Military Embedded Systems

SOSA-aligned, multifunction processor to equip military aircraft

News

December 01, 2020

Emma Helfrich

Technology Editor

Military Embedded Systems

SOSA-aligned, multifunction processor to equip military aircraft
Abaco Systems photo.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. Abaco Systems announced that it has won orders from a major U.S. prime contractor to deploy the company's single board computer and avionics solutions as part of a next-generation, Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA)-aligned, 3U VPX embedded computer system for advanced electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications.

The system consists of two Abaco SOSA-aligned, rugged SBC3511 3U VPX single board computers. These will aim to serve as the backend processor and subsystem mission computer for a complete, integrated 12-slot 3U VPX system. The company claims that one of the SBC3511s will act as host to the Abaco RAR15X high density MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 XMC front I/O module.

The SBC3511 3U OpenVPX rugged single board computer is designed to provide a combination of high performance, advanced security, and leading edge thermal management. It is equipped with a 40 Gigabit Ethernet data plane to deliver a high-speed interconnect and alignment with the SOSA profile for multi-vendor interoperability. The SBC3511 also includes security features designed to assist with user-defined advanced security strategies.

The RAR15X dual protocol XMC is a portable MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC 429 device. It is engineered to deliver up to four channels of 1553 and 18 channels of ARINC 429. Its on-board firmware, data buffers, and a high-level API are integrated to provide flexibility in monitoring and generating ARINC bus traffic. 

Total lifetime value to Abaco of the win is expected to be $10 million, according to the company. System production is anticipated to begin in 3Q21 with deliveries scheduled through the end of 2025.

Featured Companies

Abaco Systems

8800 Redstone Gateway
Huntsville, AL 35808