System and method to disable exposed electronics in a ruggedized electronic device

A method, comprising:

• providing, by a ruggedized case that forms an external surface of an electronic device, a first level of protection against intrusion by an intrusive element to components within the ruggedized case;
• providing, by an enclosure within the ruggedized case, a second level of protection against intrusion by the intrusive element to the components within the enclosure, the second level of protection providing greater protection against intrusion by the intrusive element than the first level of protection;
• connecting, via a switch, a first connection from a main board that passes through the enclosure to the ruggedized case when the switch is in a first switched mode, wherein the first connection includes a power rail of the electronic device;
• isolating, via the switch, the first connection from the ruggedized case when the switch is in a second switched mode;
• providing the power rail to a daughter card within the ruggedized case and outside of the enclosure in the first switched mode;
• and
• isolating the power rail from the daughter card in the second switched mode.

An electronic device, comprising:

• a ruggedized case that forms an external surface of the electronic device, wherein the ruggedized case provides mechanical strength to the electronic device;
• and
• an enclosure within the ruggedized case;
• wherein:
• the ruggedized case provides a first level of protection against intrusion by an intrusive element to components within the ruggedized case and to components within the enclosure;
• the enclosure provides a second level of protection against intrusion by the intrusive element to the components within the enclosure, the second level of protection providing greater protection against intrusion by the intrusive element the first level of protection;
• the enclosure includes:
• a main board within the enclosure, the main board including a first connection within the enclosure to the ruggedized case and a second connection within the enclosure to the ruggedized case, the first connection including a power rail, wherein the first connection includes a power rail of the electronic device;
• a switch that provides the first connection that passes through the enclosure to the ruggedized case in a first switched mode and that isolates the first connection from the ruggedized case in a second switched mode;
• and
• the electronic device further comprises a daughter card within the ruggedized case and outside of the enclosure, wherein the power rail provides power to the daughter card in the first switched mode and the power rail is isolated from the daughter card in the second switched mode.