If you're looking for faster, more reliable, lighter, smaller, or more cost-effective system solutions, Rave can provide proven solutions to conquer any design issues you may face. We provide complete systems from concept design through production with one goal in mind; providing our customer with the most reliable and comprehensively designed and tested systems for their specialized requirement.
Whether your application is industrial or military, the design starts from the outside in; with the environmental factors that affect the system. The system packaging must provide all the necessary functionality as well as protect the processing platform from external environmental hazards such as shock, vibration, dust, etc. The package design may also be required to limit the radiation of internal hazards such as noise, EMI emissions, and vibration resonance.
Moving inside, the internal layout and physical support of the components is our next important consideration. Size and positioning of venting, heat dissipation and thermal resistance play an important role in component layout and sizing the airflow requirements for the system.
The process always begins by listening to our customer. Compilation of data is crucial to understanding the scope of the project which may include mechanical constraints, weight limits, agency certifications, etc. Consultation on current or future technologies can assist our customer with architectures that best fit the application. Rave has relationships with many major CPU and board manufacturers that can provide important insight on EOL issues and future products.
A concept design is created and 3D modeled; then discussed with our customer to ensure that all mechanical design features have been integrated. During this discussion the design may be modified or refined as needed. Flexibility is key at this point as specifications may change and design modifications may become necessary. Once the design is approved, the detail work begins by specifying material, components, coatings, etc.
Prototyping begins and is an essential phase to product design in that it creates the tangible product from the conceptual design and allows for verification of fit, form and function. Although 3D modeling has significantly reduced the risk of problems associated with these, prototypes provide proof-of-concept and a sense of confidence that can not be overstated. Additionally, prototype systems will be subjected to all environmental testing that may be necessary such as agency certifications, thermal tests, etc. Further refinements may be added to the design as a result of this testing and incorporated during the production phase.
During the production phase, raw edges are finished, coatings are applied, tolerances tightened and all additional refinements are incorporated into the design. Also, while fabrication is in process, formal documentation pertaining to all test results are provided and reviewed with our customer. Internal documentation, called build books, are also created. This important document contains photos of all integrated components, cable routing notes, configuration details; all the information necessary to ensure every system built is integrated identically, down to the smallest detail.
The measure of the reliability of any system is, in large part, defined by the engineering that goes into it. Applying an extensive knowledge base of technical expertise, acquired through years of experience, to our customer's challenges has given Rave a reputation for excellence. The three-legged-stool, if you will, of system reliability consists of mechanical, electrical, and thermal stability.
Mechanical structural integrity is designed into every system. Selecting the correct material thickness as well as properly positioned structural members to limit torque and other mechanical stresses, lays the foundation to support all components within the chassis. These design considerations are tailored to the specific environmental conditions encountered such as shock and/or vibration. Other mechanical considerations are given to safety and emission issues.
Creating a power budget for the load is the first step in determining the proper sizing of the power system. Rave sizes the power system not just for the current load configuration but for the maximum load potential of the system. Defining the optimal power safety margin allows the most efficient use of the available power source. EMI filtering and proper grounding are also built into every system Rave designs.
Every component within the system that consumes power dissipates heat. Efficient evacuation of heat from the chassis is necessary to maintaining thermal stability. But thermal stabilization must occur within the limits of the component manufacturer's operating parameters; specifically below the component with the lowest maximum operating temperature. Rave thermal tests every system it designs. After analysis of the volumetric airflow required for the system, formal testing is performed and measurements taken to ensure all critical components are well within their operating parameters.
Whether your environment is impacted by electrical, mechanical or thermal challenges, Rave has the knowledge and experience to design a custom solution that will meet your demanding conditions. More importantly, you will have the assurance that your system has been comprehensively designed and rigorously tested.