Aitech Defense Systems Inc., a pioneer in true rugged embedded and mission critical computing technologies, has released a 3U VPX GPGPU that combines exceptional processing and high data throughput capabilities with a rugged design ideal for C4ISR and advanced sensor processing.
Continuing to push the innovation envelope, Aitech’s new C530 carries the latest industry-standard MXM modules with the ability to easily upgrade to newer modules as they become available. These state-of-the-art MXM modules enable one module to be leveraged across multiple platforms, providing expanded graphics and teraflop processing options for each system.
The C530 GPGPU board is currently offered with one of two state-of-the-art MXM modules:
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX @ 600 MHz; 4 GB of GDDR5 memory at 1800 MHz
- AMD Radeon HD 7970M @ 850 MHz; 2 GB of GDDR5 memory at 1200 MHz
The multiple format video output channels included as standard on the new C530 enable the board to be used in a variety of rugged signal processing and high resolution graphics requirements.
The C530 connects to any Intel-based VPX SBC via a high speed PCIe Gen 2.0 link using up to 16 lanes over the VPX backplane. This makes for easy integration into VPX-based systems, while meeting the high performance requirements of graphics-based applications.
Doug Patterson, vice president of business development and marketing for Aitech, noted, “GPGPUs are ideal for performing parallel processing and high-bandwidth image processing, serving as dedicated math co-processors for advanced digital signal processing and embedded computing subsystems.”
“Major hurdles in processing and analyzing sensor information from data-intensive applications include combining multiple wavelength, optical and radar image frames to create instantly recognizable information immediately actionable by the mission operator. Aitech’s C530 GPGPU addresses these challenges by providing a COTS-based, open architecture product framework to synchronize and integrate large arrays of disparate sensors,” he continued.
The new C530 GPGPU meets the critical task of effectively processing sensor data and situational awareness information in defense and aerospace applications.
For example, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with multiple independent sensors must remain aloft and on-station for extended periods of time, performing continuous reconnaissance and surveillance. Today’s advanced systems must combine these independent sources of sensor data – called Sensor Fusion – and form the data into complex images for immediate action and post mission analysis. The C530 aids in that process.
In manned vehicles, to offload vehicle operators, advanced manned vehicle data fusion systems must perform more autonomous operator functions, such as complex target and Red/Blue force tracking. These new data sensor applications include border security and patrol using sensor fusion with data manipulation that push the limits of advanced optical and infrared sensor processing on remote controlled unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platforms. These applications demand an SBC that can collect, process, analyze and immediately act upon very large quantities of data.
The new C530 GPGPU comes in commercial and rugged air-cooled as well as conduction-cooled configurations for severe and harsh environments per VITA 46. Conduction-cooled versions are compliant with VPX-REDI (VITA 48.2).
