COTS Journal

Cots Products

20-Inch 2U Chassis for Trenton 32 Gbyte Boards

The days when military system developers did everything themselves are long gone. They’d much rather find building blocks to piece together the solution the need, as long as they meet the program requirements. Single Board Systems (SBS), a division of DXL Enterprises, now provides 2U MIL/COTS chassis designed for secure installation of Trenton Technology’s 32 Gbyte SHBs (system host boards) in 19-inch racks. Built in adherence with PICMG 1.3 / SHB Express industry standards, the SBS214 chassis is only 20 inches deep, and features six fans, a power supply, CD/DVD and floppy drives, and other standard peripheral hardware in a slim 2U chassis for vertical or horizontal mounting in space-constrained shipboard applications.

All Single Board Systems SBS214 chassis are provided complete with Trenton extended memory (32 Gbyte) SHB cards built to customer specifications to provide the best fit for server-class or graphics-class for PICMG 1.3 applications. Each SBS214 chassis features three 80 mm, 34CFM removable system fans, one 60 mm, 20 CFM exhaust fan, and two 60 mm, 20 CFM memory cooling fans. A 500W power supply is supplied standard and redundant power is available optionally. In addition to the CD/DVD and floppy drives, the chassis has three SATA hard drive removable carriers and two front mounted USBs.

DXL Enterprises, Mahwah, NJ. (202) 891-8718. [www.dxl.com].

1.8-Inch Micro-SATA SSDs Target Rugged Laptops

The military much prefers solid state drives over rotating disks. SSD are not only inherently more rugged, they also are much easier to erase secure data from when needed. Super Talent Technology has released a new line of 1.8-inch Micro-SATA SSDs. At merely 5 mm thick, these Micro-SATA SSDs are slimmer than most 1.8-inch hard drives, and hold up to 120 Gbytes of data. In terms of performance, power consumption and shock and vibration resistance the MasterDrive KX is substantially better than hard drives. As a result, the MasterDrive KX makes for an excellent upgrade for military laptops that need greater reliability or to accelerate boot-up and load times

Built with MLC NAND Flash, the MasterDrive KX is offered in 30, 60 and 120 Gbyte capacities. With 0.1 ms access time and 120 Mbyte/s and 40 Mbyte/s max sequential read and write speeds, these SSDs provide lightning fast access to files. The Micro-SATA connector in a 1.8-inch form factor makes these SSDs an ideal upgrade for UMPCs (Ultra Mobile PCs). Prices range from $299 to $679 depending on capacity.

Super Talent, San Jose, CA. (408) 934-2560. [www.supertalent.com].

Rugged Embedded PCs Provide Three GbE Links

Low-power computing has become a much sought after requirement in the military, and heat dissipation becomes an ever greater challenge. Feeding such needs, MPL has rolled out three new models of its PIP embedded PC family. The new products, called PIP11-E, PIP10-E and PIP9-E, are based on low-power Pentium-M or Celeron-M CPUs from Intel’s Embedded program, which guarantees long-term availability. The CPUs are soldered on board and therefore offer the highest ruggedness and best reliability. Integrated on-board are numerous features like three independent Gbit Ethernet ports, four serial ports, multiple USB 2.0 ports and much more.

The rugged PCs are available with 512 Mbytes of ECC protected SDRAM memory soldered on board. A socket is available where additional ECC or standard DDR RAM modules of up to 1 Gbyte can be installed for a total of up to 1.5 Gbytes of RAM. The new models are extremely flexible and easy to expand over PC/104, PC/104-Plus, PMC or PCI. Further MPL offers various add-on options and several housings (MIL and open frame) for all needs. The PIPs are powered with a single power supply between 8 and 28 VDC–optionally up to 48 VDC for mobile applications.

MPL, Dättwil, Switzerland. +41 56 483 34 34. [www.mpl.ch].

PCIe XMC Card Sports ADCs, DACs and FPGAs

Thanks to the magic of chip and board level integration, the days when each and every sensor channel required a separate board are long gone. With that in mind, Innovative Integration offers the X3-Servo module that features 12 simultaneously sampling A/D and DACs with a user-programmable FPGA computing core. Low-latency SAR A/D and fast-settling DACs support real-time military servo control applications. The programmable input range and high input impedance allow interfacing directly to many sensors, while the output is capable of directly driving many transducers. Front panel digital I/O can also be used as PWM or process controls.

