The SlimLine 1U has an extremely low profile, occupying only one vertical rack unit (1U = 1.75″/44.45 mm). It achieves this ultra-low profile by positioning a tilting LCD from behind the keyboard, such that the display lies flat (facing upward) and behind the keyboard when stowed in the rack. To deploy, the unit slides out of the rack like a drawer and the display flips upward to face the operator.

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Enclosures

Constructed from a combination of aluminum and steel to provide a rugged, cost-effective and flexible design platform, this formidable LCD monitor-keyboard rack mount drawer is intended for use in industrial and military applications. The enclosures are completely Iridite^® coated to provide protection from corrosion and improve shielding properties where parts make contact with one another. All external surfaces are finished with a durable black powder coat paint, although custom colors are available upon request.

A pair of solid-bearing chassis slides facilitates the mounting of the SlimLine 1U into a rack chassis, and stowing out of the way in space-constrained environments.

Normally, the slides are installed as a standard set in even lengths (e.g., 20″, 22″, 24″). However, in the event that a customer requires special functionality or extension lengths, we can provide optional custom slide assemblies as a non-standard combination of the rails.

 

A spring coil latch and machined handle firmly secure the display in its stowed position.

The LCD flips upward on sturdy continuous friction hinges such that it can be positioned at virtually any angle that the operator desires, from 0 to 90+ degrees.

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Protective Glass/Overlay and Sealed Gasket

General Digital offers a variety of standard and custom gaskets to augment the performance of the SlimLine 1U Series:

• Watertight (NEMA 4/6) gaskets (e.g., closed cell, neoprene, rubber, single-sided adhesive, double-sided adhesive, O-ring) are installed between the LCD (or overlay) and the front bezel to prevent liquids from entering the enclosure through the display opening.
• Dust gaskets (e.g., open cell gaskets) are often supplied for monitors that do not require a liquid-tight seal between the display and/or overlay and the bezel, or for systems that use a touch technology (e.g., SAW) that are only compatible with certain gasket types.
• EMI/RFI gaskets reduce radiated and conducted emissions of the monitor.
• Desiccating gaskets can be used to prevent moisture/condensation from forming between the LCD and the overlay when exposed to high humidity.

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Connections

SlimLine 1U interface connectors are located on a pair of connector panels located at the rear of the main enclosure slides, on either side of the display head assembly.

Standard interfaces (video source, keyboard, pointing device and power) utilize a locking style connector (where applicable).

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Power

By default, the SlimLine 1U is configured to operate from a separate +12 Vdc or +24 Vdc power source. Optionally, an integrated AC switching power supply is available.

For applications requiring a more shallow enclosure or a unique power source, we optionally offer a DC input and/or DC-DC converters with a wider input power range and reverse polarity.

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Video and Controls

General Digital offers a wide range of video controllers, allowing you to fine tune the display features and support to your specific video requirements.

We can reprogram the video controller firmware/BIOS to support a variety of video timings and specialty needs, such as STANAG 3350 A/B/C, RS-343 and RS-170. Most of our video controllers will also support interlaced and non-interlaced analog video (separate, composite and Sync-On-Green), and live video signals such as NTSC, PAL or SECAM.

Other input signals we support include ARGB (VGA) to DVI, HDMI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI, DisplayPort, 4K UHD and more.

Please consult a Sales Engineer to optimize your video controller selection.

 

On-Screen Display (OSD) Controls

The SlimLine 1U monitor can be configured with a variety of standard or custom user controls, most often in the form of membrane or silicone keypads.

Much like your home TV, the On-Screen Display controls allow the user to adjust important display parameters, such as input signal, brightness, contrast, color temperature, sharpness, phase, scaling (aspect ratio), language and many more.

Optional OSD adjustments include backlight dimming and NVIS backlighting on/off.

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Display Brightness and Night Vision Enhancements

 

General Digital can integrate virtually any LCD display size/resolution, from almost any panel manufacturer (OEM), into our enclosures. To assist in selecting the right panel for your application requirements, we have provided a list of commonly used or recommended panels for standard/low luminance, high brightness, sunlight readable and NVIS compatible needs.

