An Overview of IEC-60945 Certification for Marine Computers

Keith Phelps Sales Manager, CCS-Inc.

-and-

Jim Farley Electro-Mechanical Designer, CCS-Inc.

CCS-Inc.

www.ccs-inc.com

December 14, 2011

An Overview of IEC-60945 Certification for Marine Computers For centuries, mariners have relied on paper charts to navigate the worlds oceans and waterways. Although adequate, this method does not utilize the latest technology available. Industry experts have determined that computer-based charting systems increase the safety and maximize the efficiency associated with navigation. To take advantage of these benefits, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) now allows chart carriage requirements to be satisfied through electronic means. Consisting of electronic charts, software, and hardware (such as a computer, monitor, and I/O devices), Electronic Chart Information and Display Systems (ECDIS) are becoming increasingly prevalent in the marine industry. In the early 2000s, the IMO adopted ECDIS standards that electronic navigation systems must pass to be approved as a primary means of navigation. All ECDIS providers must ensure that hardware is designed to operate in a marine environment and satisfy IEC-60945, a standard for maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems. --The IEC-60945 specification has four different product categories, depending upon the equipments location on board a ship, the: portable, protected, exposed, and submerged. For the purposes of an ECDIS system, the equipment is typically used on the bridge of a ship, which falls under the protected category. Test requirements for the protected category of the IEC-60945 specification include environmental, safety, and EMC parameters, as follows:

Environmental
Dry heat Damp heat Low temperature Vibration Corrosion Acoustic noise +55 C/131F, operational test +40 C/104F @ 93 % relative humidity, operational test 15 C/5F, operational test 2Hz-100Hz, operational test to simulate propeller vibration and wave slamming Salt mist exposure, non-operational, 28 day total test 60dBA @1m to measure noise levels that may disturb bridge operations

Safety
Protection against accidental access to dangerous voltages Limited access to high voltages within the chassis

CCS-Inc.

www.ccs-inc.com

December 14, 2011

EMC
Radiated emissions Electromagnetic radiation from the chassis or cables that may interfere with other devices nearby Electrical noise conducted from the chassis on power cables that may interfere with equipment connected to the same power supply Immunity to electromagnetic radiation from other devices Immunity to electrical noise on power lines Immunity to 6000 volt contact discharge and 8000 volt air discharge Magnetic field radiation that may interfere with compass operations

Conducted emissions

Radiated susceptibility Conducted susceptibility Electrostatic discharge Compass safe distance

Several design elements must be taken into account to produce an instrument that meets the IEC-60945 requirements listed above, including: Selecting a corrosion resistant chassis material, or using platings/coatings to prevent metal surface damage caused by salt spray Masking, or other techniques associated with the protective coatings, to allow for electrically conductive surfaces on cover or door flanges, thereby preventing electromagnetic radiation from entering or escaping the enclosure Using stainless steel fasteners, latches, hinges, and other hardware Installing power filters to limit electrical noise from entering or leaving the enclosure Designing the structure of the device to limit chassis resonances induced by external vibration Selecting computer components rated for the temperature and humidity levels required Choosing OEM components with long lifecycle status due to the substantial logistical issues of scheduling, performing, and passing the EMC and Environmental tests

CCS-Inc. has been providing ECDIS manufacturers with IEC-60945 approved computer hardware since the introduction of the Globestar 4U rackmount computer in 2002. With a full line of marine computers and peripherals. CCS works to constantly improve both the design and performance of its IEC-60945 offerings. The company is now shipping the GS Odyssey II, an Intel Core 2 Duo based platform. This device offers exceptional speed and performance in a sturdy, 3U rackmount chassis. The GS Odyssey III, which encompasses an Intel Core i5 based platform, is expected to ship in 2012. This release will complement the IMOs la test ECDIS standard that all new commercial ocean-going ships have an ECDIS. Requiring all ocean-going ships to comply with this standard by 2018, it is evident that the IMO recognizes the importance and value of electronic charting. Organizations that utilize IEC-60945 compliant devices will more easily pass ECDIS standards, approving their systems as a primary means of navigation. CCS is committed to helping its clients achieve the certifications necessary to meet the compliance regulations set by the marine industry. Interested in learning how your organization can benefit from CCS expertise? Contact CCS today for more information.

CCS-Inc.

www.ccs-inc.com

December 14, 2011