Clock and trigger controls include support for consistent servo loop timing, counted frames, software triggering and external triggering. The sample rate clock is either an external clock or onboard programmable PLL clock source. Data acquisition control, signal processing, buffering and system interface functions are implemented in a Xilinx Spartan3A FPGA, 1M gate device. Two 1Mx16 memories are used for data buffering and FPGA computing memory. The X3-Servo XMC board quantity one pricing is $2,995.

Innovative Integration, Simi Valley, CA. (805) 578-4261. [www.innovative-dsp.com].

Battery Family Serves UAV Power Back-Up Needs

UAVs need reliable back-up power in the event of catastrophic main engine failures. They require battery packs to power the UAV’s recovery system that enables navigation and control systems to continue operating so the damaged craft can glide to a safe landing away from enemy territory. The power management solution must deliver high energy density and capacity while also offering the ability to withstand extreme environments. Reduced battery size and weight leave more room for the payload of sensors, cameras, communications equipment and so on. With all that in mind, Tadiran offers its TLM Series of high-power lithium batteries that are suited to serve as the battery packs that power emergency recovery systems on UAVs.

The TLM-1550HP high-power lithium AA-size batteries deliver 2W-hours of energy with an open circuit voltage of 4.0V and are capable of handling pulses of up to 15A, and 5A maximum continuous current at 3.2V. The batteries can be easily combined in series or parallel to create custom battery packs in virtually any shape or size. Smaller cells, including sub-1/2 AA and 2/3 AA sizes, are also available. TLM-1550HP cells provide up to 20 years of service life, and can be periodically tested, enabling system readiness to be confirmed without fully discharging the battery. These cells are safe, rugged, and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures from -40° to +85°C. The cells feature fast activation, with instantaneous voltage after prolonged storage. Moreover, no squibs are needed to start the battery and they require no thermal insulation.

Unlike reserve and thermal batteries, TLM-1550HP cells do not generate excessive amounts of heat, which saves space and reduces weight by minimizing mechanical and thermal design considerations. The cells feature a glass-to-metal hermetical seal instead of a crimped elastomer gasket. Aside from UAV applications, TLM-1550HP cells are also found in other military and aerospace applications, including rockets and missiles, smart ammunition, mines, jammers, unattended ground sensors, sonobuoys, listening devices, weapon sights, artillery fuses, trajectory correction add-on kits, proximity fuses for bombs, aircraft ejector seats, and in sensors for dispersed munitions.

Tadiran, Port Washington, NY. (516) 621-4980. [www.tadiranbat.com].

Rugged Box-Level System Targets Avionics

Stand-alone rugged box systems have entrenched themselves as a major product category in the military embedded marketplace. Kontron’s latest offering along those lines is the Kontron MEC-PPC-AV1, a completely rugged Modular Embedded Computer (MEC) specifically targeted toward avionics applications. The Kontron MEC-PPC-AV1 is a low-cost 3U CompactPCI rugged subsystem designed to exceed requirements through its compact dimensions, low-power dissipation and real-time software with a very large I/O offering.

The Kontron MEC-PPC-AV1 is targeted toward the avionics market because of its ATR footprint dimensions, 28 VDC power supply, lightweight structure in aluminum, conduction-cooled dissipation, MIL-STD-1553 links, MIL-C-38999 connectors and a very low power consumption of less than 17W. The Kontron MEC-PPC-AV1 hosts a Kontron 3U CompactPCI Single-Slot PowerEngineC7 Embedded Computer, a low-power dissipation and high-performance processor board already embedded in major avionics programs. The PPC-AV1 offers a large range of I/Os such as Ethernet, general-purpose I/Os, serial lines and MIL-STD-1553 links thanks to the Kontron CPMC-1553-R PCI Mezzanine. The Kontron CPMC-1553-R is a redundant MIL-STD-1553B interface with two channels. The PMC module has a 32-bit, 33 MHz PCI interface and a parallel 8-bit TTL I/O port.

Kontron America, Poway, CA. (858) 677-0877. [www.us.kontron.com].

