MIL-compliant, ruggedized COTS computing subsystems target military ground vehicles

A new class of high-performance distributed computing subsystems meets the U.S. military’s goals for increasing the use of low-cost open-standards base commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) electronics in military ground vehicles.  The Packaged COTS (PCOTS) Systems from Curtiss-Wright Controls provide military system integrators with a Modular Open Standards Approach (MOSA)-compliant and scalable range of rugged systems designed to meet the open standards for the integration of C4ISR and related items of equipment on Army platforms.

The small, high-performance x86 computers are available in a range of packaged solutions from 150 in³ to 778 in³ in volume and from one to five processing modules. With an IEEE 802-based, high-capacity network infrastructure, they offer low latency, high-speed application-to-application data transfers.

The family features OpenVPX computer modules in a 3U form factor, but accommodates alternate 3U VPX modules to change system functionality (video processing, etc.) Users have the option of PCOTS Switch solutions in a variety of form factors including PMC, XMC, 3U OpenVPX, 6U OpenVPX, and stand-alone, platform-ready subsystems. The platform accommodates technology refresh with future 6U VPX Switch modules and supports DMA-controlled diagnostics utilities and tools. Computer and switch implementations leverage a patent-pending cooling method to optimize thermal path from card to vehicle cold plate or atmosphere.

Designed for reliable operation in harsh ground vehicle environments:

• Operating Temp.: -40°C to +49°C
• Storage Temp: -46°C to +72°C
• Humidity:  +5 to +95% Induced
• Altitude: 15,000 ft (Operating) 35,000 (Storage)
• Shock: 40g, 11ms Sawtooth
• Ballistic Shock: 50g, 10ms Half-Sinewave
• MIL-STD-461F Compliant EMI/EMC
• MIL-STD-810G Compliant Vibration, Shock, Altitude, Humidity, Salt, Fog, NBC, Fungus, Sand, & Dust

For more information, visit www.cwcembedded.com, or contact sales@cwcembedded.com.