A Building-Block Approach to COTS Technology

Historically, the price of non-commercial hardware has been astronomical due to the engineering required for it to perform specific functions and to operate reliably in harsh conditions, with ambient temperatures from -55° to +125°C, in high and low humidity, while withstanding extreme vibration and shock. It became apparent that if commercially available components, boards, and systems could be adapted, larger suppliers could benefit from both the advanced technology and the economies of scale enjoyed by commercial industries.