Frequency/Phase Converter Targets Mobile Military Apps

When it comes to power conditioning, the military system needs something that’s lightweight and compact but with flexible capabilities. Along just those lines, Falcon Electric has introduced its new lightweight ED-FPC Series Frequency and Phase Converters that provide reliable computer-grade power for sensitive equipment. The new rackmount ED-FPC Series, ranging from 3 to 5 kVA, boasts a weight of less than 80 pounds and a compact 7-inch (4U) high rackmount form factor.

Due to its light weight and small size, the ED-FPC is an ideal COTS solution delivering computer-grade power for use in aircraft, ground-based and mobile systems, such as a HMMWV. Furthermore, to accommodate fixed, mobile and aircraft installations, the ED-FPC is designed to meet the shock and vibration requirements of RTCA/DO160, Zone A and the Munson Road Test. It has a three-phase input that accepts a wide 45-450 Hz input frequency range. Having a single-phase 120 VAC, 50, 60 or 400 Hz output, the ED-FPC eliminates phase imbalance problems associated with powering large single-phase equipment from a three-phase generator source. The ED-FPC also eliminates line-side voltage transients, surges, sags and frequency stability problems. Available now, the ED-FPC Series Frequency and Phase Converters list pricing starts at $16,450 for the 3kVA model.

Falcon Electric. Irwindale, CA.
(800) 842-6940. [www.falconups.com].

Software Radio PMC Offers Beamforming, Power Meter

Real-time software radio, beamforming, signal-intelligence and radar systems all have something in common. They’re all hungry for an integrated solution–and that solution does conversion, processing and beamforming all the better. Pentek does exactly that with its Model 7152, a quad 200 MHz, 16-bit A/D digitizer with a 32-channel digital down converter (DDC) configured in a PMC format. The 7152 features 32 power meters that continuously measure the individual average power output of each of the 32 DDC channels. In addition, 32 threshold detectors automatically send an interrupt to the processor if the average power level of any DDC falls below or exceeds a programmable threshold.

The built-in power meters and threshold detectors offload these tasks from a downstream processor and present average power measurements for each channel in easy-to-read registers. A second set of new features makes the module ideal for beamforming applications. By adjusting the phase offset and weighting of the individual channels, followed by summation, the antenna can be “steered,” rotating the azimuth angle to enhance receptivity in a particular direction. The 7152 PMC module is also available in a variety of additional form factors. The 7152 PMC module is priced at $14,500 for the hardware.

Pentek, Upper Saddle River, NJ. (201) 818-5900. [www.pentek.com].

6U VME PowerPC Board Has SKY Channel Links

Sky Channel, along with a handful of other interconnect technologies, brought switch fabrics to high-end military applications decades before fabrics became part of mainstream computing. The recently “restarted” Sky Computers has rolled out its new 6U LightningBolt board. It provides all the resources required to obtain optimal performance from Sky’s compute and I/O modules. It is configured with one compute module of four MPC7448 processors. Data is transferred throughout the LightningBolt over the SKYchannel Packet Bus at 320 Mbytes/s. Data moves transparently through the SKYchannel P2 interface to other boards in a SKYchannel chassis. System control is handled by the System Processor, which performs I/O and operating system tasks that would otherwise burden the compute processors.

A full VME64 interface provides communication to the host and other off-board communication. The application runs on the processors resident on the compute module. Front-panel I/O expansion modules may be added to the LightningBolt for maximum I/O performance. LightningBolt uses the 1.2 GHz PowerPC MPC7448 microprocessor and the ANSI/VITA standard SKYchannel interconnect fabric, delivering optimal computing and I/O performance. The new LightningBolt embedded computers are 100 percent compatible with Sky’s previous SKYbolt family of products.

Sky Computers, Chelmsford, MA.
(978)-259-2420. [www.skycomputers.com].

MicroTCA Chassis Is Ripe for Military Comms

MicroTCA is starting to gain some traction among military system designers. Applications that are networking or communications based are first among those. With that in mind, Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions has launched its new 650 Series MicroTCA chassis. The 650 Series is engineered to be an economical connectivity solution. Thanks to an innovative power supply configuration, the 650 Series is available for half the cost of comparable products.

