Explore how LCR Embedded Systems’ VPX development chassis accelerate integration and testing for mission-critical defense and aerospace applications, offering modular flexibility, high-speed connectivity, and advanced cooling to support the most demanding embedded computing environments. Find out more > >
As defense and aerospace systems continue to demand higher performance and greater reliability, VPX (VITA 46) technologies have become essential for modern embedded computing. Designed to replace VMEbus, VPX offers a scalable architecture that supports the high-speed data transfer, rugged design, and modular flexibility required for mission-critical environments. Its evolution, including SOSA aligned standards, has made VPX a cornerstone in today’s defense-grade computing platforms.
A VPX development chassis plays a critical role in system prototyping, integration, and testing. These platforms provide engineers with a versatile environment for evaluating single board computers and plug-in cards (PICs), enabling easy access for debugging, rapid board swaps, and efficient reconfiguration. More advanced systems support full backplanes, allowing developers to simulate complete system architectures and map out data flows before moving to production hardware.
During development, achieving the right connectivity between boards is key. Because off-the-shelf backplanes with custom profiles are rarely available, cabled solutions offer a flexible alternative. Using power and ground (P and G) backplanes combined with high-speed cabling, engineers can create and iteratively refine the desired system profile without the time and cost of custom backplane fabrication. LCR supports this development approach with chassis designed to accommodate Meritec cabling systems, streamlining signal management and reducing integration risk.
LCR’s development chassis support both 3U and 6U VPX form factors. The compact 3U VPX is widely used in applications where space and weight are critical, such as edge processing. The larger 6U VPX form factor offers expanded space for high-performance processing, additional I/O, and complex component layouts. LCR’s DK3HS-4 chassis supports high-speed 3U development with four slots and data rates up to 100Gb. The DK6 chassis, designed for 6U VPX, offers open-frame flexibility with support for both air and conduction cooling and quick backplane changes.
With payload power increasing across applications such as electronic warfare, radar, and SIGINT, cooling remains a major challenge. Conduction-cooled solutions are standard, but liquid cooling is emerging as the next frontier. Development chassis must adapt with advanced thermal strategies to meet growing power densities.
LCR’s VPX development platforms accelerate system design and reduce risk, supporting application development from initial concept to final deployment with robust, customizable solutions.
