April 2020
COT’S PICKS Concurrent Technologies and Vanguard Rugged Storage join together to offer AI Solutions at the Edge
Concurrent Technologies has teamed up with Vanguard Rugged Storage to provide an enhanced range of storage solutions for VPX based systems. With the adoption of workload consolidation and Artificial Intelligence based inference at the edge technologies in addition to more traditional signal processing applications, the need for storage has dramatically increased. Furthermore, the requirement for rugged conduction-cooled systems that have front removable storage devices can now be satisfied with selected storage modules.
fixed solid state drives for up to 16TB capacity and is designed for use in air-cooled applications. TR MS6/523 is also a 3U format module that offers a single front removable solid state drive for rugged conduction-cooled applications. VR MS6/524 is a 6U air-cooled board with two front removable solid state drives. These modules are released and available for deployment. Further developments are underway and are anticipated to be available later in 2020.
Initially, Concurrent Technologies is offering three new storage modules, all based on the OpenVPX standard with SATA connectivity for reliable operation and high throughput rates. TR MS6/522 is a 3U VPX board fitted with two
Jane Annear, Managing Director of Concurrent Technologies, commented: “Our processor boards offer direct attached storage suitable for some missions, but we’ve been looking to expand our capabilities to include Network
Niobium-based connector allows passage of data and electricity underwater for a variety of applications
developing solutions for specific future applications.”
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has signed its first non-exclusive agreement to manufacture niobium-based connectors (NiobiCon™) specifically designed for harsh environments. NiobiConTM is a new way of making electrical connections underwater that enables power transfer and data exchange without using seals, oil or moving parts. This technology was developed to address the inefficient recharging of unmanned vehicles in underwater environments. When the niobium connector enters in contact with the water, it creates its own thin isolating layer, which gets scraped off when the connection is made. Once disconnected, the layer instantly regenerates. “NiobiConTM is a patented technology that has global commercial and defense applications,” said Alan Lytle, vice president, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman. “It is an innovative wet-mateable connector technology we have developed that will not only improve reliability and cost-effectiveness, but also revolutionize the industry. We are excited to take the first step in 24
COTS Journal | April 2020
Northrop Grumman has entered into an agreement with iCONN Systems LLC, which specializes in the manufacture of connectors for harsh environments as their first non-exclusive licensee. They will work with potential customers to develop more reliable interconnects for both commercial and defense applications. “iCONN Systems is excited to design, develop and manufacture interconnects with
attached Storage and Storage Area Networking solutions for some time. This alliance with Vanguard Rugged Storage helps us deliver on our objective to provide more content to our customers.” Phil Loudin, CEO of Vanguard Rugged Storage, commented: “Our mission is to provide embedded data storage that is super fast and built to last. Our storage products are highly complementary to Concurrent Technologies’ processor boards and we’re excited with this relationship as it enables us to serve a wider market.” Concurrent Technologies Corporation www.ctc.com
Northrop Grumman’s patented technology introducing true wet-mateable connector products,” said Rich Regole, CEO, iCONN Systems, LLC. Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services. Northrop Grumman www.northropgrumman.com
