Trillium Engineering, a frontrunner in actionable imagery solutions for small tactical unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), faced a critically important reliability challenge and sought the expertise of BotBlox. Discover more >>
The objective was to create a compact USB-to-Ethernet converter that could be integrated into Trillium’s systems while ensuring resilience against the harsh conditions thier products encounter.
This partnership led to the growth of USBBlox, a miniature, robust USB-to-Ethernet converter specifically designed for drones, robots, and other critical systems operating in demanding environments.
The Challenge: Ensuring Reliability in adverse Conditions
For tactical sUAS and robotic platforms,USB often proves to be an unreliable option for data connectivity. Its vulnerability to disconnections in high-vibration environments and interference from nearby radio devices or motors creates what engineers refer to as “integration hell.”
conversely, Ethernet offers a more stable and dependable communication protocol.Though, incorporating Ethernet into a USB-designed platform presents its own set of challenges. Trillium Engineering recognized the necessity for a compact, durable USB-to-Ethernet converter capable of overcoming these obstacles and integrating smoothly into their systems.
BotBlox’s Solution: crafting USBBlox
Understanding the critical nature of this project, BotBlox aimed to develop a converter that not onyl addressed these integration issues but also exceeded the durability standards of typical designs. the outcome, USBBlox, is a highly specialized device built with three essential features to guarantee reliability in the field.
1. Industrial-Grade Chipset
Unlike standard USB-to-Ethernet converters that utilize the commercial-grade RTL8153 chipset, USBBlox features Microchip’s industrial-grade LAN7800 chipset.This choice ensures outstanding reliability and performance,even in extreme temperatures or high-vibration conditions.
2. Vibration-Resistant Connectors
Conventional USB connectors often lack locking mechanisms, making them susceptible to disconnections in vibrating environments. To combat this, USBBlox uses Molex PicoClasp positive-locking connectors, ensuring a secure connection even in the most challenging operational scenarios.
3. enhanced EMI Shielding
USB circuits are particularly prone to electromagnetic interference (EMI), especially in settings with motors and radio transceivers. BotBlox tackled this issue by integrating a USB-to-Molex PicoClasp cable with built-in shielding. Coupled with a custom EMI shield and grounding on the board itself, this design guarantees superior EMI protection, ensuring consistent performance.
In May 2024,USBBlox successfully completed rigorous EMC testing,confirming its reliability in the most demanding environments.
The Outcome: compact and Resilient Connectivity
the collaboration between Trillium Engineering and BotBlox resulted in the creation of the world’s most compact and rugged USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet converter. Tailored for space-constrained applications like drones and robots, USBBlox merges a compact design with exceptional durability.
For Trillium Engineering, this solution integrates seamlessly into their tactical systems, ensuring reliable and high-speed data transfer while withstanding extreme environmental conditions. This project exemplifies how customized engineering solutions can tackle complex technical challenges without sacrificing performance or durability.
The Future of Tactical Networking
The prosperous collaboration between BotBlox and Trillium Engineering underscores the importance of teamwork in advancing tactical technologies. With USBBlox, BotBlox has established a new standard for rugged, space-efficient connectivity solutions in unmanned systems.
This initiative highlights BotBlox’s dedication to innovation in industrial-grade networking, and the team is enthusiastic about exploring new challenges and partnerships within the unmanned systems and robotics industries.
For the original article, or to learn more, visit BotBlox’s website.
