A Quick Overview of PCIE Interfaces

A pcie interface is a great tool, whether you know what it is, or not. Even the fastest computer isn’t much use without a way to interact with it or extract information from it, which is what it means to interface. The way you do that is through peripherals, also known as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, extra drives, printers, speakers, microphones, cameras, and any other kind of equipment you might plug into the computer to work it.

In the past, when these devices were attached to the computer, there was one main address, or point of connection, into which everything was plugged. This meant that everything had to compete for bandwidth, which affected the speed of the computer to work. If one needed to function, it affected the speed and effectiveness of all of them. This is called latency. That is the speed it takes the computer to be given a request, process that request, and provide the answer. The longer the latency, the slower the computer.

A pcie interface gives each device its own lane to connect to the computer. This means that they no longer have to fight for power. Each device is independently supplied. It increases the computers performance and increases the data transfer rates. It can also save space, which is helpful in today’s world of faster computers in smaller packages.

One of the major benefits of a pcie interface is the ability of the user to easily update and change devices. Hot swapping and hot plugging are both terms used to describe changing or adding devices while the computer is still on. With previous technologies, trying to update without turning off the computer would result in a malfunction or error. Now, things can be easily added or exchanged without interrupting computer usage.

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5 Key Selection Guidelines for Rugged Servers

1. Durability of the rugged server

Sometimes, servers are needed in harsh conditions. They can be subject to any number of elements or disturbances that normal equipment simply can not withstand. In order to make sure your information is safe and accurate, find the equipment that has been approved for use in corrosive areas, such as water, wind, and salt, dirty areas, and spaces that receive shocks and vibrations.

2. Technical Readiness Level

If you are investing in high-quality equipment, you want to make sure it has been through all of the research and development possible. You don’t want to be the Guinea pig on which the limitations are tested. The higher the TRA number, the better, with 9 being the best option.

3. EMI Testing

Electromagnetic fields can wreak havoc on electronic equipment without the right protection. Ask your rugged server vendor for the EMI testing information, to ensure that the product you select can reliably function in the environment in which it needs to be placed. The testing will take into account the proper structure, installation process, and wiring.

4. Size options

Different applications require different rugged server needs. Not every rack mount server is the same size. Review what size options are available and make sure that they will not only perform well in the conditions you have, but are also of adequate size for the application.

5. Customization options

Chances are that your need for a rugged server already means you aren’t a typical customer with typical needs. You probably have a highly specific use for the product. Ask your provider about options for customizing the product to be exactly what you need, rather than trying to simply make something work.

If you would like to learn more about a rugged server, visit Aventas, Inc.

How do Network Time Servers Work?

A network time server is important because as more applications for internet use and storage are found, it becomes more and more critical to have the most reliable and accurate time keeping methods possible. Some industries can not exist without this high-level and new technology. Oil and gas companies, government agencies, and financial institutions are only a few of the industries that must have safe and accurate timekeeping within their firewalls.

No device in a system can be more accurate than the server it is on. All clients receive their time information by being synchronized with the network time server. For this reason, the most advanced timekeeping methods, such as atomic clocks, also known as cesium clocks, are used. These clocks are so accurate that once they are set, the do not need to be calibrated again.

With complicated, high-processing systems, more than one server is needed. The first tier has the highest level of security and keeps the time for all secondary servers underneath it. The secondary time servers are the ones with more accessibility, keeping the primary ones safe from hacking and viruses. This provides a layered system that has both access to important areas of storage and server space, but also the highest level of security to protect the timekeeping of the network time server.

When a device is networked, it sends a package of information to the time server asking for the correct time. The time server answers back with its time, along with a time stamp. The secondary device can adjust the accurate time to the fraction of a second it took for the reply message to return to it. When a client is networked through a line of multiple devices and servers, the calculations can get more complicated, but the underlying method is still the same. Each client in the system is able to receive the time server’s time and adjust it according to how long it took to return.

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5 Important Military Applications for Chip Scale Atomic Clocks

The chip scale atomic clock is one of the most precise timekeeping methods on the planet. It is a new technology in a tiny, light-weight package that needs very little energy to operate and has revolutionized many industries. The military is one of them.

1. Synchronization of servers

Security is a big priority for the military. With the use of highly protected timekeeping servers that operate with their own chip scale atomic clock within the firewall, the system is not only maintained with the most accurate time possible, but also adds a level of security protection by not relying on outside sources for time.

2. Unmanned aerial vehicles

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as UAVs, have increased over the past several years. Often, UAVs lose contact with radio frequencies while flying, due to environmental issues. However, with their own light-weight chip scale atomic clock on board, the computing systems can stay accurate.

3. Jammers for explosive devices

One method of providing safety for troops is jamming devices. Some work with GPS to emit jamming signals to keep explosive devices from detonating. Sometimes, while moving into buildings or land structures, or due to weather, the GPS signal can be lost. The chip scale atomic clock has allowed the timekeeper to exist in a portable pack with the jammer, so signal is never lost.

4. Global positioning devices

GPS devices are now essential to many operations. The chip scale atomic clock keeps the time accurate, through cesium atoms. All things synchronizing to the GPS system can then also benefit from the same time accuracy.

