VPX, OpenVPX, SOSA and IPMC – A Brief Guide
Understanding VPX: A Foundation for Rugged Computing
VPX, or VITA Portable eXtended, is a standardised framework for electronic modules and backplanes designed to operate in demanding environments. It outlines specifications for board dimensions, power delivery, and signal connections, ensuring compatibility between components from different manufacturers. This standardisation was a critical advancement, as before VPX, there was no unified approach to constructing systems for harsh conditions, hindering interoperability and system development.
Initiated by the VITA Standards Organization, a collaborative effort of engineers and industry leaders, VPX has evolved into a cornerstone for rugged computing. VITA continues to refine and expand the VPX standard to address emerging technological requirements.
VPX and OpenVPX: A Complementary Relationship
While VPX defines the physical and electrical characteristics of modules and backplanes, OpenVPX extends this foundation by providing a system-level architecture. VPX is about the hardware components, while OpenVPX focuses on how these components interact within a system.
OpenVPX defines standardised system topologies, or “planes,” for different functional areas such as data, control, and management. It also introduces “profiles” that specify detailed configurations for modules, slots, and backplanes. This structured approach promotes interoperability between components from different manufacturers, simplifying system integration and reducing development time.
By combining VPX and OpenVPX, system designers gain a comprehensive framework for building robust and scalable systems. VPX ensures physical compatibility, while OpenVPX guarantees logical interoperability. This synergy is essential for achieving the goals of modularity, flexibility, and rapid deployment in demanding environments.
There are different connectors and data plans in the VPX connector.
IPMC: System Management and Control
The Intelligent Platform Management Controller (IPMC) is a dedicated component within VPX systems responsible for system monitoring, control, and fault management. Acting as a system supervisor, the IPMC tracks hardware components assesses system health, and can dynamically adjust system configuration, such as powering up or down specific modules. This capability is crucial for large-scale systems, enabling efficient resource utilisation, rapid fault isolation, and overall system reliability.
The chassis manager (ChMC) monitors and controls the system via the IPMC subsystem on each VPX module.
SOSA: A Comprehensive Systems Architecture
Building upon the VPX foundation, the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standard establishes a holistic framework for system design, encompassing hardware, software, and interfaces. SOSA aims to accelerate system development and integration by defining standard protocols, modularity principles, and interoperability guidelines.
Central to SOSA is utilising IPMC for system management, ensuring consistent control and monitoring across different system configurations. By adhering to SOSA principles, system integrators can mix and match components from various suppliers, reducing development time and risk.
The Importance of VPX
VPX has become indispensable in industries demanding robust and reliable computing solutions. Its modular design facilitates system scalability, enabling customisation to specific application needs. By providing a standardised platform, VPX promotes competition, driving innovation and cost reduction. Additionally, the extensive ecosystem of VPX-compatible components accelerates time-to-market for new products.
VPX vs. Other Form Factors
While other form factors exist for electronic systems, VPX excels in ruggedised applications due to its mechanical robustness, advanced cooling capabilities, and support for high-speed data transmission. Factors such as size, cost, and power consumption may influence the choice of form factor for specific applications. However, VPX is often the optimal solution for systems operating in harsh environments.
SOSA, IPMC, and the Broader Ecosystem
As discussed earlier, SOSA builds upon the VPX and OpenVPX foundation to create a unified system architecture. By leveraging the modularity and interoperability provided by these standards, SOSA accelerates system development and reduces integration challenges.
The IPMC, as an integral component of VPX systems, plays a crucial role in managing and monitoring SOSA-compliant systems. By adhering to SOSA guidelines, IPMCs can effectively control and coordinate various system elements, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Key Points:
- VPX defines the physical and electrical characteristics of modules and backplanes.
- OpenVPX defines the system-level architecture for VPX components.
- SOSA builds upon VPX and OpenVPX to create a unified system architecture.
- IPMC is a critical component for system management in SOSA-based systems.
- Combining these standards promotes modularity, interoperability, and rapid system development.
VF370 3U VPX SBC WITH INTEL ATOM E3900
One of the many VPX and OpenVPX products in our store, the VF370 is a 3U OpenVPX Single Board Computer (SBC) module that utilises the Intel Atom® E3900 series of embedded processors, Intel Cyclone® V FPGA technology and a FMC mezzanine site, to provide a module with scalable processing power and flexible IO options for reduced Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) applications. It is available in standard air-cooled and rugged conduction-cooled versions.
The Intel Atom® E3900 processors offer enhanced processing power in a compact, low-power package running at speeds of up to 2.0 GHz. They deliver enhanced reliability in extreme environments typically found in industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications.
The Cyclone® V FPGA, combined with external memory, scalable logic, and DSP resources, supports algorithms with high memory size and bandwidth requirements. LVDS and high-speed serial interfaces to the FMC and PCIe to the OpenVPX data plane provide abundant FPGA IO throughput.
Our Commitment to SOSA
Our ‘yet-to-be-released’ PolarVPX product is designed in strict adherence to SOSA standards, ensuring compatibility with other SOSA-compliant components. This alignment enables seamless integration into SOSA-based systems, providing customers with a reliable and flexible platform.
Our PolarVPX is designed to be fully compatible with VPX and OpenVPX and will be shipped with the SOSA-aligned IPMC module.
By investing in SOSA, we demonstrate our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that meets our customers’ evolving needs.
Summary
VPX, OpenVPX, IPMC, and SOSA collectively provide a robust framework for developing complex and reliable systems. Our SOSA-aligned VPX products offer customers a competitive advantage by facilitating rapid system integration and deployment.