Embedded Networking

Network Embedded Systems for Drones, UAV, UGV, USV

Embedded networking devices such as routers and switches are designed for systems integrators to develop custom networking setups and specific applications, and are often integrated within a larger system. They may be found within a range of different unmanned systems platforms, including UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles), UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles) and USVs (uncrewed surface vessels).

Embedded Ethernet Switches & Routers for UAVs

UAV and drone sensors, including EO/IR (electro-optical/infrared) gimbals, chemical sensors, radar, and SIGINT (signals intelligence) and EW (electronic warfare) equipment, generate a lot of data. This data will need to be offloaded to onboard storage, or forwarded to the vehicle’s communication system for transmission back to a ground control station or operations center.

Embedded routers and switches allow this data to be transferred throughout the vehicle’s systems via Ethernet, which provides a number of advantages over other communications methods, including interoperability, reliability, speed, and support.

Embedded networking devices may support Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) or Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps) technologies. They will be designed with low SWaP (size, weight and power) footprints, and may be board-level or enclosed within a rugged housing. Enclosed systems may be engineered to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extreme temperature ranges, moisture, humidity, shock and vibration, EMI (electromagnetic interference) dust, and sand.

Embedded Wireless Devices for UAV and Robotics Networks

Embedded networking devices may also be used to provide IoT (Internet of Things), Wi-Fi and wireless networking capabilities for drones and robotics. They are often deployed where there is no existing communications infrastructure, or in challenging environments such as underground mines and cluttered urban areas.

Embedded wireless nodes allow vehicles to be part of a dynamic self-organizing mesh network, which provides no single point of failure and can dynamically adjust performance as conditions change or as nodes join or leave the network. These networks may be used to transmit data or as a communications relay.