Aerospace & Defence systems typically require high-bandwidth processing and high-speed/low-latency interconnects. Many projects also require interfaces to existing legacy equipment, which often means using FPGAs to implement custom IO. In a deployed application, COTS products must be capable of handling extreme environments (temperature, vibration and shock) and offer guaranteed availability over 15 years or more.

Further aerospace & defence system examples are discussed below....

Military Avionics applications include aircraft communications, navigation, flight control and weather radar. Some of these are critical to the safety of the aircraft and need to meet international standards such as DO-178B and DO-254. Creative Electronic Systems (CES) products have been used in many avionic applications, and their in-house experience in developing certified packages makes them an ideal partner. Based in Geneva, CES designs are not subject to ITAR restrictions – an important factor when choosing hardware for military applications in Europe. CES can supply processing cards (Freescale and Intel), avionics interfaces (AFDX, ARINC429, 1553, CANbus) and storage, integrated with a custom backplane and chassis.

Many military applications need to store data acquired during the mission for later analysis – AES can supply rugged storage modules with capacities up to 2Gbytes. These modules are designed and built by Galleon in Norway and can be supplied as individual storage units, or integrated into a self-contained rugged data recorder. Their small size makes them ideal for UAVs or ground based vehicles where space is limited.

Weapons and Countermeasures systems typically require high-bandwidth signal capture and multiple processors with high-speed/low-latency interconnections. Often this equipment needs to be deployed in harsh conditions, so extended temperature and high levels of shock and vibration are normal. Many projects also require interfaces to existing legacy equipment, which often means using FPGAs to implement custom IO. The customer usually demands long term support of the equipment, with guaranteed availability for 15 or 20 years. Typical applications include Radar, Sonar, Electro Optics, jamming and surveillance. Pentek are world leaders in supplying high speed signal IO cards (including multi channel synchronisation) which can be used in many software defined radio applications. The new Cobalt range from Pentek uses Virtex 6 technology to ensure the best combination of high performance (sample rates up to 3GHz) and low power consumption. AES also supply compact rugged storage modules from Galleon, which are ideal for capturing mission data in a harsh environment.

Commercial Aircraft are increasingly reliant on multiple computers to handle everything from engine and flying surface control to in-flight entertainment. Traditionally this would need miles of point to point cabling to ensure reliable operation, but now bus-based technologies are taking over, simplifying the aircraft design and reducing weight. Airbus and Boeing both use AFDX technology in their commercial aircraft to replace old ARINC429 based communications. AFDX provides a communication backbone shared by multiple systems, replacing the old point-to-point wiring of traditional ARINC429-based systems. CES was chosen by Airbus to develop the test and monitoring equipment which ensures that the AFDX units are communicating correctly.

Flight simulators used for training commercial pilots have several processing elements which need simultaneous access to a common database. Reflective memory provides a cost effective way to share data between multiple systems (and multiple form factors), using fibre optic links to ensure quick memory synchronisation. GE are world leaders in reflective memory technology, and offer products supporting many host processor, Operating System and form factor combinations.

Communication systems often require scalable computing solutions and closely coupled IO to handle multiple high-bandwidth channels in real-time. The need to interface to high speed analog IO and process the datastreams efficiently often dictates the use of FPGA technology. Typical applications include Satellite Comms, 4G base stations and Wireless Networking. AES represent Pentek in the UK, who have over 25 years experience in designing high speed analog capture cards for use in Software Radio applications. Sample rates up to 3GHz can be achieved in a range of form factors, including XMC, PCIe and VPX. Many Pentek boards feature user-programmable FPGAs, or customers can choose from a range of off-the-shelf IP cores for downconversion, upconversion, etc. Built-in multi-board synchronisation supports applications such as beamforming and direction finding.

The recent explosive growth in mobile data traffic has forced the mobile providers to look at ways of increasing data bandwidth. In turn, mobile backhaul transport providers are having to expand capacity, and 10G Ethernet technology is gaining market share. AES partner with AdvancedIO to supply 10G Ethernet cards which use FPGA technology to implement the appropriate protocol. They also allow user programming of the FPGA to add customer-specific functions, and allow prototyping of new features.

Industrial applications typically require cost-effective processing systems based on industry standard formats such as VME, cPCI and VXS. These processors run industry standard Operating Systems (VxWorks, Windows, Linux, etc) and are usually coupled with a wide range of IO options. Systems may have to be deployed in harsh environments so must be available in a range of environmental levels. GE have a range of rack-based and modular computing platforms which have been used successfully in applications ranging from industrial control to offshore oil and gas platforms. As well as processor cards (using Intel and Freescale silicon), the GE range includes multi –channel digital and analog IO cards, some featuring opto-isolation and programmable voltage levels. In addition, GE has a range of rugged PCs and rugged displays which are ideal for tough environments. Typical examples might include sealed touch screen displays for use on the deck of an oil rig, or an industrial PC on a factory floor for control/monitoring of a complex production line. These products are rated to IP65, UL 1604, UL50 Type 4 and ATEX Zone 2.

High Speed Rail Networks are gaining ground as a greener alternative to air travel. Rail operators are investing in new trains to attract more passengers and finding more efficient ways of moving goods. AES can supply an EN50155-compliant Data Logger for use in transportation systems, which supports GSM, GSM-R and GPS. Its multiple interfaces make it ideal for capturing all aspects of the train operation, and can generate text alerts to signal abnormal conditions. It is also ideal for monitoring the locations of a pool of wagons/carriages, etc to ensure they are being used efficiently.

Homeland Security requires accurate real-time monitoring of internet activity, including VOIP and email communications. AES can supply a range of Cavium or FPGA-based DPI hardware suitable for many governmental DPI applications, including Lawful Intercept (LI). In addition, specialised DPI software from Qosmos can be used to capture and/or block all IP traffic related to a specific trigger, (e.g. a specific user login to Skype or Webmail). DPI systems can also provide additional protection to governmental networks by providing custom security solutions without the limitations of fixed COTS security products (anti-virus, anti-spyware, etc).

Network Management and Security is important to commercial and governmental institutions who both need to monitor activity in real time. Large commercial networks rely on the internet to provide connections between sites around the world, making them potential targets for criminal or malicious activity. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) products allow organisations to examine network packets at Layer 2 through Layer 7. This means that Network Managers can search for viruses, spam, network intrusion, etc and then decide whether a packet should be blocked, rerouted or collected for statistical purposes. By monitoring the contents of packets, managers can build up a profile of the applications and bandwidth used at different points in the network, which is vital when planning future network requirements. Packets relating to non-work activities (e.g. Skype, Facebook, Yahoo mail, etc) can be detected and blocked to keep traffic under control. AES can supply a range of DPI systems (using Cavium or FPGA processors) suitable for many commercial and government DPI applications. Many of these products are compatible with specialised software from Qosmos and 6WIND. Off-the-shelf software is also available to detect Botnet activity and alert network administrators before it spreads across the whole network.

Medical Imaging applications such as digital X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computer Tomography (CT) require fast high resolution Analog to Digital Converters (ADC) linked to extensive processing power. In multiprocessor applications, fast system interconnect is vital in handling large data sets in real-time, preferably using industry standards such as PCIe to simplify integration of equipment from multiple manufacturers.

Useful Links - Application reference material from our partners

Pentek Ruggedised Product details

Pentek Application Examples

GE Communication Systems Application Information

GE Oil and Gas Application Information

AdvancedIO Internet Security Information