X-ES has announced that its line of single board computers (SBCs) based on the Intel Xeon D-1500 family of processors is now available in over 90 different configurations. These embedded single board computers offer a feature-rich computing solution that is well-suited to a broad range of commercial and military unmanned systems applications.
Intel Xeon D processor boards from X-ES encompass a wide range of functionality in both standard and custom form factors, including 3U VPX, 6U VPX, and COM Express. To date, the company has delivered at least one unit for each of 16 Xeon D processor-based products, including a number of complex designs with features such as dual mezzanine support and integrated FPGAs.
The Intel Xeon D-1500 processor family (formerly Broadwell DE) offers a combination of performance and reduced power consumption optimized for compute-intensive embedded applications. It removes the graphics support often seen in the Intel Core i7 series of processors, leaving more chip resources dedicated to raw compute and allowing up to 16 Xeon-class cores in a single, power-efficient System- on-Chip (SoC) package.
Xeon D is also the first Intel processor with native extended temperature support, a key requirement for many defense and aerospace applications. Xeon D processors with up to 12 cores are rated by the manufacturer for an operating temperature range of -400C to 850C.
Xeon D SBCs from X-ES are engineered to withstand environmental extremes. Their ruggedization techniques include Class III printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies to improve reliability across temperature variations; mounting holes positioned to minimize the effects of vibration; and hybrid copper and aluminum heat frames that optimize thermal performance while reducing overall weight. All X-ES SBCs undergo thermal and structural qualification in accordance with MIL-STD-810F specifications.
For applications that require maximum data and information protection, X-ES offers several Xeon D SBCs with integrated SecureCOTS technology. These SBCs pair the Xeon D processor with a security SoC or FPGA capable of hosting custom functions to protect data from being modified or observed.
The XPedite7672 3U VPX SBC and XCalibur4646 6U VPX SBC implement SecureCOTS functions with a Microsemi SmartFusion2 security SoC. Both include multiple 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces as well as XMC support.
The XPedite7674 3U VPX SBC and XCalibur4643 6U VPX SBC implement SecureCOTS functions with a Xilinx Kintex UltraScale FPGA. This FPGA features low-power, high-performance DSP capabilities, making it ideal for applications such as radar and sonar processing and signals intelligence. The XPedite7674 and XCalibur4643 both include multiple 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet interfaces as well as XMC support.
For lower costs and faster deployment, 3U VPX modules based on the Xeon D processor can be installed in a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) rugged chassis from X-ES’ popular XPand6200 Series. These sub-1⁄2 ATR systems have a lightweight two-slot design that incorporates the latest power-saving and performance-enhancing technology.
