Curtiss-Wright’s first XMC mezzanine-based format converter eases interoperability of modern and legacy video equipment on aerospace and defense platforms
ASHBURN, Va., – Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division expanded its family of COTS-based video format converter solutions with the introduction of its first XMC (VITA 42) mezzanine card form factor video gateway. The new XMC Format Converter (XMC-FC1) is a size, weight and power (SWaP)-optimized rugged module that quickly and easily brings industry-leading video format conversion to VPX-based deployed systems.
As modern video equipment is rapidly integrated onto airborne and ground defense platforms, system developers must confront the often complex burden of converting legacy video formats used to ensure interoperability with newer video management systems. The module, with support for two independent channels of video conversion and support for 15 different video formats and resolutions, scales and rate converts video input signals in any aspect ratio, and outputs them to a wide range of digital and analog video output formats.
The XMC-FC1 is also the only dual channel XMC standard format converter that features a frame buffer to deliver flexibility for frame rate, scaling and overlays. Easily added to any 3U or 6U VPX host card with an XMC site and Pn4 connector, the module enables system integrators to provide video format conversion in a single slot. The XMC-FC1 is ideal for use on airborne (rotary or fixed-wing) platforms, ground vehicles, ground stations, and naval platforms.
“Our new XMC-FC1 video format converter module takes the pain out of integrating the newest digital video sensors and older legacy equipment,” said Lynn Bamford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Defense Solutions division. “Even better, it brings video format conversion to the open architecture OpenVPX system environment.”
In addition to supporting legacy analog and modern DVI centric video equipment, the XMC-FC1 also brings ARINC-818 to VPX single board computers. The ARINC-818 avionics digital video bus supports high bandwidth, low latency uncompressed video, therefore enabling high performance digital video systems. The module also supports SDI (SD, HD, 3G) video outputs.
Curtiss-Wright’s rugged Video Management Systems (VMS) provide comprehensive video conversion and distribution solutions to simplify the routing of multiple video signals on ground and airborne platforms. The XMC-FC1 can be easily combined with Curtiss-Wright’s comprehensive family of AVDU, SVDU, and GVDU rugged LCD touchscreen mission displays, as well as the rugged, SWaP-optimized VRDV7000 digital HD video recorder, to create a complete deployed VMS solution. COTS-based VMS units offer aircraft integrators and installers a modern solution to traditional complex aircraft installations and simplified cabling which delivers cost and weight saving.
For more information about Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division, please visit www.curtisswrightds.com.