The 650 Series, offered in a 2U 19-inch rackmount configuration, features a single 6HP MicroTCA Carrier Hub and a 12-node backplane. The backplane supports a range of customizable configurations for full- and half-height Advanced Mezzanine Card (AMC) slots. Designed to include a low-cost power supply, the 650 Series offers a single fixed, rear-mount MicroTCA power controller. The forced evacuation and pressurization cooling design manages temperature with eight fans for up to 40W per AMC slot. The 650 Series MicroTCA chassis is available starting at $2,500.

Carlo Gavazzi Computing Solutions, Brockton, MA.
(800) 926-8722. [www.gavazzi-computing.com].

300W/600W Power Supplies Give 300% Peak Power

Motors and pump subsystems are critical parts of a variety of military systems from vehicles to aircraft to ships. The power supplies for those systems need high peak currents. Feeding that need is Lambda’s new series of 300W and 600W power supplies that deliver up to 300% peak output power. The AC-DC single-output HWS300P and HWS600P series are ideal for powering systems that demands high peak currents, ultra-reliability and extended field-life. Units are available in three nominal output voltages, including 24, 36 and 48V.

The HWS300P and HWS600P series accept a wide range of input voltages–from 85 VAC to 265 VAC–and comply with the SEMI F47 (with 200VAC line or higher). Remote on/off and DC good signals, and overvoltage/overcurrent protections, are standard. The power supplies have a high-quality internal fan and can be operated in a -10° to +70°C ambient. The 300- and 600-watt units come in a compact footprint–respectively 2.4 x 3.23 x 6.5 and 3.94 x 3.23 x 6.5 inches–making them suitable for mounting in a 2U rack. The new Lambda power supplies meet Class B EMI standards (radiated and conducted), are CE marked, and are safety-approved to UL/CSA/EN60950-1 and EN50178 specifications. The HWS300P and HWS600P series are available now, priced from $214 each in 100 unit quantities.

Lambda, San Diego, CA. (619) 575-4400. [www.lambdapower.com].

Trace Technology Shrinks Resistor Power, Footprint

Shrinking size, weight and power has become a top priority in a variety of military system designs. Attacking that issue at the board trace level, Ohmega Technologies has introduced its OhmegaPly Orbit product, a 10 ohm per square sheet resistivity thin film material. Orbit allows termination resistors to be built within traces and eliminates the requirement for designing a resistor footprint and placing them within the circuit layout. Orbit resistors can be placed on any circuit layer of a multilayer printed circuit board, but is especially suited for internal circuit layers. Orbit provides smaller resistor footprints and tighter finished resistor tolerances.

Orbit is processed like the other OhmegaPly products using conventional subtractive printed circuit equipment and techniques. Since the resistors are built within the trace, any board shop with the capability of building controlled impedance traces can build Orbit resistors. Orbit is offered at a 3 percent material tolerance. This allows finished resistor tolerances of 5-10 percent. This is critical since the ability to trim resistor elements of 5 mils and smaller widths becomes problematic. Orbit also has higher power dissipation than higher sheet resistivity products with power dissipation over 25 percent greater than OhmegaPly 25 ohm per square product. This is also crucial for the formation of very small resistor elements that can handle the rated power requirements.

Ohmega Technologies, Culver City, CA. (310)559-4400. [www.ohmega.com].

4-Channel, 32 MHz Wave Generators Feature Small Size

Applications such as radar and military software radios depend on complex wave generation to meet development and test needs. Highland Technology releases two new members of its T340 series of embedded complex waveform generators. Smaller than a paperback, the T346 and T344 feature four output channels capable of generating standard and arbitrary waveforms from microHz to 32 MHz, and four additional internal channels usable as modulation and summing sources. Channels can also be pulse/PWM and Gaussian noise sources, and can be summed with or modulate one another in any combination. Modulations include AM, FM, PM and PWM. Waveforms include sine, triangle, sawtooth, Gaussian noise and precision pulse/PWM outputs. The T344 version is a four-channel ARB without modulations.

Four additional waveform generators are provided internally as modulation/summing sources. Channel-channel modulation capability allows generation of sweeps, chirps, I/Q and constellations, and calibrated jitter, and simulation of a wide range of radar, communications, power, encoders, and electro-mechanical systems.

