Rugged USB Hub and Charging Platform Introduced for UAVs

Published: 03 May 2017 | Author: Mike Rees

MilSource, a distributor of Techaya‘s military-grade rugged Ethernet solutions, has announced what it claims is the industry’s first rugged USB 3.1 hub and charging platform for connectivity and communication between multiple USB devices in weight and space-constrained environments such as fixed-wing/rotor manned and unmanned aircraft. The small form factor MILTECH 303 USB hub has six USB 3.1 ports, a dedicated IO port, and an optional single gigabit Ethernet port.

In addition to offering USB connectivity, the MILTECH 303 can power and charge USB devices using a wide voltage range of 12-28VDC and up to 2A downstream power per port. It supports multiple popular battery charging profiles including DCP, CDP, SDP and custom profiles via SMBus or OT. An optional internal Ethernet interface allows the USB host machine to communicate with upstream devices over a standard wired and wireless Ethernet network which extends the flexibility of the hub and attached USB devices.

“In both aircraft and soldier-carry applications every inch of space and every ounce of weight makes a huge difference in viability and survivability,” said Ronen Isaac, general manager of MilSource. “Techaya is extending beyond its traditional portfolio of ultra-compact Ethernet switches and USB 2.0 hubs to address the huge demand for connecting and powering USB 3.0-connected devices such and portable handhelds, sensors, keyboards, mice, night vision goggles and GPS with a lightweight compact solution. The battery charging and power management features make this a very powerful and flexible product.”

The rugged MILTECH 303 is designed to meet MIL-STD-810F standards, uses passive cooling to eliminate moving parts and has sealed connectors to protect against water and dust. It measures 82.2mm x 64.1mm x 26mm and weighs less than 140 grams.

MilSource will be featuring the MILTECH 303 at XPONENTIAL 2017 in Dallas, Texas.