Curtiss-Wright rugged graphics display module taps AMD, CoreAVI, VITA technologies

ASHBURN, Va., 1 March 2014.Curtiss-Wright Corp.’s (NYSE:CW) Defense Solutions division is now shipping its highest-performance embedded graphics module, the new VPX3-716 3U OpenVPX multi-head graphics display card, the first based on the next-generation AMD Embedded Radeon E8860 “Adelaar” graphics processing unit (GPU).

The company’s rugged VPX3-716 module is designed for use on deployed airborne and ground vehicle platforms. It meets the long lifecycle availability required for military programs through the use of a suite of CoreAVI software drivers supported with 20-year component supply program. Its dedicated video memory, combined with very high bandwidth, make it well suited for use in demanding graphics-rich applications that require extensive video processing and display capabilities. The VPX3-716 is especially well-suited to support embedded training, moving maps, geographic information systems (GIS), 360-degree situational awareness, diminished vision enhancement (DVE), and other graphics and video intensive OpenCL-based applications.

“We are excited to announce that we are now shipping our new VPX3-716 graphics engine to key customers,” says Lynn Bamford, Sr. VP/GM, Defense Solutions division. “This rugged, SWaP-optimized board, combines unmatched I/O and no-compromise graphics processing, and delivers all the performance and features needed to quickly and cost-effectively integrate graphics display into airborne and ground platforms.”

“Our new Embedded Radeon E8860 GPU raises the bar on embedded graphics with industry-leading multi-independent graphics outputs, 2 GB of dedicated video memory, and H.264 MPEG4 motion video decoders,” explains Kamal Khouri, director of product management and marketing, AMD Embedded Solutions. “Curtiss-Wright’s VPX3-716 graphics engine delivers the next-generation performance of the E8860 GPU to system integrators in a rugged COTS solution with long lifecycle support.”

“Curtiss Wright’s VPX3-716, based on the Radeon E8860 GPU, brings CoreAVI’s 20-year support program, and certifiable suite of graphics drivers to the embedded defense and aerospace market,” says Lee Melatti, CEO at CoreAVI. “Their board offers system designers an ideal combination of performance oriented graphics hardware and software for use in high reliability embedded systems.”

The VPX3-716 is supported by CoreAVI’s suite of embedded software drivers, including OpenGL graphics and H.264/MPEG 2 video decode drivers. The CoreAVI software drivers are designed to enable advanced graphics and video support on all popular real-time and safety-critical operating systems, including Wind River VxWorks. For applications that require safety certification, CoreAVI’s software suite includes FAA RTCA DO-178C and DO-254 certification packages that simplify and speed time to market and enable long term availability through the company’s 20 year component supply programs.

The VPX3-716 features the AMD Embedded Radeon E8860 “Adelaar” GPU, its next-generation, discrete AMD embedded Radeon GPU based on the Graphics Core Next (GCN) architecture. The VPX3-716 is also Curtiss-Wright’s first graphics display card to offer the benefits of next generation, higher-speed VITA 61-connector enabled XMC modules, including full processor mezzanine support. In systems where the CPU resides on a host board, the VPX3-716’s XMC site can be used to add additional I/O capability.