nVent - Schroff GmbH

The modular COM carrier from nVent SCHROFF is based on the COM Express Type 6 specification and has been designed to make use of standardized COM modules from different manufacturers and such that only the carrier interfaces and functions need to be modified to realize a custom solution. Through its modularity, the nVent SCHROFF COM carrier offers a high degree of flexibility for highly diverse applications. In addition to the conventional interfaces such as Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0 and 3.0, 5.1 HD audio, DVI-D and display port, other RS-232 interfaces can be connected on the front panel using optional cable adapters. The carrier also offers interfaces for expansion boards. nVent develops add-on modules for these interfaces which expand the carrier's range of functionality. When combined with a nVent SCHROFF Interscale case, including cooling and power supply as well as being equipped with a hard drive, etc., it becomes a complete system—adapted to the customer's unique application.
 
As the result of continued product development, new add-on modules are now available. In addition to the power input module which features a wide-range input of 12 to 24 V, there is now a second, more cost-effective module with a limited voltage range of 19 to 24 V. The power input module with limited voltage range is usually sufficient if an external power supply is used in the application. Particularly in view of the fact that 24 V—commonly available in industrial automation applications—is covered.
 
The postcode module is another new add-on module. It is based on a seven-segment display and is used in order to indicate errors during the boot routine if no other display is connected. This feature was deliberately not directly integrated onto the carrier, but rather designed as an independent module.. The user only has to include this function if they require it. If this feature had already been integrated on the carrier, they would not have a choice.
 
The third new add-on module is a LVDS module, which is plugged into the LVDS interface integrated onto the carrier for the connection of TFT monitors integrated in the case. Depending on the manufacturer, TFT monitors make numerous interfaces available, since there is no standard. The LVDS module therefore serves as an adapter between the high-speed interface integrated on the carrier and the selected TFT monitor. The available LVDS module has been matched to the pinout of one manufacturer. If the customer wants to connect up the TFT monitor of another manufacturer, only the LVDS module will have to be adapted.
 
Two different Gigabit Ethernet interfaces are often required in industrial environments. However, in the Type 6 specification, only a single Ethernet interface that is integrated into the COM carrier is defined. nVent, however, provides a second Gigabit Ethernet interface as an add-on module. The interface is connected through the rear case panel. All new add-on modules are available immediately. The development of other add-on modules will be steadily continued by nVent SCHROFF, oriented towards the customer and market requirements of today—and tomorrow.

nVent SCHROFF has a series of coordinated services that simplify and speed up the digital workflow from selection to delivery of SCHROFF products. Now when users search for products on https://schroff.nvent.com/such as electronic cabinets, enclosures, and PCB accessories, they are consistently provided with necessary support in a variety of ways. This starts with the search function on the nVent SCHROFF website, which has been updated to create a more user-friendly experience. The product pages have additional filters with technical characteristics of products so visitors can narrow down the product search and ensure they are viewing products for their specific application. There is also the option of directly comparing the technical characteristics of two similar products, which helps customers choose the right standard product for their requirements. If customers need to further adapt the product they find by making modifications, they can use corresponding product configurators and then integrate drill holes, recesses, labels, select colors, or swap entire components and accessories. The configurators also enable a product to be customized from the bottom up, without basing it on a standard product. If desired, customers can receive support from a chat partner right from the start. As soon as a customer starts using the website, a window opens at the bottom right of the browser for a live chat with an expert who answers questions and provides additional help for selecting a suitable product.
 
When customers find their product and have selected their country, the local list price and availability are displayed—without any registration.This is also true for the shopping cart and for standard products as well as for most configured or modified products. After customers with an activated account log in, they will immediately receive their customer-specific prices. In addition, the CAD data for the product will promptly be made available in over 30 native 2D and 3D formats. That way, when developers and project managers are researching a product, they obtain all the information important to them for quickly turning their project into reality.
 
One of the download formats provided is an STL format. It supplies the geometrical information of three-dimensional data models for creating a model with a 3D printer. Customers have the option of producing a model themselves for test purposes, using their own 3D printer, or a 3D printer at nVent SCHROFF. If they use their own 3D printer, they receive the data at no cost; no license fees will be due.
 
In addition to the product configurators that are made available, a second option enables modifications such as recesses to be integrated into the standard product. For this option, customers load the selected standard product from the nVent SCHROFF website into their own CAD system. They insert the desired modifications into this original data and then use the upload function on the nVent SCHROFF website. This loads the modified data back into the quotation structure for this configured product and ensures that all data required for the subsequent production is brought together in a project list and can be easily further processed.

Currently, we are working intensively on two final steps in the workflow so that, starting in early 2019, customers can also click a button to immediately receive a quotation. This quote will consist of all required information, including a rotatable 3D model as a PDF document so that immediate online ordering is also possible.
 
More information: https://schroff.nvent.com/en/schroff
 

nVent SCHROFF introduces a new concept for building embedded systems. Based on small form factor-boards (e.g. ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ITX, Pico ITX), single-board computers (e.g. Embedded NUC™, Raspberry Pi and Arduino) or a proprietary board, the customer first configures a case with the flexible and modular nVent SCHROFF Interscale case platform. Various electronic components, such as cooling, necessary cutouts, labeling and accessories are then integrated. Other services, such as performing simulations and tests, as well as certification support, are also included. As an example, by using standardized modules, the customer can build up custom IIoT solutions and other applications while keeping costs at a minimum.