New display models are constantly being introduced to the market by the LCD manufacturers, making it extremely difficult for us to maintain a comprehensive list. For this reason, we encourage you to speak with a Sales Engineer to share your price and performance objectives, so we can assist you in making the best display selection.

Standard Displays
General Digital has provided a sample listing of some common transmissive displays that are not sunlight readable. Typically, these displays are suitable for applications that are not going to require specialty functionality, such as sunlight readability or NVIS compatibility, and for customers with cost-sensitive budgets.

LCD backlight produces sufficient luminance for use in office, shaded and low ambient/darkness light levels. However, luminance is insufficient to overcome reflected light for use in direct sunlight.

Transmissive-Enhanced View Displays
This type of technology boosts the efficiency of the backlight’s light utilization and minimizes surface reflection of ambient light. It is a transmissive LCD module that produces high contrast images, even in bright outdoor light and direct sunlight. These displays feature a wider color reproduction range than reflective LCDs. Featuring an LED backlight, these displays consume very little power and produce very little heat, making them ideal for integration into fully sealed enclosures, which are devoid of ventilation holes and cooling fans to dissipate heat. They also provide the additional benefit of a wide operating/storage temperature (as great as -30°–85° C), so that they can endure exposure to greater internal ambient temperatures.

As a design note, we have found that these panels work best when coupled with an overlay that has an antireflective (AR) coating. Overlays that inhibit transmissivity (e.g., resistive touch screen) or have antiglare (AG) coatings will significantly reduce the panel’s performance in high ambient lighting conditions. Since transmissive displays produce greater brightness from their LED backlights than traditional transflective displays, they are regarded as a better outdoor solution, as they can generate high contrast in total darkness, in direct sunlight or on a cloudy/hazy afternoon.

T-EVT technology uses the high brightness/efficiency LED backlight as a light source while minimizing the surface reflection of ambient light. The result is an LCD that produces high contrast images even in bright outdoor light or direct sunlight.

GenFlective™/Transflective Displays
This type of panel incorporates a highly reflective backlight that reflects the ambient lighting back out of the display to enhance its native brightness produced by its active backlight. Like the Transmissive-Enhanced View Displays, GenFlective panels work best when coupled with an AR-coated overlay. They are least effective with overlays that retard the light transmission (e.g., resistive touch sensors) or have a matte finish.

T-EVT technology uses the high brightness/efficiency LED backlight as a light source while minimizing the surface reflection of ambient light. The result is an LCD that produces high contrast images even in bright outdoor light or direct sunlight.

Sunlight Readable/NVIS Compatible Displays
These displays feature a value-add backlight, typically made from high efficiency LEDs. These displays produce significant active luminance. Often, the peak luminance is limited by internal ambient temperature constraints or must be connected to an intelligent backlight controller and thermal sensor that will automatically reduce brightness/power to avoid over-temperature conditions or thermal shutdown. The high luminance output makes them ideal for use with a wide variety of overlays such as touch sensors, EMI filters, heaters, etc.

 

Sunlight readable displays use a General Digital-enhanced, highly efficient, super bright/sunlight readable LED backlight to provide maximum functional brightness. The addition of surface treatments such as antireflective coatings and optical bonding reduce surface reflections and increase contrast so displays can be used in direct sunlight.

If our stock offering does not suit your needs in terms of size, fit or function, please contact a Sales Engineer and we will work with you to configure a system to your specifications. Customers can also request that we integrate one of our many LED-based sunlight readable, NVIS or sunlight readable/NVIS enhanced displays into their product. These solutions provide many advantages, such as increased longevity, improved durability, higher brightness, lower power consumption and/or NVIS compatibility.

 

A vast assortment of commercial-, industrial- and military-grade keyboards are available, with an integrated trackball. Customers may opt for other pointing devices, such as a touch pad, or omit one altogether.

