Multi-Function Computer Unveiled for Rugged Military Applications

By Mike Ball / 17 Jan 2019
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OnTime Networks Multi-Function COTS system

OnTime Networks, a provider of Ethernet solutions for the aerospace and defense industries, has announced the introduction of its new fully rugged military grade CM/CR-6228 Multi-Function COTS all-in-one system. The new CM/CR-6228 Series can combine the capabilities of a 28 Port Gb/10Gb Ethernet Switch, Layer 3 Router, GPS Time Server and Computer in one compact design, and is ideal for rugged miltary applications such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The CM/CR-6228 Series has been recently selected for an international multi-engine mission aircraft program. The selection of the CM/CR-6228 was influenced by its high performance modular, scalable and future-proof architecture, as well as its advanced features and compact size.

The new CM/CR-6228 Series provides four different capabilities in one SWaP-optimized Multi-Function COTS all-in-one platform:

Network Ethernet switch: Layer 2/3 switch with up to 28 ports, including up to 4x 10GbE copper or fiber ports
Network Ethernet Router: Layer 3 router option

  • OnTime VyOS router package
  • Cisco 5921 Embedded Services Router (ESR) with Advanced Enterprise protocols
  • Architecture Technology Corp. (ATC) Routing and Encryption Suite (ARES) with NIAP, CSfC, and Common Criteria (CC) certification

GPS Time Server Capability: IEEE 1588 PTP, NTP, IRIG-B, PPS and 10MHz
Rugged Single Board Computer (SBC) with Intel Atom E3845 or E3900 series, with:

  • One DisplayPort out
  • Up to 32GB DDR3
  • Two USB 2.0 ports
  • Specialized or custom solutions firmware
  • One serial port with RS-232

“We are very proud that our cutting-edge CM/CR-6228 Series has been selected for use in an important new fixed-wing mission aircraft program and that our technology will assist the airborne teams in achieving their missions,” said OnTime Networks’ CEO Øyvind Holmeide. “This significant win highlights the benefits of our modular and flexible design approach, which was particularly applicable to the unique requirements of this program.

Pål-Jørgen Kyllesø, CTO of OnTime Networks further commented: “The CM/CR-6228 Series is the first fully rugged Multi-Function COTS all-in-one system, combining the capabilities of a 28 Port Ethernet Switch, Router, Time Server and Computer.”

The integrated GbE/10GbE switch provides a total of 28 Ethernet ports, of which 24 ports are 10/100/1000 BASE-T ports and 4 ports are 1000 or 10000 BASE-T or SR. The CM/CR-6228 Series enables secure, managed network routing and GbE switching capabilities for onboard communications and computing subsystems. The unit is specifically designed to provide reliable, high-performance connectivity for extremely demanding size, weight and power (SWaP) constraints in harsh, demanding environments (e.g. high altitude, extreme shock and vibration, extended temperatures, humidity, dust and water exposure, noisy EMI, dirty power).

The CM/CR-6228 Series router implementation is based on a separate router board with an Intel Atom processor and can either be equipped with the OnTime Networks router package providing routing speeds of up to 800Mbps or with the Cisco 5921 Embedded Services Router (ESR) Advanced Enterprise router package, or the Architecture Technology Corp. (ATC) Routing and Encryption Suite (ARES) with NIAP, CSfC, and Common Criteria (CC) certification.

Its modular, rugged design, enclosed in a completely sealed housing against dust and water ingress (IP68), requires no active cooling and provides MIL-DTL-38999 connectors. The unit features a military-grade power supply for aircraft (MIL-STD-704F) and ground (MIL-STD-1275D) vehicle use, as well as MIL-STD-461F EMI/EMC filtering.

Posted by Mike Ball Mike Ball is our resident technical editor here at Unmanned Systems Technology. Combining his passion for teaching, advanced engineering and all things unmanned, Mike keeps a watchful eye over everything related to the unmanned technical sector. With over 10 years’ experience in the unmanned field and a degree in engineering, Mike’s been heading up our technical team here for the last 8 years. Connect & Contact