As missions move closer to the tactical edge and platforms become more autonomous, the demand for compact, modular, and interoperable computing architectures has never been greater.

Open standards play a critical role in meeting these requirements by ensuring scalability, reuse, and rapid technology insertion across a wide range of applications. Aligned closely with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), open standards enable interoperable components, scalable architectures, faster technology insertion, and obsolescence management. Embedded developers can build better systems that defense applications demand today and will enable future tech upgrades.

The Emergence of VNX+ (VITA 90)

Embedded systems designers using VITA and SOSA standards needed to find a more compact solution than OpenVPX to address smaller form factors (SFFs). Working in tandem, members of both organizations contributed to a well-thought-out standard that also has electrical compatibility with 3U VPX cards aligned to SOSA. Today’s VNX+ (VITA 90) strengths lie in addressing specific performance and integration needs in a small, modular platform. The new architecture allows embedded computing systems to achieve new levels of efficiency and functionality.

Offering similar technical features, but in a form factor about 30% of the size of 3U OpenVPX, VNX+ addresses modern SWaP-C challenges. This equates to robust, flexible, and interoperable solutions for today’s SFF computing needs.

Over the past year, there has been a significant leap forward in VNX+ technologies, including the industry’s first 3-slot FlexVNX+ development chassis from Elma Electronic. Geared towards early-stage developers and system integrators, it allows engineers to test and validate VNX+ payload modules to accelerate time-to-market for compact, VNX+ based systems.

This along with other technologies related to VNX+ are paving the way for more efficient and powerful SFF systems in defense and aerospace technologies.

QMC (VITA 93) for I/O Flexibility

Engineers in VITA’s VNX+ Working Group also recognized the need for a new approach to adding I/O capabilities to compact embedded systems. Not just something smaller, but I/O that was also more flexible than existing solutions.

What was once designed to work specifically with VNX+, QMC (VITA 93) is now an emerging, independent standard that solves limitations in size, processing and scalability. It defines a flexible, next-generation mezzanine concept for small form factor modules used in a broad range of high-speed, PCIe-based systems. These include not only aerospace and defense, but industrial, transportation, energy and manufacturing markets as well as in medical and scientific research.

Thanks to the wide applicability of QMC, users can mix and match I/O functions on several open standards platforms. Multiple QMCs on a single carrier can support simplified I/O mapping, variable stacking heights for SWaP-C applications, and scalability through interchangeable configurations. Elma partners, like TEWS Technologies are expanding available QMC offerings, engineers can maximize functionality, while reducing design constraints.

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