Custom Solutions
Custom Solutions
Custom, mission-ready electronics designed and manufactured in-house, from concept to production.
Custom, mission-ready electronics designed and manufactured in-house, from concept to production.
30+ Years
Building custom solutions
100%
Designed and built in the U.S.A.
AS9100
Certified quality management system
End-to-End
Engineering, manufacturing and testing under one roof
WHY CHOOSE DSE
Specify. Design. Build. Test.
Specify. Design. Build. Test.
For more than 30 years, DSE has designed and built custom rugged displays, video hubs, display control modules, and more for applications where off-the-shelf products fall short. Our in-house mechanical, electrical and software engineering teams work alongside manufacturing specialists to take complex requirements from initial specification through validation and production. By combining proven technologies with application-specific design, DSE delivers reliable, production-ready solutions while reducing development time, cost and technical risk.
Proven components, faster delivery
Reusing proven subassemblies cuts lead time and technical risk.
In-house design-build manufacturer
Mechanical, electrical, and software expertise under one roof, never outsourced.
Flexible at every stage
Support custom builds and low-rate production
Support through the life of the program
Inventory, lifecycle, revision control, ATP, and ESS.
REAL PROGRAMS, REAL SOLUTIONS
Custom Product Case Studies
Custom Product Case Studies
Click below to see how DSE turns customer specifications and challenges into field-proven, mission-ready solutions.
Amphibious Combat Vehicle DVE
DVE06
Challenge
The Amphibious Combat Vehicle OEM needed a compact Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) display that would fit within the limited driver’s space without sacrificing the functionality of the legacy 10-inch Display Control Module. No commercial solution existed that met the required size, functionality and DVE performance requirements, making a custom approach essential.
Solution
Leveraging its extensive expertise in Driver Vision Enhancer (DVE) systems, DSE partnered with the customer to develop the DVE06. The custom 6-inch display retained the critical functionality of the legacy system while incorporating a redesigned enclosure, optimized processing electronics and an intuitive user interface tailored to the confined driver station. The result was a purpose-built solution that met demanding space constraints without compromising operator capability.
- Compact 6-inch Driver Vision Enhancer display
- Retains core functionality of the legacy 10-inch system
- Optimized for confined driver station integration
- Custom enclosure and processing electronics
- Purpose-built operator interface with integrated controls
Counter-UAS Vehicle Display
FHDRM17-C23
Challenge
A customer developing a counter-UAS solution needed a rugged display that could do more than present video. The system required mission computer data to be converted to HD-SDI, SMPTE-292 format, for distribution throughout the platform, while also supporting additional analog video sources and providing a more intuitive operator interface. Accomplishing this with separate hardware would have increased space, weight, cabling, and system complexity.
Solution
Building on its proven FHDRM platform, DSE developed the FHDRM17-C23, integrating DisplayPort-to-SDI video conversion directly into a 17-inch full high-definition rugged display. The design eliminated the need for a separate video conversion module while adding additional RS170 analog video inputs, a projected capacitive (PCAP) multi-touch screen, and programmable bezel keys. By combining multiple functions into a single solution, DSE simplified system integration, reduced hardware requirements, and enhanced operator interaction.
- Integrated DisplayPort-to-SDI video conversion
- 17" Full HD rugged display
- Additional RS170 analog video inputs
- PCAP multi-touch interface
- Programmable bezel keys
- Reduced space, weight, cabling, and system complexity
Rotary-wing Aircraft Smart Display
HDRM 9
Challenge
A customer developing a rotary-wing aircraft platform required a rugged display capable of interfacing with a mission computer using a custom communication protocol while providing real-time imagery from onboard camera systems. The display also needed to meet the stringent night vision imaging system (NVIS) requirements of MIL-STD-3009, presenting a significant engineering challenge beyond standard rugged display design.
Solution
DSE developed a custom 9-inch rugged display engineered specifically for the application. The solution combined a custom interface, application-specific software, modified LCD and indicator lighting to achieve NVIS compliance. The display successfully completed comprehensive environmental and qualification testing, delivering a reliable solution for demanding rotary-wing operations.
- Compact 6-inch Driver Vision Enhancer display
- Retains core functionality of the legacy 10-inch system
- Optimized for confined driver station integration
- Custom enclosure and processing electronics
- Purpose-built operator interface with integrated controls
Special Operations Vehicle Display
FHDRM13-C22
Challenge
A customer needed a rugged full high-definition display with dual SDI inputs and outputs for a special operations ground vehicle. No existing solution met the required combination of video connectivity, functionality and ruggedness, creating the need for a custom-engineered display.
Solution
Building on its proven FHDRM platform, DSE developed the FHDRM13-C22 to meet the customer’s exact requirements. The design added dual SDI inputs and outputs while eliminating unnecessary video interfaces, communication ports and bezel keys. The result was a streamlined display that reduced cost and complexity while delivering the functionality needed to support enhanced situational awareness.
- Custom dual SDI input/output configuration
- Full HD rugged display
- Simplified I/O and operator interface
- Reduced system cost and complexity
Ground Vehicle Video Distribution Hub
VH12
Challenge
A C-UAS (Counter Unmanned Aerial System) application faced a critical obsolescence issue when a key MIL-spec video distribution product was discontinued. Replacing the unit with a COTS product would have required changes to mounting brackets, connectors, cable assemblies and vehicle integration, which would add cost, risk and program delays. The customer needed a true drop-in replacement that preserved the existing installation while ensuring long-term support.
Solution
DSE developed the VH12 from the ground up as a backwards-compatible substitute for the obsolete unit. Designed as a rugged video switch, the VH12 incorporates custom I/O, programmable software features and a mechanically compatible enclosure to match the original installation. By eliminating the need for platform modifications, DSE delivered a low-risk solution minimizing both cost and integration effort.
- Backwards-compatible replacement for an obsolete MIL-spec product
- Rugged video splitter/repeater
- Custom I/O and programmable functionality
- Mechanically compatible, drop-in enclosure
- Preserves existing brackets, connectors, and cable assemblies
- Reduces integration risk, cost, and downtime
CUSTOM-BUILT AROUND YOUR REQUIREMENTS
When Standard Products Don't Fit the Application
When Standard Products Don't Fit the Application
Many DSE products began with a customer’s idea. With design and manufacturing under one roof, DSE can modify proven platforms or develop entirely new solutions around each application’s technical, mechanical and environmental requirements.
Interfaces and I/O
Configure video, data, communication and power interfaces to integrate with existing or next-generation systems.
User controls and software
Develop application-specific interfaces using programmable bezel keys, touchscreens, on-screen menus and custom control protocols.
Mechanical Integration
Adapt enclosure dimensions, mounting, connectors, materials and other characteristics to meet platform and installation constraints.
Environmental Requirements
Engineer rugged solutions for demanding operating environments and support validation/qualification to applicable military, aerospace and industry standards.