Elma’s AI Optimized CompacFrame Speeds Development of Rugged GPU-focused Applications

New SOSA-aligned 7-slot test and development chassis supports up to 100GBASE-KR4 and PCIe Gen4.

Elma Electronic has expanded its SOSA-aligned CompacFrame development chassis to include an AI-optimized 7-slot version. Equipped with six 3U payload slots and one VITA 62 power supply slot, the new 3U VPX/OpenVPX test and development platform allows SBC and GPU coupling and direct distribution through the backplane.

The CompacFrame was designed to meet the complex needs of AI-based processing when testing and developing rugged embedded applications. Typical applications include those in which one GPU/SBC pair runs an inference model and another supports signal processing of RF data or drives a high-definition display.

The portable unit is ideal for comput-intensive processing of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and radio frequency (RF) using AI, machine learning (ML), or traditional digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms. Applications include radar beamforming, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ground moving target indicator (GMTI) radar, autonomous navigation, threat detection and identification, target tracking and display, sensor fusion, surveillance, and situational awareness.

Because the slot profiles are aligned with SOSA and CMOSS, the AI-optimized CompacFrame is ideal for modern military applications that will adhere to the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), an interoperability initiative driven by the Department of Defense. A fully SOSA-aligned VITA 46.11 chassis manager is accessible from a connector on the rear of the unit.

For maximum throughput and speed, the 6+1 backplane (six VITA 65 payload slots, one VITA 62 power supply slot) supports a dual domain Ethernet switch up to 100GBASE-KR4, and the expansion plane link supports PCI Express (PCIe) Gen4. With 16 lanes of PCIe between a host SBC and a GPU, including meshed GPUs between slots 5 and 6, the backplane can handle multiple AI-based use cases.

Designed for flexible test and development, the new CompacFrame provides several easy-to-use features. Both air-cooled and conduction-cooled payload boards can be inserted. The angled card cage provides easy access to plug-in cards, and the front panel includes reset and power switches as well as voltage-monitoring LEDs and test points. The rear of the unit contains an Ethernet port, serial port, chassis manager, USB port aggregator, and LED indicators for power, fan, and over-temperature.