OpenVPX Spec Completed and Turned Over for VITA Ratification

At a press event at MILCOM Boston last month, the OpenVPX Industry Working Group announced the completion of the OpenVPX specification and its release to the VITA 65 working group for quick ratification. The OpenVPX working group was formed in January 2009 to develop a system level specification that addresses interoperability improvements for the VITA 46 specification. The milestone stayed true to the group's goal of completing the spec by October 2009. The specification is designed to improve interoperability of COTS 3U and 6U VPX boards achieved by implementation of predefined system topologies. This was needed, according to members, in order to lower the risk of adoption, expand the addressable market for VPX solutions, increase the market opportunities, and accelerate the deployment of VPX solutions into defense-related applications. The specification is now released to the VITA 65 working group, with the objective of the VITA Standards Organization's (VSO) ratification before year's end. Several OpenVPX member companies announced OpenVPX products compatible with the new spec at MILCOM (Figure 4.)

The OpenVPX System Specification is nearly 400 pages, describing technical implementation details for 3U and 6U VPX payload and switch modules, backplane topologies and chassis products, which will provide clear guidance to the Defense primes and suppliers on how to build interoperable computing and communication platforms. The press event, attended by the key military embedded electronics publications, included a summary briefing and a panel discussion. The VPX standard was developed to define a new generation of computing systems that employ high-performance switch fabrics over a new high-speed connector, as well as operate in harsh environments.

Member companies who have joined the OpenVPX Industry Working Group and signed the OpenVPX operational MOU agreement include: Aitech, Agilent, BittWare, Boeing, Concurrent Technologies, CSPI, Curtiss-Wright, Diversified Technology, DRS Signal Solutions, Elma Electronic, Extreme Engineering, Foxconn Electronics, GE Fanuc, General Dynamics AIS, General Dynamics, Hybricon, Kontron, Lockheed Martin, Mercury Computer Systems, Molex, Northrop Grumman, Pentair/Schroff, Pentek, Pigeon Point Systems, SIE Computing Solutions, TEK Microsystems, Tracewell Systems and Tyco Electronics.

OpenVPX Industry Working Group
[www.openvpx.org]

VITA
[www.vita.com].

Boeing Taps Parvus for Display Systems on P-8A Poseidon

Boeing has contracted Parvus to supply the Flight Test Display (FTD) and the Instrumentation Crew station Control Panel (ICCP) for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Developed for the U.S. Navy, the P-8A is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations. The P-8A will begin flight test this fall and initial operational capability is slated for 2013.

Boeing selected the DuraVIS 4300 from Parvus to serve as the aircraft's ICCP. By combining the proven durability and power of Parvus' DuraCOR mission computer with a COTS Multi-Function Display (MFD), the DuraVIS 4300 is an ideal solution for presenting flight, sensor, mapping, advisory and other information for the P-8A aircraft. Qualified to MIL-STD-810F, MIL-STD-704E and MIL-STD-461E standards, the DuraVIS 4300 offers exceptional low-temperature operation (-20°C) and resistance to shock and vibration profiles that will be experienced by the P-8A. In addition, Parvus' DuraVIS 3006 was chosen by Boeing to serve as the Flight Test Display for the P-8A.

Parvus
Salt Lake City, UT.
(801) 483-1533.
[www.parvus.com].

Event Calendar

December 8
Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference
Copenhagen, Denmark
www.rtecc.com

December 10
Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference
Gothenburg, Sweden
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November 30 - December 3
I/ITSEC
Orlando, FL
www.iitsec.org

January 26
Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference
Santa Clara, CA
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February 2
AFCEA West 2010
San Diego, CA
www.afcea.org

February 9
Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference
Huntsville, AL.
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February 11
Real-Time & Embedded Computing Conference
Robins AFB, GA
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February 24-26
AUSA Winter 
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
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