Multiple keyboard protocols are supported including PC (USB, PS/2, AT, XT) and SUN® (Type 5 [8-pin Mini-DIN], Type 6 [USB]), as well as custom or proprietary interfaces.

 

Commercial-Grade Keyboards

• 83 black keys
• USB or PS/2 interfaces
• Mechanical key switches with tampo-printed keys
• Keys rated for 50 million actuations
• 11.1″ x 5.2″ surface area

 

Industrial-Grade Keyboards

• Sealed spill proof/dust proof construction
  • Cola/coffee/beverage immune
  • Impervious to many chemicals
• Electronics, switch actuators, optical sensors and internal connectors protected from contamination
• Full travel, solid-state switches
  • Steel switch chassis and hardware
• Extremely high MTBF
• Class 2 workmanship
• Optional backlighting

 

Military-Grade Keyboards

• Sealed spill proof/dust proof construction
  • Cola/coffee/beverage immune
  • Impervious to many chemicals
• Electronics, switch actuators, optical sensors and internal connectors protected from contamination
• Full travel, solid-state switches
• Extremely high MTBF
• EMI Filters
• Transient protection
• Aluminum switch chassis
• Stainless hardware
• Keycap clips, black keys
• Shock sensing
• Class 2 or higher workmanship
• Optional backlighting
• Lifetime warranty

 

Optional Backlighting

• Reliable LED light source (Green, Red, Amber, Blue)
• Negative/Reverse Image key legends enhance readability and overall image
• Brightness control via potentiometer or keyboard keys
• Brightness control capability provides flexibility for different ambient conditions and personal preferences
• Durable key legends

 

Optional Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Protection

• Specially designed multi-layer PCB provides shielding, protection and drain to ensure EMI/RFI/TEMPEST/FCC/VDE/EMP/ESD/LE compliance and survival for electromagnetic events
• PCB mounted EMI/RFI filters
• PCB mounted voltage transient/surge protection devices for extreme ESD, lightning or EMPinduced voltage surges
• EMI/RFI/Environmental gasketing
• Special switch chassis enhances EMI/RFI/Environmental shielding and performance

 

Other Options

• NVIS-compatible backlights
• Key colors (Navy Gray, Off-White, Black)
• Conformal coating for redundant protection and long term resistance to excessive rain, humidity, salt/fog and corrosion
• International Key Legend set or other custom key sets
• Keycap retaining clips for extreme shock event
• Custom firmware for various special functions, power sequencing, etc.

 

Trackball (1-3/8″ and 2.0″)

• Spill proof/dust proof
• Sealed stainless steel bearings
• High strength stainless steel encoder shafts
• Removable black phenolic ball for cleaning
• Optical sensors for long-term reliability
• Low force ball wiper
• Trackball cavity drain for excessive rain/spill
• 3- or 4-button layout

Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation.

A myriad of display enhancements and services are available, such as:

• Antireflective coatings/antiglare etching (PDF)
• Night Vision Goggle-compatible displays
• Sunlight readable displays
• Optical bonding
• Film laminations
• Touch screens
• EMI/RFI filters
• Display heaters
• Vandal shields
• Custom controls
• Multimedia drives
• KVM switches
• Slide extension brackets
• Cable carriers
• Rack adaptors
• Private labeling
• Extended warranties
• Power supplies, cables and more
• Programmable backlight/thermal controllers for optimal brightness/temperature conditions

Please consult a Sales Engineer to discuss your specific needs or ideas.

We at General Digital are completely responsible for the design and construction of our products, allowing us to maintain nearly total control of their future. To that end, we gladly offer our engineering services to customers who require special customization of our devices to meet their commercial, industrial, marine or military requirements.

Our experience supporting Department of Defense programs has taught us the value of designing products with foresight so that they can be manufactured, serviced and upgraded for many years.

Though the market introduces new innovations and product upgrades at an alarming rate, our product management team knows the importance of proactive customer notification. Thus, we can offer product adaptation with similar or equivalent performance before designs become obsolete, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Please consult a Sales Engineer for additional details.