New VITA working group to develop COTS standard for cooling SWaP-C-constrained VPX module-based systems

HOUSTON, 19 Jan. 2016. A new VITA working group will develop VITA 48.8, a new air flow through (AFT) cooling standard for size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C)-constrained 3U and 6U VPX module-based systems.

The VITA 48.8, intended to deliver weight and cost savings by eliminating the use of wedgelocks and ejector/injector handles, will be the first to bring AFT cooling to commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) 3U form factor VPX modules, officials say.

The new open standard will also help reduce weight and cost for cooling high-density 3U and 6U module-based systems with high power dissipation. VITA 48.8 does not use module-to-chassis conduction cooling; rather, it will help drive the use of chassis constructed of lightweight plastic or composite materials. The combination of advanced cooling, small form factor (SFF) AFT, and reduced weight benefits SWAP-C-constrained platforms, such as rotorcraft and unmanned vehicles.

The VITA 48.8 Working Group is chaired by Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions, with Lockheed Martin serving as the standard’s editor. The working group has set a goal of submitting the finalized VITA 48.8 draft for ANSI ratification later in 2016.

Companies interested in participating in the working group should contact VITA.

Founded in 1984, VITA (www.VITA.com) is an incorporated, non-profit organization of suppliers and users who share a common market interest in critical embedded systems. VITA champions open system architectures. VITA aims to increase total market size for its members, expand market exposure for suppliers, and deliver timely technical information. VITA has ANSI and IEC accreditation to develop standards (VME, VXS, VPX, OpenVPX, VPX REDI, XMC, FMC, VNX, etc.) for embedded systems used in myriad critical applications and harsh environments.