Navy eyes Rastergraf PMC module for shipboard interrogator system, but open to other suppliers
PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md., 18 July 2013. U.S. Navy shipboard electronics experts needed a PCI Mezzanine Card (PMC) module for the AN/UPX-29(V) Interrogator System Mode 5 shipboard identification-friend-or-foe (IFF) system. They are considering the TopazPMC from Rastergraf Inc. in Redmond, Ore.
Experts from the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., say they have little choice other than to procure the embedded computing card from Rastergraf. This display controller and video-capture board is the only one tested and approved for use as the graphics interface card use onboard U.S. Navy vessels as part of the AN/UPX-29(V) Mode 5 system.
The TopazPMC graphic card in the only known part number that meets the form, fit, and function requirement of the AN/UPX-29(V), and is the only known card that is interoperable exactly with existing operational software packages for AN/UPX-29(V) Mode 5 production, Navy officials say.
Still, the Navy is open to procuring these cards from other companies -- providing the embedded computing module meets the Navy's strict specifications. Navy experts will accept proposals for exact matches for the Rastergraf TopazPMC, but will not accept remanufactured cards, similar, or substitute products.
Companies interested in submitting proposals for exact matches to the Rastergraf TopazPMC may respond no later than 22 July 2013 to the Navy's Bernie Cortez by email at [email protected], or by fax at 301-995-0875. For questions or concerns phone Cortez at 301-995-1773.
The Northrop Grumman interrogator set AN/UPX-24(V) is the core IFF processor of the shipboard interrogator system AN/UPX-29(V). The AN/UPX-24(V) identifies aircraft and surface vessels equipped with selective identification feature (SIF) modes 1, 2, 3A, and C, and provides secure identification of cooperative mode 4 targets.
The IFF data from one AN/UPX-24(V) can be synchronized with as many as four individual radars, and provides the operator with synthetic IFF symbology for target recognition and tracking. The system is installed in Ticonderoga-class cruisers, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks, and Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.
The Rastergraf TopazPMC is a display controller and video capture board designed for use under Wind River VxWorks and Linux software. It features a Silicon Motion SM731 System On a Chip (SOC) graphics accelerator with 16 megabytes of on-chip SDRAM.
The 128-bit 2D/3D graphics engine supports compatible displays at resolutions to 1600 by 1200 by 24 bits per pixel -- or 16.7 million colors.
The TopazPMC has the Conexant Bt835 NTSC/PAL/S-Video and Analog Devices AD9882 High Speed RGB/DVI digitizers and can capture STANAG 3350 A-C input signals through the AD9882. A loopback can connect Video Output to Input for self-testing.
More information is available from the Navy at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N00421/N00421-13-T-0423/listing.html, or from Rastergraf at www.rastergraf.com.
