SECO USA specializes in the design and production of customized electronic circuits and devices, enabling unique product features or operational requirements for defense applications. A modified COTS design typically leverages a proven SECO system on module (SOM) or single board computer (SBC) as a baseline and modifies it for the specific application and use case. With this approach, SECO can deliver a custom electronic product with lower cost and risk, and faster time-to-market.

Modified COTS enables application-specific features that may not be available in an off-the-shelf product. By starting from fully validated, proven design components, including schematics, printed circuit board layout, design rules, simulations, board support packages, thermal solutions, and packaging designs, we can deliver a finished product quickly and efficiently. Compared to fully custom designs, using a modified COTS approach accelerates schedules from kickoff to production while minimizing development cost and risk.

MCOTS_graphs_sidexside

On average, modified COTS project costs were one third of a fully custom design

Development time was shorter, with projects reaching the prototyping stage in half the time

Leveraging an off-the-shelf product or a proven design component minimizes the risk of delays or disruptions

Our solutions are at work in critical applications across defense, avionics, and unmanned systems. Below is a selection of field-proven modified COTS products delivered by SECO USA.

UAV Handheld Remote Controller

Customized SMARC Module for Vehicle Operations

Cellular-Connected Soldier and Vehicle Sensor Hub for Field Training

UAV-Mounted Military Band Radio

SCIF-Based Secure Networking Device

Tethered Tablet Controller for UGV

Secure Network Authentication Device

Controller and Display Head for Radio Frequency Triangulation Device

Flight Data Recorder for Military Jets

SECO's product design process takes a system engineering approach. To maximize success with minimal cost, short schedules, and low risk, a system engineering approach analyzes use cases and specifications. Tradeoffs between hardware, software, and packaging implementation have a huge impact on the technical, financial, and production success of the product.

An intensive technical interchange meeting at project kickoff investigates product use cases, environments, and high-level specifications, which are distilled into a set of implementable product requirements.

We typically leverage parts of a proven design, including:

  • Schematics
  • PCB layout
  • Design rules
  • Simulations
  • Board support packages (BSPs)
  • Thermal solutions
  • Packaging designs
Project management
Product_Design_Expertise

SECO USA has deep expertise with the military standards critical for designing, qualifying, and delivering rugged defense electronics. Standards include:

  • Rugged environments: MIL-STD-810; STANAG 4370 AECTP-300, AECTP-400
  • Electromagnetic compliance: MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-464; STANAG 4370 AECTP-500
  • Ground and aircraft vehicle power: MIL-STD-1275 and MIL-STD-704
  • Device ergonomics: MIL-STD-1472

SECO USA maintains a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code of 8Z220 and is ITAR registered. We offer AS9100 and ISO 9001-compliant production facilities in the US and Europe, as required.

Once the design process is complete, we manufacture and deliver the finished product, utilizing AS9100 and ISO 9001-compliant production facilities in the US or Europe as required. SECO's operations and support capabilities include:

  • Extended product availability to support long-term defense, security, and avionics programs
  • Product life cycle management, including BOM management, PCN/ECN notices, last time buys
  • Global supply chain management with purchasing leverage and direct supplier relationships
  • In-house automated production test development and infrastructure
  • In-facility environmental chambers and conformal coat capability
Control of the finished product

SECO USA, formerly InHand Electronics, has a proud multidecade history of serving the US defense industry. Operating as a subsidiary of SECO S.p.A of Italy with a separate board of directors, SECO USA practices design, production, quality, security, and information management processes in accordance with all export controls and other relevant laws and regulations.

The acquisition of InHand Electronics was thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) with US Department of Treasury and US Department of Defense involvement. CFIUS continues to monitor the operations of SECO USA.

SECO USA maintains a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code of 8Z220 and is ITAR-registered.