Highland Technology, San Francisco, CA. (415) 551-1700. [www.highlandtechnology.com].

Low-Power Atom CPU Climbs Aboard cPCI

It took a while for CompactPCI to stake out its place in defense applications, but now it’s entrenched as a significant alternative in this market. A 3U CompactPCI SBC called the “CoolOne” (CC40x) from General Micro systems, is a conduction-cooled board with a typical operating power consumption of 3.5W/5W maximum. Because CoolOne is based on the Intel Atom processor, the board achieves low power in an exceptionally lightweight, conduction-cooled package.

The Atom processor operates at up to 1.6 GHz with 512 Kbytes of L2 Cache. With (up to) a 533 MHz front side bus, the board delivers as much as 1 Gbyte of 533 MHz DDR-2 SDRAM. Performance is further ensured by up to 16 Gbytes of bootable flash memory via CompactFlash, six USB 2.0 ports, two Serial ports with RS-232/422 support and two 8-bit Secure Digital I/O or MMC ports for custom I/O. CoolOne is available in a full rugged extended temperature (-40° to +85°C) version for critical environment applications. With its onboard heaters, CoolOne can operate at temperatures below -40°C. Pricing for the conduction-cooled version starts at $3,110 in quantity 100.

General Micro Systems,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
(800) 307-4863. [www.gms4sbc.com].

Scan Converter PMC Card Supports High Res Radar

Radar system development represents an extremely active segment of the military realm. Supporting that need, Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing, has announced the Eagle-2, a new high-resolution radar video scan-converter card. This compact PMC mezzanine module delivers enhanced scan conversion performance and support for high-resolution screen displays and eases the integration of advanced radar scan conversion functionality into VME, VPX and CompactPCI and PC-based systems. The Eagle-2 supports the simultaneous scan-conversion of multiple radar sources into PPI, A-Scan, or B-Scan formats at display resolutions up to 2560 x 1600, including 2048 x 2048 to address the growing demand for large-screen displays.

Eagle-2 delivers field-proven, high-performance radar scan conversion based on the industry-leading White-Powell algorithm. The card supports both forward and reverse scan-conversion to ensure that all single point targets are displayed and that no holes or spokes appear in the displayed image, even when zooming-in at long range. High-resolution (up to 2560x1600/2048x2048) and standard resolution (up to 1920 x 1200) versions are available. The card is available in both air-cooled L0 and L100 ruggedization levels. Pricing for the Eagle-2 starts at $10,200.

Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing, Leesburg, VA. (703) 779-7800. [www.cwcembedded.com].

COM Express Module Targets Advanced Graphics

The COM Express form factor has come to dominate the “bus-less” embedded computer space, and military system designers are giving it a try. Adlink’s latest COM Express board features the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and Intel GM965 chipset. Called the Express-MC800, this COM.0-compliant design enables high-end graphic tasks and computer-intensive applications. The Express-MC800 enables military system developers to run sophisticated applications, such as video processing, biometrics, and data analysis and visualization.

The Express-MC800 COM Express module offers the combination of the Intel Core2 Duo processor family (up to 2.2 GHz) and the Intel GM965 chipset with integrated X3100 GPU. The latter provides exceptional flexibility for embedded applications by offering the 32-bit 3D graphics engine of the X3100 GPU and a system bus of up to 800 MHz for up to 20 percent faster data transfer rates over the previous system bus generation. I/O options include support for five PCI Express x1 lanes, one PCI Express x16 lane, four PCI slots, one IDE port, three SATA ports and up to eight USB 2.0 ports. The Express-MC800 provides two SODIMM sockets for up to 4 Gbytes of 533/667 MHz DDR2 memory. The Express-MC800 can also be configured with the Intel Celeron M processor for low-power applications.

Adlink, Irvine, CA. (949) 423-2354.
[www.adlinktech.com].

Graphical Development Tool Targets ARM Chips

The portable/mobile segment is one of the most dynamic segments of today’s military system arena. The low-power ARM architecture is a favorite in that space. An extension of LabVIEW, the popular graphical system design platform from National Instruments, now directly targets the ARM 7, ARM 9 and Cortex-M3 microcontroller families. The module is the first product in an ongoing collaboration between the companies that combines the ease of use of LabVIEW with the performance of ARM microcontrollers.

