3U OpenVPX embedded computing module for position, navigation, and timing (PNT) offered by Curtiss-Wright

ASHBURN, Va. – The Curtiss-Wright Corp. Defense Solutions division in Ashburn, Va., is introducing the VPX3-673A rugged embedded computing module that delivers position, navigation, and timing (PNT) that includes alternative navigation (ALTNAV) and the pntOS architecture.

The VPX3-673A is a rugged 3U OpenVPX module compatible with the U.S. Army's C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and aligned to the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) technical standard 1.0.

ALTNAV, a commercial space system, is being evaluated by the U.S. Army as an alternative and complementary source of PNT information on the battlefield.

As an open-source government-owned plug-in architecture for building integrated PNT sensor-fusion applications, pntOS helps reduce the time and effort to develop algorithms and add support for new sensors.

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At the heart of the VPX3-673A embedded computing module is a low-noise Chip Scale Atomic Clock (LN-CSAC), with intelligence provided by a Xilinx multiprocessor systems-on-chip (MPSoC). Complementing these devices is an ALTNAV receiver and a 10-degree of freedom inertial measurement unit (IMU).

The board supports an internal GPS module capable of SASSM and M-CODE, or an external GPS via an easily accessible front panel connector. The VPX3-673A communicates PNT information using standard VICTORY data messages in compliance with the CMOSS Mounted Form Factor (CMFF) architecture.

Designed to meet the SOSA radial clock profile SLT3x-TIM-2S1U22S1U2U1H-14.9.2-1, the VPX3-673A also acts as system wide timing master by producing and distributing reliable, phase aligned, clock signals.

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The source is user selectable from multiple options, including the LN-CSAC, GPS, ALTNAV or external sources via the Ethernet backplane or coax connectors. Additionally, this module supports NTP/PTP protocol.

In compliance with the SOSA radial clock profile, the VPX3-673A can output 11 radial clocks on the backplane and one radial clock on the coax connector. If more clock channels are required, several VPX3-673A modules can be daisy-chained together.

For more information contact Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions online at www.curtisswrightds.com.