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Kontron VPX Ecosystem, The Right Answer

As a member of the OpenVPX™ Industry Working Group, Kontron has actively taken part to the VITA 65 / OpenVPX definition process. All current products are already OpenVPX (VITA 65) compliant (see “Tech Highlights” for details). With over 20 years experience in COTS products for rugged PC embedded applications and a broad embedded computer product portfolio, Kontron is well positioned to provide customers with VPX best solutions.



Get details on Kontron VPX products in the “Products” tab

  

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VPX & Open VPX

VPX is a broadly defined technology utilizing the latest in a variety of switch fabric technologies in 3U and 6U format blades. OpenVPX™ is the architecture framework that defines system level VPX interoperability for multi-vendor, multi-module, integrated system environments. The OpenVPX framework defines clear interoperability points necessary for integration between Module to Module, Module to Backplane and Chassis. OpenVPX recommends, but does not specify development systems to assist evaluation, prototype and development of VPX systems. OpenVPX will evolve and include new fabric, connector and system technology as newer standards are defined.

For more information on VPX and OpenVPX, please visit the “Tech Highlights” and “Collateral” tabs.

Why VPX?

• VITA 46 / VPX is the future of rugged COTS computing Already mandated by large defense programs
• Borrowing from 25 years of VME experience VPX systems withstand hardest shock and vibrations constraints
• Designed to allow High Frequency signals VPX backplane supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe fabric, SATA
• Leveraging the highest computing density of today silicon 3U VPX is the ideal candidate for the next 25 years of Rugged Embedded Modular Computing

3U VPX Boards & Mezzanines	VPX Turnkey Development Systems	6U VPX Boards & Mezzanines
Processors	Turnkey x86 3U VPX Platform	X86 Processor VX6060
Carriers	Turnkey PowerPC 3U VPX Platform
Switches

VPX Technology Roadmap

In 2004, VITA and its members embarked on a journey with the goal to improve the performance of VITA's VME technologies. VPX and the family of supporting specifications is accomplishing that goal. VPX (VITA 46) specifications establish a new direction for the next revolution in bus boards. VPX breaks out from the traditional connector scheme of VMEbus to merge the latest in connector and packaging technology with the latest in bus and serial fabric technology. VPX combines best-in-class technologies to assure a very long technology cycle similar to that of the original VMEbus solutions. Traditional parallel VMEbus will continue to be supported by VPX through bridging schemes that assure a solid migration pathway.

Technologies calling for VPX include:

• 3U and 6U formats
• 7-row high speed connector rated up to 6.25 Gbps
• Choice of high speed serial fabrics
• PMC and XMC mezzanines
• Hybrid backplanes to accommodate VME64, VXS and VPX boards

The US Department of Defense and other users are mandating improved implementation of open standards and interoperability. VPX specifications have been focused at the board level, but there is also a need for considering system-level requirements to improve interoperability and reduce customization, testing, cost, and risk. The OpenVPX™ System Specification describes the technical implementation details for 3U and 6U VPX payload and switch modules, backplane topologies, and chassis products, which will provide clear guidance to the Defense primes and suppliers on how to build interoperable computing and communication platforms. Widespread adoption of OpenVPX™ would ultimately create a healthy ecosystem of interoperable components and systems providing customers with the benefits of reuse, choice of best of breed, faster time-to-market, lower risk technology refresh, and more competitive marketplace.