Marine Navigation Rugged Tablet Solution

Customized Continuous-Power Rugged Tablet for Marine Navigation Projects

SWELL helped the customer optimize the i10U Windows Rugged Tablet for long-term marine operations as a work terminal. Through PCBA and software adjustments, the device can run continuously from an external power source while keeping the battery as backup protection.

Project Background

The customer wanted to use a Windows Rugged Tablet in vessel and offshore operations for navigation, route viewing, field data recording, and business software.

In this type of application, the tablet is not used as a short-term mobile device. It works more like a long-running onboard work terminal. The device needs to be fixed on a vessel or workbench for continuous operation, while still supporting mobile viewing and field operation when needed.

The i10U supports Windows, a high-brightness display, GPS, Wi-Fi, 4G, RJ45, and other functions, making it suitable for outdoor and mobile work environments. However, during the project evaluation, SWELL found that the customer’s actual usage differed significantly from that of a standard battery-powered rugged tablet.

Customer Challenges

At the beginning, the customer mainly focused on whether the device could run navigation and operation software reliably. After further communication, we found that the real challenges came from three areas.

• First, marine and offshore environments are more complex than ordinary indoor environments.

The device may be exposed to long-term sunlight, moisture, salt mist, vessel vibration, waves, and limited installation space. The customer did not need a regular Windows tablet. They needed a rugged terminal that could withstand outdoor marine conditions, display information clearly, and run reliably.

• Second, navigation and operational software need to remain online for extended periods.

In marine navigation, route viewing, and field data recording scenarios, the device often needs to remain powered on continuously. If the device shuts down unexpectedly, it may affect running software, navigation records, or field operation data, creating a risk to the customer’s daily use.

• Third, standard battery charging logic is not suitable for long-term operation while plugged in.

The i10U was originally designed as a battery-powered rugged tablet. This design works well for mobile office use or short outdoor tasks. However, in fixed onboard operation, the device often needs to stay connected to external power for long periods. If it continues to operate under standard charging logic, the battery may remain at a high charge level for too long or undergo repeated charge-discharge cycles. This can accelerate battery aging and increase later maintenance costs.

For this reason, the customer did not simply need a tablet that could be charged. They needed an onboard work terminal that could support long-term operation on external power while keeping the battery as a backup power source.

SWELL’s Understanding and Recommendation

After evaluating the project, SWELL believed that this requirement should not be handled as a standard rugged tablet project.

If the device runs for many hours every day while plugged in but still relies fully on standard battery charging logic, it may affect battery life and long-term stability.

However, removing the battery completely would also create a risk. If the external power supply on the vessel is interrupted, the cable becomes loose, or the device needs to be moved temporarily, the system may shut down immediately. This could affect running software and field data.

Therefore, SWELL recommended a power design better suited for long-term marine operation:

External power is the primary power source, with the battery serving as backup.

This approach allows the device to stay online for long periods, while also giving the system a buffer when external power is interrupted, helping avoid sudden shutdown.

What SWELL Did?

Based on the customer’s real usage scenario, SWELL made targeted adjustments to the i10U:

• Re-evaluated the power management logic for long-term plugged-in onboard operation.
• Modified the PCBA to make the device more suitable for a continuous external power supply.
• Adjusted the software logic to reduce battery stress during long-term plugged-in use.
• Kept the battery as backup power for temporary power loss, mobile use, or external power interruption;
• Verified long-time operation stability based on the customer’s Windows software requirements.

These changes were not simply about replacing the battery or adding a power adapter. They were made to adapt the hardware and software power-management logic to the customer’s actual marine operating scenario.

Project Value

Through this customization, the customer received a Windows Rugged Tablet better suited for long-term onboard operation.

The device can run continuously under external power while keeping the battery as backup protection. This helps reduce battery wear from long-term plugged-in use and lowers the risk of system interruption due to unexpected power loss.

For the customer, this device is not only used for navigation or data display. It is better positioned as a long-running, rugged mobile computer for vessels, transportation, and outdoor fixed operations.