Curtiss-Wright Controls New Mission Computer Combines Legacy VME and Cutting-Edge VPX with First Hybrid Backpane

New MPMC-9H5x Mission Computer Is First to Realize the Promise of OpenVPX with innovative hybrid backplane that supports mix of 3U/6U VPX and 6U VME Modules

Ashburn, VA– October 24, 2012 – Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions (CWCDS), a business group of Curtiss-Wright Controls, has introduced the MPMC-9H5x, the industry’s first rugged subsystem to realize the promise of hybrid VME and VPX backplane support defined by the VPX (VITA 46/48) open standard. MPMC-9H5x Multi-Platform Mission Computer is a 3U high 1/2 ATR flexibly configured rugged system that supports a mix of 3U and 6U VPX and 6U VME form factor modules with a standard backplane configuration. This groundbreaking system design achievement enables customers to easily transition from custom legacy VME and I/O configurations to take full advantage of today’s state-of-the-art VPX-based processing and networking without having to redesign or replace their existing VME and I/O hardware. Supporting the full range of military ruggedization levels, the MPMC-9H5x is ideal for ground and airborne platforms that require a SWaP-optimized open architecture mission computer that supports flexible I/O and interface requirements.

The MPMC-9H5x’s hybrid backplane provides support for one (1) 6U VME, two (2) 6U VPX and two (2) 3U VPX cards. With its unique hybrid design, the MPMC-9H5x protects investment in legacy hardware and software with support for combining a customer’s legacy VME-based solutions with today’s most advanced VPX (VITA 46/48) modules. The MPMC-9H5x is the first in a broad family of VME/VPX hybrid backplane-based mission computers from Curtiss-Wright. Variants with different configurations of form factor and architecture type will be announced in the near future.

“They said it wasn’t possible, but now, for the first time, military system designers have a practical off-the-shelf solution to combine legacy VME technology with today’s latest high performance VPX processing and networking module offerings,” said Lynn Bamford, senior vice president and general manager of Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions. “Simply put, the MPMC-9H5x provides the highest functional density mission computer available in a small rugged deployed package, and uniquely lets system designers select from the full range of VME and VPX offerings to fit their requirements.”

It enables system designers to easily and quickly configure a hybrid computer environment comprising VME and VPX bus architecture cards in both 3U and 6U form factors, allowing module selection from the widest range of best-of-breed COTS module solutions to match the unique needs of their application. The MPMC-9H5x is designed to enable customers to upgrade the performance of their system without having to change their legacy custom I/O boards. This enables system designers to integrate additional desired features such as Ethernet and Graphics processing without having to change their entire system design.

As a natural convection cooled system, the MPMC-9H5x is designed for reliable operation in harsh environments without the need for base plate of forced air cooling. It speeds and eases the integration of new high performance open architecture boards into embedded systems with custom legacy boards.

Built for Rugged Deployment
Packaged in an a compact 3U/ ½ ATR form factor and equipped with reliable Power® Architecture processing, the MPMC-9H5x delivers all the features required of modern mission computers in SWaP-constrained applications. Optimal system cooling is ensured via thermal transfer between the conduction cooled VME and/or VPX cards module card edges and the side walls of the system enclosure. EMI filters and gaskets provide system security and increased reliability. Designed to meet the harsh environments typical of military and aerospace computing applications, the MPMC-9H5x’s power supply and backplane feature nuclear circumvention circuits to meet gamma and neutron fluence events without damage.

Standard Configuration
The standard system configuration of the MPMC-9H5x is equipped with an integrated 28 VDC power supply unit and a Fire Control Processor (FCP) III card. The power supply can be ordered with an optional NED and circumvention output to the backplane.

MPMC-9H5x Features:

• Form Factor
  • Hybrid backplane
  • Mix of VME and VPX buses and 3U and 6U Slots
    • One (1) 6U VME
    • Two (2) 6U VPX
    • Two (2) 3U VPX
• Mechanical
  • Natural convection cooling
  • Volume optimized: 14.2” x 9.0” x 9.1”
• Freescale 8610 Power Architecture Processor
• Power Supply
  • 28 VDC input
  • MIL-STD-704 compliant

Click here for more information on the MPMC-9H5x.

Sales & Editorial Contacts

For editorial information regarding Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions products or services, contact John Wranovics, public relations director, Curtiss-Wright Controls, Tel: (925) 640-6402; email. [email protected].

Sales inquiries: Please forward all Sales and reader service inquiries to Jerri-Lynne Charbonneau, Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions, Tel: (613) 254-5112; Fax: (613) 599-7777; e-mail: [email protected].

About Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions

Curtiss-Wright Controls Defense Solutions (CWCDS) is a long established technology leader in the development of rugged electronic modules and systems for defense applications. CWCDS serves as a technology and integration partner to its customers, providing a full range of advanced, highly engineered solutions from modular open systems approaches to fully custom optimized solutions. Our unmatched capabilities and product breadth span from industry standard based COTS modules to complete electronic subsystems. The company’s modules and systems are currently deployed in a wide range of demanding defense & aerospace applications including C4ISR systems, unmanned subsystems, mission computing, fire control, turret stabilization, and recording & storage solutions. Additionally, the company’s broad engineering capabilities combine systems, software, electrical, and mechanical design expertise with comprehensive program management and a broad range of life-cycle support services.

About Curtiss-Wright Controls, Inc.

Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Curtiss-Wright Controls is the Motion Control segment of Curtiss-Wright Corporation. With manufacturing facilities around the world, Curtiss-Wright Controls is a leading technology-based organization providing niche motion control products, subsystems and services internationally for the aerospace and defense markets. For more information, visit http://www.cwcontrols.com.