plc (Steatite’s parent company), said:

“The computing sector has been a key market for Solid State, which has driven a focus on expanding capability in the development of AI enabled technologies for industries such as medical, security, defence and life sciences.  We see the acquisition of Active Silicon as a considerable step in broadening our customer offering and further extending into the product value chain.

Steatite secures £2.2m transport sector order

Steatite is delighted to announce that a £2.2m contract has been secured to supply in excess of 1000 computer systems.

The units supplied by Steatite will be part of a rugged computing and display system for a customer in the transportation sector. Delivery is expected over a 12-24 month period, starting early in the financial year 2021/2022.

Matthew Richards, Steatite’s Managing Director, commented:
“At our recent results announcement in early December, we expanded on the work we were doing to broaden our exposure to certain structural growth markets. Transportation was one of those and therefore it is pleasing to be able to announce such a significant contract award resulting from that focussed effort.”

Steatite joins Worcestershire’s commercial technology accelerator, BetaDen as an industry expertise partner

Steatite is delighted to announce that it is to work with Worcestershire’s commercial technology accelerator, BetaDen as an industry expertise partner for its fourth cohort of business.

BetaDen is based at Malvern Hills Science Park, midway between Steatite’s computing and communications facilities. Cohort 4 is a nine-month accelerator programme for early stage technology businesses. Successful participants will have access to a programme of support worth around £50,000 including 30 hours of access to Worcestershire’s 5G test bed. The application process is now open and the programme will begin in March 2021.

As a global provider of cutting-edge bespoke technology within the computing, communications and power sectors, Steatite has invaluable expertise and will be providing mentoring support to the cohort 4 members for the duration of the programme. The company is particularly looking forward to helping drive forward emerging technology with a particular focus on edge AI systems, remote monitoring and sensing, image processing, robotic automation, and self-organising sensor networks.

Matthew Richards, Managing Director of Steatite comments: “BetaDen has supported 22 early stage technology businesses to date, helping to develop successful routes to market, creating new jobs, and securing hundreds of thousands of pounds of investment. As BetaDen enters its 3rd year, we are proud to be offering our support and experience as an industry expertise partner for the upcoming cohort 4 programme. The objectives of BetaDen, Steatite, and no doubt the successful cohort 4 participants are aligned. New tech ideas today are tomorrow’s SMEs.”

Linda Smith, founder and CEO of BetaDen, said: “In Steatite, we’re delighted to welcome an industry partner who can offer cohort members the benefit of their unrivalled experience and connections in the field of high-value add manufacturing, in particular computing, secure communication systems and antennas. With our focus on 5G, Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Robotics for applications across a range of industrial supply chain markets for Cohort 4, Steatite’s expertise will be invaluable to Cohort members looking to develop their technologies in these areas.”

Companies interested in applying for BetaDen cohort 4 can visit www.beta-den.com/apply-now/ and most submit their application by Friday 18 December. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview in early 2021, with successful applicants joining BetaDen in March 2021.

Steatite secures Innovate UK funding to develop a zero-emission powertrain solution for Non-Road Mobile Machinery

Steatite is delighted to announce it has secured funding from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, for the development of its battery powertrain solution for Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM). 

The company’s Power business unit will develop a modular battery pack with a tailored Battery Management System (BMS) which will be combined with a British sourced bespoke electric motor, providing a scalable, modular, zero emission power train solution. This powertrain will initially be installed woodchipper manufactured by Greenmech Ltd, Europe’s leading woodchipper manufacturer with the aim to be the first UK manufactured zero emission industrial woodchipper. The initial development process is expected to take 3 months.

In the longer term the 100% UK designed and manufactured off-the-shelf powertrain using scalable modular batteries, will be available for a multitude of light industrial plant equipment.

Matthew Richards, Steatite’s Managing Director comments: “With the UK government’s commitment to achieve a net zero carbon emission economy by 2050, many highly polluting sectors are now falling under the spotlight, such as small plant equipment. The move from fossil fuels to electric battery power will render these machines carbon neutral, aiding the reduction in pollution, particularly within the urban environment where many of these machines are operated. Steatite is once again driving world-class British innovation and playing our part in the net zero goal. The Innovate UK involvement has enabled us to accelerate our research and development in this sector supporting British jobs.”

Find out more here https://www.steatite-batteries.co.uk/electric-powertrain-drivetrain/

Introducing the GVR5 dual band radio for ground vehicles from Persistent Systems.

We are pleased to announce the upcoming release of the GVR5 (Ground Vehicle Radio 5) enabled with Wave Relay® technology from Persistent Systems
 
The GVR5 is a modular dual-band high-bandwidth MANET radio designed to benefit vehicles with the networking capability of the highly acclaimed Wave Relay® enabled MPU5 radio. Providing up to 120Mbps of throughput for voice, data and video, the GVR5 is ideally suited to applications with complex vehicle LAN architecture, or a need for a Communication Plan based on PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency).
 
Using existing RF modules designed for use with the MPU5, the GVR5 supports two RF modules concurrently, allowing for communication in any combination of L-Band, S-Band, Lower C-Band and Upper C-Band frequencies. An upcoming firmware release will allow the GVR5 to connect directly to an internet backhaul such as an LTE hotspot or Satcom access point via Cloud Relay®.
 
Designed from the ground up to be a military-spec rugged radio, the GVR5 is shock-mounted to protect the radio from any impact damage when traversing difficult terrain or when subject to ballistic and gunfire shock.
 
Due for release in November 2020, the GVR5 will be qualified for vehicle specific test including gunfire shock and MIL-STD-1275 vehicle power systems.

Click here to find out more about the GVR5.