Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions has introduced the industry’s first plug-in module to bring commercial-off-the-shelf, defense-grade system security to rugged OpenVPX-based systems. The XMC-528 Xilinx Ultrascale+ MPSoC XMC Mezzanine Card is the first member of Curtiss-Wright’s new family of enhanced TrustedCOTS (eTCOTS) solutions. This XMC (VITA 42/61) module speeds the integration of advanced security IP, such as Raytheon’s Night Cover product […]
Aerospace & Defense
Simulation testing for high-accuracy GPS services
Spirent Communications plc announced the launch of the industry’s first commercially available simulation test solution for the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS), via a beta interface implementation based on HAS ICD version 1.2. During the development of the solution, Spirent collaborated with GMV, a leader in cutting-edge GNSS high-accuracy technologies. Galileo HAS will provide free-of-charge […]
GaN-based power converters sport 90% power efficiency in space-constrained communications satellites
The industry’s first single-stage, isolated dc-dc converters for high throughput satellite payloads provide spacecraft designers with the industry’s most efficient power conversion modules for enabling reprogrammable, software-defined payloads. Compared to conventional two-stage dc-dc converters, the CAES single-stage converters increase power efficiency from approximately 80% to more than 90% while simultaneously reducing size, weight and power […]
Optical links for spacecraft, Part 2: Projects and progress
Using laser-sourced light beams rather than wireless RF to link spacecraft with Earth offers the possibility of a significant increase in data rates. Still, there are significant technical challenges to the concept. The previous part of the article established the need for higher-speed data links to spacecraft and their missions and looked at some of […]
Heat sinks accommodate wide range of FPGAs, ASICs
Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc. now provides fanSINKS heat sinks for component sizes ranging from 27mm to 70mm square. The wider size range accommodates hot semiconductor components, including FPGAs, ASICS, and other package types used in telecomm, optics, test/measurement, military, and other applications. ATS fanSINKS features cross-cut, straight aluminum fins. They support omnidirectional airflow for optimum […]
Optical links for spacecraft, Part 1: The throughput limitation
Using laser-sourced light beams rather than wireless RF to link spacecraft with Earth offers the possibility of a significant increase in data rates. Still, there are significant technical challenges to the concept. Scientists, engineers, and researchers communicating with spacecraft have a problem: there’s so much data coming from these spacecraft – and to send to […]
Rugged 3U OpenVPX processor module provides hardware-accelerated graphics
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions has announced the latest addition to its portfolio of DO-254 / DO-178C safety certifiable commercial off the shelf (COTS) products with the introduction of the V3-717, a rugged 3U OpenVPX high-performance graphics processor module. Expanding Curtiss-Wright’s support for the modular open system approach (MOSA), the V3-717 adds hardware-accelerated graphics with video encode/decode hardware acceleration […]
SolderSleeve device for low outgassing and extreme temperatures in space
TE Connectivity is introducing its SolderSleeve device for space, a first-to-market solution that provides a controlled and reliable solder joint for low outgassing applications, including low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The new product is designed to meet the demands of the space industry, which require minimal to zero foreign object damage (FOD) in applications. The […]
PXI, multi-cell battery simulator modules target automotive and aerospace applications
Pickering Interfaces launched a new family of battery simulator modules, ideal for Electric Vehicle (EV) battery stack emulation in Battery Management Systems (BMS) test applications. The 41-752A (PXI) and 43-752A (PXIe) modules enable direct voltage and current readback either programmatically or using Pickering’s soft panel control. Each cell simulator is highly accurate, specified at ±5 mV from 1 […]
3U, 6U VPX boards follow SOSA technical standard
Abaco Systems announced the production release of five products designed to align to the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standard demonstrating Abaco’s position as the market leader in 3U and 6U VPX boards and board sets. The VP431, SWE440S, SBC6511, VP831 and IPN254 align to the SOSA standard and support DOD goals for technology […]