Here, it isn't important which type of board the customer has selected for their application, whether standard or non-standardized. The nVent SCHROFF Interscale platform is flexible and can be adapted whether for standard or non-standardized boards. This case platform is based on a parametric model, and can easily be adapted to various heights, widths and depths, depending on requirement and the size of the respective board. The special interlocking design of nVent SCHROFF Interscale cases provides integrated EMC protection of 20 dB at 2 GHz without requiring additional EMC seals. The design ensures a protection class up to IP 30. Depending on the model, the cases consist of either two to four parts that are easily fastened by the use of only two or four screws. The cases can be assembled and taken apart quickly and easily, which greatly reduces integration time. Based on the board type selected, specific interfaces are preconfigured into the case cutouts.. These and other individualized cutouts specified by the customer are a part of the overall Interscale concept.

Afterwards, further electrical components are integrated, such as a power supply or PCI-/ PCIe card installation options and hard-drive mounts, and a suitable cooling solution can be selected. Depending on thermal power loss, various options are available. In some systems, power loss is so low that no cooling is necessary. If thermal power loss increases, nVent SCHROFF Interscale cases can be equipped with perforations and optional fan kits that allow for a variably controlled air stream. Heat is dissipated alternately through conduction cooling using integrated heat sinks and/or flexible heat conductors (FHCs). With the additional installation of the FHC, developed by nVent, made from aluminum and available in various geometries, conduction cooling performance can be further improved so that a wide spectrum of application needs can be met.. Processors of various thicknesses can remain permanently in contact with the FHC while maintaining a constant contact area because the FHC is innovatively designed to provide tolerance compensation. No additional thermal pad is required.

A wide range of powder coating and printing options are available for individualizing the configured system. With this, customers have the option of choosing case color and to include design elements and multi-color logos up to photo-realistic images according to their design needs. Useful accessories, such as plastic supporting feet for use as a desktop case or clips for horizontal rails with lips, complete the configuration. Additionally, customers can leverage further services such as the implementation of simulations and tests or receiving support for certification.

nVent SCHROFF further expands its online configurators. Now customers can quickly configure individual subracks online without registering and without installing any software. With an intuitive user experience, this configurator enables users to create a 3D graphical model of their subrack with the aid of an intelligent wizard. Upon completion, users can then obtain the relevant 3D CAD data and information. The configurator is an intelligent tool that provides active support for all developers and designers when configuring subracks.

An intelligent wizard prompts the user for the basic requirements needed for the configuration of the subrack and generates a preliminary model. This base model is then completed further in graphical form and can be edited. The built-in real-time plausibility checker prevents errors and ensures that only mutually compatible parts are combined. Customers do not need to consider every possible combination included in the extensive subrack product library and can quickly drill down to a design that fits their application. The questions prompted by the wizard include the size of the boards to be fitted, EMC protection, board orientation, the type of handles required on the front panel, the type of backplane fixing, the rear protection of the board, and the ambient conditions (temperature, static loading etc.) at the operation site of the end application. Users will always find suitable options to choose from and are further aided by information, hints, and general explanations. At the end of the question list, clicking in the drag-and-drop field of the configurator adopts the selection as the base model.

nVent SCHROFF is expanding its PXI Express product range with the CPe-AA420, a compact and powerful embedded controller for use in PXI Express test and measurement applications. With a compact form factor of 1 slot (4 HP) wide by 3 U high, space problems and complicated alternative solutions involving adapter boards and external IPCs are a thing of the past. Despite its small size, the CPe-AA420 excels with a broadband system connection of up to 6 GB/s and versatile peripheral interfaces.

The controller was implemented using the modular COM carrier technology from nVent SCHROFF. It consists of a COM type 6 express module and a COM carrier in EuroBoard format including a front panel. The controller is powered by a 7th-generation Intel^® Core™ processor, combined with up to 32 GB DDR4 memory, and its PCIe Gen3 system and DDR4 memory connection also allow it to support high-bandwidth applications.

Two Gigabit Ethernet ports are located on the front panel of the controller. The integrated Intel® HD Graphics 620 graphics card offers sufficient processing power for data visualization and configuring the controller and can be connected via a DisplayPort on the front panel. Three additional USB3.0 type A interfaces are also provided. The controller is fitted with a m.2 NVMe SSD, connected directly via PCIe Gen3. This allows data transfer rates of up to 15x higher than with typical hard disks. The controller is equipped with a 250 GB hard disk and 16 GB RAM as standard, and can be customized to meet specific application requirements.

In addition, the PXI Express CPe-AA420 embedded controller offers fully licensed BIOS access to extensive American Megatrends AMIBIOS®8 functions, enabling you to fully optimize your application and make custom changes at any time.

The PXI Express embedded controller from nVent thus combines a small form factor with high performance and individual customization. The customization options do not stop with just the hard disk, the controller is also easy to upgrade by replacing the COM module; there is no need to alter the design. The carrier and its basic functions thus remain the same, and the COM module is swapped for a more up-to-date version, e.g. with newer processors.