Walking On Thin Ice – VersaLogic's Cobra EBX Platform Used by GeoAcoustics to Survey Polar Ice Cap

The VersaLogic Cobra incorporates high performance Pentium® M and Celeron® M processors, a robust set of on-board features, advanced graphics capabilities, fanless operation version, standard and extended temperature versions and is RoHS-compliant. Scientific evidence is mounting that our world is heating up faster than had been previously thought. Much of that evidence comes from data tracking the thickness, density and composition of the polar ice caps. By measuring fluctuations in the polar ice caps over time, scientists look for clues on the potential impact on global warming and related atmospheric changes. The data is irrefutable – the polar ice caps are melting – which will result in a serious rise in global sea level. The question now is at what speed and how high will sea levels rise. Among the challenges that scientists face is how to accurately measure ice thickness, to truly reflect the volume of the ice contained in areas with complex cracking and ridging. New technology now makes this possible. The Gavia autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from Hafmynd , Iceland , has returned from its latest trip to the Arctic Circle , where it carried a GeoSwath wide swath sonar system (GeoAcoustics is based in the UK). The GeoSwath uses VersaLogic's Cobra board, a high-end Pentium® M single board computer, to collect bathymetry and side scan data which is used to map the underside of the Arctic ice sheet. The Gavia, 2.6m long by 20cm diameter, is launched through a 3m by 1m hole melted through the ice, and sent on a series of short out-and-back survey missions from the ice hole. Using the VersaLogic Cobra EBX computer to control the sonar transmit and receive electronics, the GeoSwath generates a 3-D digital terrain map of the ice underside. This allows significant new advances to be made in understanding the nature of the ice which could have a significant impact on the accuracy of parameters used in climate change modeling. The mission is a key part of an ongoing research program aimed at a better understanding of the ice-covered parts of our world, led by Professor Peter Wadhams, Head of the Polar Ocean Physics Groupat the University of Cambridge (UK). “VersaLogic's Cobra platform was perfect for us due to its outstanding performance, rugged construction, moderate power needs, and high RAM capacity,” said Tom Hiller, manager of advanced products and systems for GeoAcoustic Ltd. “It took little effort to transfer the programs used on our standard boat-mounted sonars to the VersaLogic hardware, which significantly reduced the time required to integrate the GeoSwath sonar with the Gavia vehicle. We are using a full WinXP package and need as much processing and RAM capacity as possible. VersaLogic delivered.” “This application is an outstanding demonstration of the environmental and reliability capabilities of our embedded SBCs," added Tom Barnum, VP at VersaLogic. "It also demonstrates the ecological and environmental contributions that VersaLogic products can make. We're not just making boards, we're trying to make a difference out there. We're delighted that we could be a part of this project.” About GeoAcoustics Ltd. GeoAcoustics Ltd. (Great Yarmouth, UK) has been manufacturing marine survey equipment for more than 25 years, and is a world-leading manufacturer of sonar survey equipment for engineering geophysics and Naval survey applications. Principle product lines are swath bathymetry systems for shallow waters, side scan sonars and sub-bottom profilers. About VersaLogic Corporation A leading supplier of industrial computers since 1976, VersaLogic focuses on high-quality board-level products for embedded OEM applications. Its five year product availability guarantee and outstanding warranties demonstrate a commitment to service. Product platforms include EBX, PC/104, PC/104-Plus, EPIC and SPX™. For five years running, VersaLogic has received the coveted "Platinum" level vendor rating based on independent user surveys by technology research firm VDC Research Group. For more information, visit www.VersaLogic.com.