Integrating GPU-Based AI Sensors into SOSA-Aligned and OpenVPX Rugged Platforms

Why AI at the Tactical Edge?

Deploying AI at the edge enables faster decision-making, lower latency, and autonomy in disconnected or degraded environments. Applications include:

• Object detection in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance)
• Real-time threat identification in EI (Electronic Intelligence)
• Onboard diagnostics and predictive maintenance

These require low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) systems that can withstand vibration, extreme temperatures, and electromagnetic interference.

SOSA and OpenVPX: The Backbone of AI Integration
The Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standard, and OpenVPX underpin the essentials for scaling AI across multiple platforms  by offering:

• Slot-based modular architecture for rapid system scaling
• Defined thermal and electrical profiles to host high-wattage GPUs
• Compatible backplanes that enable data-intensive AI processing

SOSA alignment ensures multi-vendor compatibility, upgradability, and long-term maintainability—crucial for DoD programs.

Key Integration Challenges

1. Thermal Management

GPUs produce significant heat, particularly in conduction-cooled environments. Atrenne addresses this via:

• Heat-spreading wedge locks
• Multi-fin sidewalls for increased dissipation
• Cold plate bases and rear fan assistance in longer chassis versions

2. Power Delivery

High-performance GPUs demand power stability. Atrenne’s 500W conduction-cooled solutions, tested up to 70°C ambient, ensure:

• Efficient power conversion (+5V, +12V, -12V, 3.3V)
• Minimal heat loss to maximize board reliability

3. Signal Integrity and Bandwidth

High-speed data from AI sensors requires:

• Custom backplanes with impedance-controlled trace routing
• Minimized crosstalk and EMI shielding
• Standard alignment to VITA 65 and SOSA profiles

AI Sensor Use Cases in Rugged Platforms

• UAV/UGV Autonomy: Real-time route adaptation using onboard visual processing
• Electronic Intelligence: Instantaneous signal classification using RF-trained neural nets
• Surveillance Systems: Multi-sensor fusion for facial or object recognition

These use cases demand rugged platforms that can deliver workstation-class AI performance in low-SWaP enclosures.

Atrenne’s Advantage

With decades of expertise in rugged systems and embedded computing, Atrenne delivers:

• Fully SOSA-aligned and OpenVPX enclosures
• Custom backplanes and I/O routing
• Tested, scalable thermal solutions for high-TDP (thermal design power) devices

Whether you’re designing for air, land, or maritime systems, Atrenne ensures your AI capability performs at the edge.

Driving Innovation at the Tactical Edge

The convergence of GPU-driven AI workloads and rugged computing infrastructure is transforming how missions are executed and decisions are made in real-time. By aligning with SOSA and OpenVPX standards, Atrenne enables system designers to deploy next-generation AI capabilities without compromising on reliability, thermal integrity, or modularity.

With a focus on long lifecycle support, future-ready architectures, and field-proven mechanical designs, Atrenne is not just responding to the edge AI revolution—it’s helping to lead it. If your program requires the performance of data center-class AI within the footprint of a rugged tactical system, Atrenne has the experience and technology foundation to deliver. Want to Learn More? Contact Atrenne to explore how your program can benefit from AI-integrated, SOSA-aligned rugged platforms.