Autonomous Drones

Autonomous drones require an increased level of reliability. By incorporating intelligent, future-proof embedded computing design, Sealevel’s products support a wide variety of autonomous systems - from drones that image and map agricultural fields, drones that inspect power lines for damage or faults, to autonomous drones that monitor a battlefield.

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SWaP-C2 Optimized Rugged Design

Unmanned autonomous drone applications require robust, rugged computing capability combined with I/O-intensive design to support sensors, video, and reliable communications. Sealevel has delivered unmatched, industry-leading solutions for command and control for more than 35 years.

Our rugged industrial hardware options include a complete COTS product line as well as fully custom solutions to meet any challenge. Sealevel’s team specializes in SWaP-C2 optimization for hardware that supports unmanned and autonomous drone systems for both military and commercial applications. All products are engineered and manufactured in the USA with industry-leading lifecycle support and availability.

Rugged Embedded Computers

Embedded computers power much of the world’s autonomous drones and vehicles. Drones are subjected to a variety of physical conditions: extreme temperatures, exposure to dust and dirt, extreme vibration, and exposure to moisture to name a few. Sealevel’s team designs and manufactures rugged technology to withstand just about anything.

Serial I/O

Sealevel synchronous and asynchronous serial adapters are trusted for military deployment as well as commercial applications where reliable, high-speed communications are required – especially true for autonomous drone applications. Solutions are available in traditional bus-based form factors or in easy-to-use USB and Ethernet protocols and support RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and RS-530 electrical interface standards.

Digital & Analog I/O

Monitor and control real-world signals with any computer using Sealevel digital and analog I/O products. Select from field-proven optically isolated inputs, Reed and Form C relay outputs, TTL interfaces to solid-state relays, A/D and D/A functionality. Our digital and analog I/O products come in a wide variety of host connections: host via wireless, Ethernet, USB, RS-485, or RS-232.

UAS Innovation Outpaces UAS Testing

Article

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) are among the fastest innovating product segments of the worldwide economy. As these UAS innovations and new technologies are developed, rigorous testing is required, especially when the application relates to the control systems. Currently, testing UAS systems is time – and resource – consuming.

For all UAS, and unmanned systems in general, safety is the number one priority for developers and manufacturers. That said, most commercial UAS platforms and payloads are too small to carry redundant hardware components like an extra motor or backup actuators. Therefore, the safety redundancy in commercial UAS platforms tends to come in the form of software redundancies in the control system. As a result, the control systems of UAS platforms tend to be the most complex component, responsible for the operation of the vehicle under nominal conditions, as well as making safety decisions under failure conditions.

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SWaP-C2 Optimized UAS Payloads

Article

A wide variety of industries have begun deploying Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) on a massive scale. The term payload is referenced frequently when discussing unmanned aerial systems (UASs). Payload refers to the weight that an aerial system can carry, outside of the weight of the UAS itself. The term payload, however, does not refer exclusively to munitions or ordinance. There are a wide variety of sensors, instruments, and cameras that fall within the payload.

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Next Generation Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems for Crewed and Uncrewed Aircraft

Article

Airborne collision avoidance systems (ACAS) are a crucial component of modern aviation. The Convention on International Civil Aviation, one of the founding documents of the United Nations, established the international rules of airspace, aircraft registration, and the safety and security of aircraft. Within these rules is a mandate requiring all aircraft – both manned and unmanned – to use ACAS and/or other types of detect and avoid technology.

Generally, ACAS systems enhance the situational awareness of pilots by actively monitoring the airspace around an aircraft, assessing potential collision threats, and providing guidance to avoid those threats.

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High Reliability & SWaP Support Drone Technology

Case Study

A leading technology innovator that relies on material science provides hyperspectral imaging systems for a wide range of industries – including agriculture, industrial, environmental and mining applications. Hyperspectral imaging was initially developed for military and space use: it has since seen wider adoption as it captures the entire spectrum of color and light, far more than what the human eye can achieve. A specific division of the company supports precision agriculture through drone imagery that is applied to help manage farms. This imagery allows farmers to assess soil quality, weed invasion, disease and water needs as well as to predict and monitor crop yield.

The initial system relied on an off-the-shelf carrier board for development purposes. However, once the requirements were further refined and the product was approved for mass production, the company selected Sealevel as their partner for ongoing custom COM Express carrier board design and manufacturing.

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Drone Support for Autonomous Power Line Inspections

Case Study

Sealevel partners with a company that develops AI-driven software to equip smart drones specifically for utilities. One of their software solutions enables drones to complete autonomous power line inspections and monitor power grids. This eliminates the need for traditional helicopter inspections resulting in improved safety and efficiency. A secondary benefit is the reduction of carbon emissions.

Within the drone architecture, multiple USB peripherals interface to contribute to the complete solution. However, due to intense vibration on the drones, the company experienced repeated USB hub failures largely as a result of loose connections.

In order to ensure reliable, consistent operation, the company required an embedded USB hub with locking connectors.

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Sealevel Expertise

Sealevel’s team specializes in SWaP-C2 optimization for hardware that supports unmanned and autonomous
drone systems for both military and commercial applications

Embedded Computing

Built to withstand the wide variety of extreme physical conditions autonomous drones are subjected to, our Computer on Module (COM) based systems provide the benefits of a full custom design while reducing time, costs, and risk. Sealevel’s engineering team designs embedded computing technology to perform in the most extreme environments – implementing strategies to combat cold, heat, shock, vibration, and more. Our products are designed to meet many commercial and military standards for rugged computing.

USB Hubs

Sealevel industrial USB hubs are designed for rugged applications requiring wide operating temperature range and long-term availability. Choose hubs with charging downstream ports that are perfect for charging batteries or powering high-current USB peripherals. Hubs are available with up to 7 ports and up to USB 3.1 speeds and are backward-compatible to support legacy hardware. Optically isolated hubs protect computers from damaging surges, spikes, and ground loops commonly found in industrial and OEM applications.

Serial I/O

All Sealevel synchronous serial products are engineered with strict attention to timing to achieve the most reliable, high-speed communication possible. Choose from a variety of RS-232/422/485 multi-interface products that support HDLC/SDLC and other protocols. Our SeaLINK industrial Ethernet serial servers offer the easiest way to connect RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial devices to your Ethernet network.

Digital & Analog I/O

Monitor and control real-world signals with any computer using Sealevel digital and analog I/O products. Select from field-proven optically isolated in puts, Reed and Form C relay outputs, TTL interfaces to solid-state relays, A/D and D/A functionality. Our digital and analog I/O products come in a wide variety of host connections: host via wireless, Ethernet, USB, RS-485, or RS-232.

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We are proud to work with the most talented engineers from around the world to solve difficult problems in diverse environments. No matter your application requirements, Sealevel can provide a solution that perfectly fits your needs.

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