VPX
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The VPX (VITA 46) standard is a specification for a high-performance, ruggedized computing system architecture primarily used in embedded systems. It is an evolution of the popular VMEbus standard, which served well for several decades but needed modernization to meet the increasing demands of high-speed data transfer and scalability in today’s computational and communication systems.
What is VPX?
VPX, or VMEbus Switched Serial, is a standard developed by the VME International Trade Association (VITA). It replaces traditional parallel bus architectures with high-speed serial interfaces and incorporates modern connectivity options, such as PCI Express (PCIe), Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Serial RapidIO. VPX systems are primarily used in defense, aerospace, industrial, and research applications where reliability, high performance, and ruggedization are essential.
Importance of VPX
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High Performance: VPX leverages high-speed serial interfaces, enabling significantly higher data transfer rates compared to traditional parallel bus architectures.
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Scalability and Flexibility: The standard supports various protocols (PCIe, Ethernet, etc.), allowing increased system integration and adaptability.
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Ruggedized Design: VPX systems are designed for harsh environments, making them suitable for military and aerospace applications where reliable operation under extreme conditions is critical.
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Modular Design: VPX’s modular approach allows easy upgrades and customization, enabling systems to be tailored to specific application requirements.
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Interoperability: The use of standardized interfaces ensures that components from different vendors can work together seamlessly, fostering a competitive market and reducing costs.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical: - Board Size: The standard defines multiple form factors such as 3U (100mm x 160mm) and 6U (233.35mm x 160mm) sizes. - Connectors: Utilizes high-density, multi-gigabit backplane connectors (Multigig RT-2), providing robust and reliable connections.
Electrical: - High-Speed Serial Links: Supports various high-speed serial bus protocols including PCIe Gen2/Gen3, 10/40 Gigabit Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Serial RapidIO. - Power: Provides a range of voltages (+5V, +12V, -12V, +3.3V, and others) to accommodate different components and systems.
Environmental and Ruggedization: - Temperature: VPX modules are designed to operate within a wide temperature range, often between -40�C to +85�C. - Shock and Vibration: Rigorous specifications for shock and vibration resistance make VPX suitable for deployment in military and aerospace environments.
System Management: - VITA 46.11: The VPX system management specification provides standardized interfaces and protocols for health monitoring, system control, and diagnostics.
Expandability: - VITA 48.x (REDI): This specification provides guidelines for cooling and ruggedization, supporting both air-cooled and conduction-cooled modules. - VITA 65 (OpenVPX): Standardizes the interoperability and system-level integration aspects, defining backplane profiles, slot profiles, and module profiles for consistent implementation.
Conclusion
The VPX standard plays a crucial role in modern embedded systems, providing a combination of high performance, ruggedization, and modularity. These features make it particularly well-suited for applications where reliability and adaptability are paramount. By understanding and leveraging the specifications defined in the VPX standard, engineers can design and deploy sophisticated, high-performance systems capable of meeting the rigorous demands of advanced technology sectors.