*Courtesy of the San Francisco International Airport

Responding to demands for tech upgrades of its FIDS (Flight Information Display Systems), the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) during 2007 and 2008, sought transformative solutions that could reliably run 24/7 year-round with superb network security and while providing improved on-demand connectivity between busy passengers and their airlines – namely rapid updating and emergency alerts. A single minute of downtime in a facility like SFO can seem like a lifetime. Recognizing this, SFO and the system integrator turned to a global leader in digital media players designed to handle tough, mission-critical applications in rugged environments: AOpen® – the world’s leading manufacturer of transformative technology on open architecture platforms.

It was important in the airport’s decision-making process to consider the quality of environment posed by their choice of FIDS in terms of electricity use, noise levels, heat production, and compliancy with socially responsible green tech standards. Additionally, the airport needed to weigh heavily in considering a FIDS solution provider with a proven track record in mass transit technology.

AOpen®’s Digital Engines, fitted with SilenTek™ CPU coolers, thermal and shock-absorption chassis, Watchdog Timers™, high-speed WLAN kits and the Intel® 965 chipset, were garnered by SFO’s system integrator in light of the unique obstacles facing them at SFO. The integrator confidently selected AOpen® knowing that 1) AOpen®’s highly experienced engineering staff could customize AOpen®’s FIDS platforms to meet both seen and unseen challenges at SFO 2) AOpen®’s Digital Engines have performed at unparalleled near- 100% success rates after winning bids for display technology on several major public transportation systems including the new 217 m.p.h. Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) system.

FIDS Networking at SFO

AOpen® field applications engineer, Bob Kuo, says, “With the wireless networking option, SFO’s servers send out a, b, g multiple channels separately carrying updated arrivals, departures, and other important data such as messages from the airlines.”

All FIDS networking requirements at SFO were fulfilled in a timely fashion thanks to key contributions from FIDS specialists at each progress point during the integration process. For instance, server and signage software integrators offered hot-pluggable environments for smooth transitions with each other and existing software.

Any other FIDS networking issues and hardware needs were covered by AOpen® and its strategic alliances. Available solutions ranged from CAT5 connectors, cables, repeaters, high-speed WLAN kits, Ethernet-over-power kits, mounting kits and more.

FIDS “ANTI-FREEZE”

There is little doubt that travelers at SFO would become irate if the screens they were reading froze and displayed information that hadn’t been updated. To avoid such problems, AOpen® installed AOpen® Watchdog Timers™ (WDTs) into their Digital Engines. WDTs quickly restart a Digital Engine in the event the system freezes. As of 2008, SFO has reported near-100% uptime rates for all Digital Engines in its FIDS – an astounding statistic that positions the FIDS at SFO far above the FIDS at many other major U.S. airports. The insight from AOpen® to install WDTs is a clear indication of the importance of selecting a company that specializes in digital display technology. SFO had all their bases covered with AOpen®.

PUBLIC IMAGE and QUALITY OF ENVIRONMENT

Many airline travelers seeking gentle reprieves from their hectic schedules enjoy the pleasant interior of the San Francisco Airport. Its architecture resounds with a warm sustainability philosophy and highly intuitive design layouts for passengers who may be unfamiliar with the airport’s layout. AOpen®’s Digital Engines fit perfectly into SFO’s demand structure for quality of environment, offering such exclusive features as:

• Noiseless Operation (less than 27db)
• Low Heat Production with AOpen®’s SilentTek™ CPU Coolers
• Energy Savings – 90W (compared to the 400W of traditional PCs)
• FIDS Anti-Freeze – AOpen®’s Watchdog Timers™
• Secure and Reliable Networking Technology
• Modular Architecture for Ease of Maintenance and Ease of Disassembly for Recycling and/ or Proper Disposal of Electronics at the System’s End-of-Life

The desire to maintain a socially responsible public image is often a central theme in a customer’s decision to choose AOpen®’s flagship product line of Digital Engines. AOpen® has vigorously responded in this regard by qualifying for rigorous global environmental standards. All of AOpen®’s Digital Engines are manufactured in compliance with RoHS and ISO 19011 for negligible levels of lead and other hazardous materials commonly found in electronics. Energy Star 4.0 ready platforms are also available from AOpen®.