Using the new module, engineers can create military embedded applications in LabVIEW and deploy them to more than 260 microcontrollers created from microprocessor IP licensed by ARM and manufactured by the world’s leading semiconductor companies including Analog Devices, Atmel, Luminary Micro, NXP, Freescale Semiconductor, Intel and Texas Instruments. The LabVIEW Embedded Module for ARM Microcontrollers features LabVIEW drivers that make it possible for domain experts to graphically program all components of the ARM microcontroller including the analog and digital I/O. National Instruments offers a development kit that includes a choice of an MCB2370 evaluation board with an ARM 7 family-based NXP processor or a Stellaris LM3S8962 with a Cortex-M3 processor-based Luminary Micro processor. Pricing starts at $8,999.

National Instruments, Austin, TX. (800) 258-7022. [www.ni.com].

3U VPX SBC Suited for Space-Constrained Apps

Designed specifically with military needs in mind, the VPX form factor is rapidly carving out territory and mindshare among program decision makers. The SBC320 from GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms is a 3U VPX single board computer that features Core2 Duo processing technology combined with a server-class memory controller. Available in five air- and conduction-cooled ruggedization levels, the SBC320 is designed for demanding space-constrained embedded computing applications where leading-edge processing capability is coupled with low heat dissipation.

At the heart of the SBC320 is an Intel Core2 Duo L7400 low-voltage processor running at 1.5 GHz. Up to 2 Gbytes of DDR2 SDRAM with ECC are supported along with 128 Mbytes of user flash memory. Two 4-lane PCI Express ports running at 2.5 GHz to the backplane support the high levels of system throughput enabled by the serial switched fabric VPX architecture, while maximum connectivity is delivered via two USB 2.0 ports, two SATA 150 ports, two 10/100/1000BaseT Gigabit Ethernet ports, two UART (RS232) ports and an XMC-compliant PMC site. Covers for the SBC320 are optionally available to allow 2-level maintenance.

GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, Charlotteville, VA. (800) 368-2738. [www.gefanuc.com].

Atom Z500 COM Express Boasts “Micro” Form Factor

The Intel Atom line of processors has emerged quickly as the processor of choice for ultra-low-power embedded computing platforms, and military applications like small UAVs and mobile devices are expected to reap the rewards. Advantech’s SOM-5775A is a COM Express module designed with the Intel Atom processor Z500 series that takes advantage of all the benefits of the Atom platform in the new COM Express “Micro” form factor. The Micro form factor performs the same functions as traditional COM Express modules but with a smaller board size of only 3.74 x 3.74 inch.

The Intel Atom Z500 series processor is not only a fraction of the size, the thermal design and 45 nm manufacturing process uses 10X less power (under 10W total) yet still provides great performance. SOM-5775 supports DDR2 memory up to 1 Gbyte, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, 8 USB 2.0 ports and PCIe interface. In addition, the integrated graphic engine supports CRT and 24-bit LCD display modes. Advantech’s System On Module (SOM) series is backwardly compatible with existing hardware and software systems. Advantech’s own Secure and Unified Smart Interface (SUSI) API library speeds software development, and global logistics and support streamline the product development process.

Advantech, Irvine, CA. (949) 789-7178. [www.advantech.com].

Dual-channel 10 GbE XMC Ready for Rough Duties

The military has become sold on the idea of using Ethernet not only as network technology but also as fabric interconnect. The V1120 from AdvancedIO is the first in a family of conduction-cooled XMC products for 10GbE connectivity and packet processing that addresses emerging requirements for open-standard, extremely high-bandwidth networking and point-to-point connectivity in high-performance real-time systems in harsh environments. The card uses a Xilinx Virtex-5 FPGA to optimize its performance and provide the functionality and flexibility required by high-performance real-time processing and recording applications. To accommodate large line-rate bursts of incoming sensor data, the V1120 can buffer up to 115,000 jumbo-frame Ethernet packets in its onboard SDRAM memory. Additional interface signals are provided to facilitate precise time synchronization and other application-specific functionality that requires deterministic, low latency access to the packets.

