LCR Embedded Systems, a leading developer of integrated systems, chassis and backplanes for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other unmanned systems, explains that aerospace and defense sectors are witnessing a surge in demand for 100Gb connectivity.
This demand is driven by escalating needs in real-time data transmission, enhanced communications, signal intelligence, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity.
To meet these demands, chip manufacturers have swiftly developed new SOSA-aligned 3U and 6U payload modules that support 100 GbE (100GBASE-KR4) and PCI Express® (PCIe) Gen-4 protocols across processing units, FPGAs, and switching products.
This development necessitates backplanes capable of supporting data rates of 25Gbps per lane, a significant leap from the previous 10Gbps standard.
This increase is facilitated by several critical innovations in networking technology, including improved signal processing techniques, higher-speed transceivers, and high-speed connectors.
These advancements have made it feasible to implement 100Gb connectivity in ruggedized embedded computing applications, particularly in the demanding environments of aerospace and defense.
To maintain the high signal integrity required in these applications, new high-speed PCB laminates are now in use. These laminates ensure the 25Gb per lane data rates necessary for 100Gb pipes, which are crucial for the reliability and performance of defense systems. LCR’s 100Gb SOSA-aligned VPX systems exemplify solutions that leverage these cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving needs of the defense sector.
Putting 100Gb to Use
Implementing 100Gb connectivity addresses longstanding bandwidth limitations in military operations, where current systems have struggled with insufficient bandwidth and high latency.
This advancement enables command centers to access real-time situational awareness data, coordinate troop movements, and communicate with deployed forces more effectively. The ability to transmit information and locations in real-time is critical, as it can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield.
Remote Operations
In remote and hostile environments, mission success increasingly depends on high-speed, real-time remote control, telemetry, and data transmission streams in both manned and unmanned systems.
This level of connectivity supports a wide range of critical functions in battlefield management, including situational awareness, reconnaissance, surveillance, weapons control, and the protection of deployed personnel.
The secure and reliable communications enabled by 100Gb connectivity are indispensable in these scenarios, ensuring swift responses to dynamic operational challenges.
Learn more about LCR Embedded Systems’ AoC3U-821 ATR Chassis for VPX and SOSA-aligned cards >>
Cybersecurity
The increased bandwidth provided by 100Gb connectivity significantly enhances cybersecurity operations by enabling the implementation of advanced encryption and security protocols. Five years ago, while certain encryption and security technologies were under development, their effectiveness was constrained by the lower bandwidth of 10Gb systems.
The advancement to 100Gb connectivity has now made it more practical to deploy these robust security measures, addressing the evolving digital threats with greater efficiency. This progress ensures better protection of sensitive data and critical infrastructure in today’s high-speed network environments.
Signals Intelligence
Signals intelligence, which relies on the rapid transfer of intercepted signals, is another area that gains significant advantages from 100Gb connectivity.
High-speed data transfer enables faster signal processing and analysis, which are vital for maintaining strategic and tactical advantages in intelligence operations. This ensures timely decision-making and enhances the effectiveness of electronic countermeasures.
Electronic Warfare
In electronic warfare, a wide range of frequency bands (from 30 KHz in the VLF range to 3GHz in the UHF range) are used for various purposes such as communication, surveillance, radar, jamming, and countermeasures.
The digitization of these signals produces massive data streams, often described as a “firehose” of data, which must be efficiently processed and distributed by embedded systems.
VPX systems equipped with 100Gb capabilities are key in handling these demanding data processing requirements, enabling high-performance computing in military applications.
The adoption of 100Gb connectivity in VPX systems marks a significant leap forward in embedded computing for defense. It enables faster data transfer, improved performance, and enhanced scalability, ensuring that military personnel receive actionable, real-time information crucial for mission success.