5. Sensor devices

The exploration of the planet is still necessary for military applications. Deep underwater terrain must be navigated. Sensors used for seismology are fitted with a chip scale atomic clock to record and send the most accurate information possible.

If you would like to learn more about a chip scale atomic clock, visit Aventas, Inc.

5 Things to Know About RF Downconverters

An RF downconverter is used to convert high frequencies to a lower type, namely an intermediate frequency, or IF. The integrated assembly must be held to a high level of quality, and can be tailored for a number of industries, such as communications and the military. They are also often used for induction heating and radar applications. Since various industries need specific standards for the devices, they can be designed with a number of options. 

 

1. There are two types of technology

An RF downconverter can be made from two different types of technology. The most accurate type is crystal-controlled. In them, a crystal oscillator is used to produce the frequency needed, much in the same way a quartz movement watch works. The other type of technology that can be used is a synthesized circuit device.

2. Chips or Boards

Due to size constraints and variations in application, RF downconverters are available in several formats. They can be created as PCBs (printed circuit boards) or ICs (integrated circuits).

3. Mounting options vary

Depending on the application and the environment in which the RF downconverter will be used, it can be mounted in several ways. Some can rest directly on a flat surface, such as a tabletop or desk, while others are designed to mount to a rack with a collection of other components.

4. They can help reduce cable costs

Expensive wave guides are required for some high frequency signals. An RF downconverter alters the frequency to a lower form, so it can be carried by an inexpensive and common cable type, such as coaxial.

5. They help coordinate multiple frequency inputs

In some applications multiple types of frequencies are being used simultaneously. In order to synchronize them or use them together, the frequency of each device can be reduced to the a common denominator, the IF. This allows all filters, detectors, and amplifiers to be tuned together, such as done in television broadcasts.

If you would like to learn more about an RF downconverter, visit Aventis.

How Does a Sonobuoy Work?

A sonobuoy is a specialized piece of equipment used for sonar in particular situations. The name is derived by putting together the two words that describe it, sonar and buoy. Essentially, it is an information collection device that uses sonar and can float. It can be used in several industries, but is mainly utilized in military applications and oil and gas exploration. Most people will never directly use a sonobuoy, but many benefit from the core technology that can detect, triangulate, or track things in difficult to reach water environments.

Sonobuoys can easily be dropped or ejected from ships or airplanes over the body of water that needs to be explored. When they hit the water, an inflatable device keeps the top portion on the surface of the water. There, a radio transmitter is able to communicate with the station that deployed it. Below the water, stabilizing equipment and hydrophone sensors descend to a predetermined depth to collect information and take readings. The depth chosen depends on the type of data being gleaned, the overall depth of the water in that spot, and the weather conditions. Using sound waves, the information being gathered is relayed back to a sonar operator, satellite, or computer to be analyzed and stored.

The three types of sonobuoys are active, passive, and special purpose. The active varieties emit a ping. Sometimes the pings are programed to stop after a particular time period, but they can also be controlled in real time by an operator through radio waves. The sound wave from the ping travels out and away from the device, then bounces off of surrounding structures and returns, like an echo. This provides information about the contents of the water in which they are deployed. A passive sonobuoy does not emit any pings, but rather waits for sound energy to come to it from surrounding structures, ships, or animals. Special purpose options are used for data collection about the ocean salinity or temperatures, for search and rescue operations, or to act as a down-link for communication at sea.

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Reasons to Use a Rackmount Recorder

A rackmount recorder is a specialized piece of equipment that is used for high-quality, turnkey digital sound recording and playback. It is designed to be installed in an equipment rack, along with other devices. Any industries that requires accurate acquisition and maintenance of information gleaned from sound could benefit by them. A variety of unit styles exist to suit various applications, but they most are technically advanced.

Most units are highly versatile and come loaded with many bells and whistles. With options for various line-in and line-out types, a rackmount recorder can easily integrate and work with the equipment and instruments you already have. Some are even able to record signals routed from multiple sources. Their sleek design allows them to be used in a studio, office, or in a live environment. Some are manufactured to withstand high temperatures and vibrations so they will remain reliable under harsh conditions, such as those used during exploration in the oil and gas industries.

They are easily able to switch between decibel levels for recording and monitoring and are also able to use various types of sound files. A rackmount recorder provides a professional, high-speed capture system for important sounds, as well as an easy way to share and transfer that data through disc, USB, or portable drive. Some models are not only able to date and time stamp, but also provide a GPS positioning stamp. Many have data protection systems built into them, for increased safeguard of your information.

A rackmount recorder can be used by any business that uses sound. That includes anyone in the entertainment industry, for recording, editing, or producing records, television shows, or movies. However, they are also used by groups gathering information about the earth, using sonar or other methods that gather information using sound. Unmanned aircraft systems use them as they measure and quantify terrain characteristics, monitor large areas of equipment, provide security, and perform search and rescue missions. Submarines and ships use them to map the sea floor. The data gathered from sensors can be accurately recorded and sent to staff that can manipulate the content in order to find necessary statistics.

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