The V1120 facilitates stable, rapid deployment of 10GbE technology into high-performance, real-time, sensor data flow applications such as signal intelligence, radar and high-speed record/playback. Boasting two 10GbE interfaces in a conduction-cooled package, the V1120 is designed for an extended temperature range of -40° to 85°C. Upcoming members of the V1100 family will address different rugged requirements and options.

Advanced IO Systems Vancouver, BC.
(604) 331-1600. [www.AdvancedIO.com].

VME NAS RAID Blade Offers High Availability

As defense systems continue the trend toward greater reliance on computing and the need for denser storage, ACT/Technico’s latest offering is a single-slot 6U network attached storage (NAS) blade that provides the same automatic, transparent data replication and re-sync of traditional box-level RAID storage modules in a more compact footprint. The VME RAIDStor provides network access for up to 18 slots (up to 1/2 Terabyte per slot) in a 19-inch chassis. The SATA-based VME RAIDStor is suitable for use throughout many industries in a number of high-availability, data-intensive applications including network-centric military environments.

The blade can be configured in a single-star topology where the VME RAIDStor is connected to one network, or in dual-star where two networks are present, providing completely redundant network paths as well as port failover services and enabled or disabled with a single command for continuous system availability. Dual PMC-mounted solid state flash SATA drives and an extended temperature range of -40° to +85°C enable the VME RAIDStor to operate effectively in rugged environments. A 1 GHz Freescale processor provides 512 Mbytes of DDR-ECC memory, 64 Mbytes of NOR-based flash memory and 128 Kbytes of SRAM. Pricing starts at $6,500 for air-cooled with rotating drives.

ACT/Technico, Warminster, PA. (215) 956-1200. [www.acttechnico.com].

PC/104-Plus SBC Supports Fanless Operation

Fans aren’t welcome in many defense applications. They represent a single point of failure that is too risky to accommodate. Using an efficient AMD LX 800 processor that provides very low power consumption without sacrificing performance, a new PC/104-Plus SBC achieves the benefits of fanless operation (no moving parts), soldered-on system memory and extended temperature operation (-40° to +85°C). The Cougar from VersaLogic delivers 800 MHz-equivalent performance while drawing less than 5W of power. Standard onboard features include 256 Mbytes of soldered-on SDRAM, dual 10/100 Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, IDE interface and three COM ports. A CompactFlash socket provides reliable, high-capacity onboard storage, with no moving parts. Flexible options for keyboard, mouse, external storage and other devices are provided via USB ports.

The board includes integrated SVGA and LVDS flat-panel support with MMX & 3DNow! for video-intensive applications. The PC/104-Plus interface supports both ISA and PCI add-on modules. Standard pass-through connectors allow the board to be used either above or below other PC/104 modules. It may also be used as a CPU module for a larger system by plugging it into a proprietary base board that includes specific user I/O circuitry. Pricing starts around $795 in OEM quantities.

VersaLogic, Eugene, OR. (541) 485-8675. [www.versalogic.com].

Tool Enables Reliable Real-Time Messaging

Lossy networks–those that have uncertain or sporadic connectivity–are common in a variety of applications, such as defense and unmanned vehicles. There is support for lossy networks in the RTI Data Distribution Service 4.3 rev from Real-Time Innovations. Most distributed systems today rely on messaging middleware that uses the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) for inter-application and inter-node communication. TCP has characteristics that make it undesirable for use in real-time applications where the underlying network itself is not reliable. RTI provides a built-in transport that is Internet Protocol (IP)-based and employs the User Datagram Protocol (UDP). RTI also provides a completely tunable reliability model to optimize transport utilization over transient, high-delay, bandwidth-limited and lossy networks.

One of the many ways the RTI reliability model provides higher utilization of low bandwidth networks is that it allows the frequency of heartbeats and acknowledgements to be fine-tuned. The RTI reliability model is completely configurable, enabling developers to achieve the appropriate balance of determinism and reliability even in the presence of bandwidth-limited, high-latency and lossy transports. The use of UDP in conjunction with the RTI reliability model supports features not available with TCP, such as multicast, for extremely efficient data distribution. Group (OMG) Data Distribution Service for Real-Time Systems (DDS) is standard.

Real-Time Innovations, Sunnyvale, CA.
(408) 990-7400. [www.rti.com].