By: Jeff Child, Editor-in-Chief
Offering a better compute density story than alternative approaches, rackmount bladed systems are finding a solid place in military system applications.
When the goal is packing in as much compute density as possible into a system, it’s hard to beat a rackmount blade computer architecture. A wealth of product and system solutions is available targeting military applications with these requirements. Blade server based computing solutions and other rackmount boards are rapidly finding a niche in a variety of military applications such as SATCOM-On-the-Move systems. Now that complete server-level computers are available in a 1U blade, it’s possible to pack a lot of computing in a convenient rack-based space alongside off-the-shelf 1U network routing and advanced communications boards.
One advantage of the 1U form factor is that it makes it easier to put together systems that incorporate existing IT-based 1U boards, such as specialized encryption systems, precision timing boards or tried and true networking gear like Cisco routers. Rackmount systems of larger sizes such as 2U, 3U and 4U are also gaining acceptance in military systems where compute density is paramount. In contrast to backplane-based architectures like VME or CompactPCI, rackmount systems are busless and typically use Ethernet or other cable-based technology to link boards with one another. The lack of a backplane also significantly reduces overall system weight. These types of configurations are becoming popular in military comms gear in vehicles where every pound of weight is precious (Figure 1).
PCI Express Bladed Server
Exemplifying this trend is the TCS4500 industrial server from Trenton Technology. Trenton configures, integrates and validates this shallow-depth, high-performance computer with long-life processors installed on Trenton’s JXT6966 single board computer. The system features the BPC7041 PCI Express 2.0 backplane plus multiple storage options. The TCS4500 (Figure 2) enables faster system deployments in many diverse applications such as shipboard navigation and submarine communications. Up to four front-access, hot-swap 2.5-inch storage drives are provided. The shallow-depth design of the TCS4500 chassis plus the high-performance computing capability of the system’s SBC, backplane and storage options creates an industrial server platform that is ideal for space-constrained applications.
Illustrating the compute density advantages of rackmount systems, the Kontron Industrial Silent Server KISS 4U KTC5520 has up to 12 processing cores designed with new 32 nm technology. The system allows formerly separate apps to be moved onto a single, cost-effective system. It is a highly robust and long-term available open standard platform, offering up to two dual Intel Xeon 5600 Series processors. It features an operating temperature range of 0° to 50°C, an operating humidity range of 10-95%, all-around IP 20 protection (optionally upgradeable to IP 52 at the front), and high shock and vibration protection, which makes the server perfect for applications where more ruggedized systems are necessary.
The server board can be fully managed remotely. The Industrial Silent Server is available with up to two Intel Xeon (5500 or 5600) series processors and up to 48 Gbytes of DDR3 ECC registered SDRAM per processor. The server paves the way for a wide range of extensions, thanks to 1x PCI Express x16 (PEG) (configurable as 1x PCI Express x8), 3 PCIe 2.0 x8, 1 PCIe x4 (using x8 slot) and 1 x PCI. Also on board are 2 x Gbit Ethernet, 6 x USB 2.0 (2 on the front) and 1 x COM (RS-232).
Compact LAN-Based Solution
Offering a line of 1U rackmount offerings, Win Enterprise features a series of LAN-connected units. Its latest is a 1U rackmount platform with the Intel Atom D510 dual-core or D410 single-core processor, including six GbE LAN ports and an externally accessible PCI slot. The PL-80300 (Figure 3) provides externally accessible PCI card support for the D410 or D510 Atom Pineview low-voltage processors plus the Intel 82801HM Controller, external access to the PCI card slot and a maximum of six GbE LAN ports via PCI-E x1. In addition, the unit includes USB 2.0, a 3.5-inch SATA HDD bay, CF socket, mini-PCI slot and Console port.
ATCA has secured a solid niche in the military market, particularly for applications that stress high-performance communications and networking. By designing on ATCA-based systems, developers can deliver significantly lighter command and control stations that allow for improved mobility in the field. ATCA computer modules offer capabilities and processing power comparable to rackmount systems servers built on multicore server class processors. Because ATCA is a bladed architecture, multiple ATCA modules can be incorporated into a single chassis. Since the ATCA blades share a common enclosure, fan and power supply, they offer a simpler architecture that weighs significantly less than comparable solutions.
Along those lines, the RadiSys Promentum C2 Server (Figure 4) is a pre-integrated, portable ATCA platform specifically designed for ground mobile applications, and delivers a 33 percent weight advantage over equivalent rackmount server systems. With an average weight of 46 kg, the C2 Server is light enough for two people to lift, while a rackmount server solution delivering the same performance and memory weighs up to 85.8 kg. This weight savings directly translates to improved field mobility for a tactical advantage to military troops. The pre-integrated C2 Server consists of a Ruggedized 6U 6-slot AC LCR Chassis, two RadiSys Promentum ATCA-2210 10 Gigabit Ethernet Switch and Control Modules with optional COM Express module, which can support platform management functions, up to four RadiSys Promentum ATCA-4500 series single board computers (SBCs) and Astute Networks’ Caspian R1100 Edge Storage Blades.
Putting GPUs to Work
Graphics processing units (GPUs) combined with advanced switched fabric interconnects are emerging as an interesting technology option for processing massive sets of data in military systems. However, they require a system architecture that serves those needs. One Stop Systems offers a 2U PCI Express acceleration platform that supports up to eight PCIe x16 Gen 2 I/O cards. There are three versions of acceleration platforms that include either one or two PCIe x16 Gen 2 interfaces, allowing more than one host computer to access cards. Host cable adapters and one-meter cables are included with the platform. The 2U platform supports both single-wide and double-wide boards. Dual 850W power supplies provide redundant power for GPUs or other high-speed I/O cards requiring high power output.
The 21-inch chassis allows all boards to be accessed through the rear, allowing cables to be connected to I/O ports. Removable trays allow easy installation of any full-length PCIe x16 add-in boards. The three versions of the 2U accelerator are the “4-1,” which supports four double-wide cards with a single PCIe x16 interface, the “4-2” supporting four double-wide cards with two PCIe x16 interfaces, and the “8-2” supporting eight single-wide cards with two PCIe x16 interfaces.
Kontron America
Poway, CA.
(858) 677-0877.
[www.kontron.com].
One Stop Systems
Escondido, CA.
(877) 438-2724.
[www.onestopsystems.com].
RadiSys
Hillsboro, OR.
(503) 615-1100.
[www.radisys.com].
Trenton Technology
Gainesville, GA.
(770) 287-3100.
[www.trentontechnology.com].
WIN Enterprises
North Andover, MA.
(978) 688-2000.
[www.win-ent.com].
© 2009 RTC Group, Inc., 905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 250, San Clemente, CA 92673