COTS Journal, September 2022

September 2022, Volume 24 - Number 9 • cotsjournalonline.com

The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing

JOURNAL

Advance System Monitoring made easy by One Stop Systems

The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing COTS (kots), n. 1. Commercial off-the-shelf.

Terminology popularized in 1994 within U.S. DoD by SECDEF Wm. Perry’s “Perry Memo” that changed military industry purchasing and design guidelines, making Mil-Specs acceptable only by waiver. COTS is generally defined for technology, goods and services as: a) using commercial business practices and specifications, b) not developed under government funding, c) offered for sale to the general market, d) still must meet the program ORD. 2. Commercial business practices include the accepted practice of customer-paid minor modification to standard COTS products to meet the customer’s unique requirements.

JOURNAL

—Ant. When applied to the procurement of electronics for he U.S. Military, COTS is a procurement philosophy and does not imply commercial, office environment or any other durability grade. E.g., rad-hard components designed and offered for sale to the general market are COTS if they were developed by the company and not under government funding.

SPECIAL FEATURES 18

DEPARTMENTS

Advance System Monitoring made easy by One Stop Systems

By John Reardon, Publisher, COTS Journal

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Publisher’s Note A World Remade - the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine The Inside Track

COT’S PICKS 20

Editor’s Choice for September

Cover Image Eagle-in-waiting An F-15D Eagle assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron is prepared in a hangar before departing for RED FLAG-Alaska at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 15, 2022.

RED FLAG-Alaska is a Pacific Air Forces directed field training exercise focused on improving the combat readiness of U.S. and international forces and provides training for units preparing for air and space expeditionary force tasking. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac) COTS Journal | September 2022

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The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing

JOURNAL EDITORIAL

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

John Reardon, Publisher

A World Remade

- the lessons learned from the war in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has provided a wealth of knowledge on how a conventional war would be fought in the 21 Century. Although this knowledge is vast, it covers everything from how to measure nuclear deterrents to how social media was used by the Ukrainians to understand troop size and location. It is these lessons and others that have challenged the US to determine those areas of weakness and how they might be reinforced.

Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth outlined several elements from the conflict that were felt to be key to the ability of an outnumbered force to outperform the second strongest military in the world. These included things like leadership, Training, Logistics, and secure communication. It is not to understate these, but to address those technologies that were employed and or deficient that have changed the tide of the war, we thought it important to investigate the following: Nuclear Deterrent The fear of nuclear war is real and has had an impact on how the US supported the war. The slow conveyance of offensive weapons to the demand that they not be used to hit targets within Russia was directly related to the threat of a nuclear response. It wasn’t until Russia’s twentieth-century weapons that greatly outnumbered the Ukrainian’s artillery found opposition from the American-Made Highly Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) did the war change from defensive to offensive. The precision of the HIMARS enabled supply lines to be cut and command posts to be destroyed.

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These have become essential to Ukraine’s ability in regaining territory. Although it is clear to Putin that the United States and NATO won’t commit troops, he underestimated our willingness to train and deploy advanced weapons to the Ukrainians.

Communications In the early days of the war, the Russian troops had greater confidence in their I-phones than they had in their secure comms. This enabled the Americans to intercept and identify valuable information about troop strength and morale and communicate them to the Ukrainians. It also became apparent that the centralized command structure of the Russian military with everything originating at the top would become an Achilles heel. This reinforced the use of precision weapons to take out command structures leaving the leadership in the trenches non-existent.

Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles Unlike policy tools, UAVs have a level of precision that allowed for targeting by artillery at distances greater than 10 kilometers from the front lines. From the famed Turkish Barakat to those that you might find at Best Buys the use of drones has proven to be highly valuable. The

It wasn’t until Russia’s twentieth-century weapons that greatly outnumbered the Ukrainian’s artillery found opposition from the American-Made Highly Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) did the war change from defensive to offensive. combination of drones and Javelin FGM-148 enabled otherwise ominous battalions of tanks to be vulnerable as never before. The Ukrainians learned early to attach grenades to inexpensive drones and drop them on unsuspecting infantry at the front, or commanders identified through insecure comm lines.

Putin couldn’t Hide Leading up to the war, the ability to monitor Russia’s troop buildup at the border of Ukraine, allowed the United States to challenge the narrative of the Kremlin claiming it was Ukraine that was provoking the war and not them.

For months leading up to the invasion, the narrative became increasingly hostile accusing the Ukrainians of planning an attack on Russia, but the Whitehouse was able to counter this argument with satellite imagery that clearly showed something altogether different.

Lessons learned Of course, there are numerous policy issues including the dependence on Russian Energy, countries interested in joining NATO, or supply chain issues, but it is important to narrow the conversation to those issues learned on the battlefield. Secure communications, a less vertical command structure, defense against UAVs, precision weapons, and logistics have all been significantly impacted by the knowledge gleaned.

Secure communications and command structure are not as simple as the World War 2 moto regarding “loose lips sinking ships”, but they do build on the history that our structure utilizing Non-Commissioned Officers will play an important role. The empowerment that our structure has assisted in the knowledge that even the smallest social media post or use of a non-secure line can cause death and destruction. Beyond discipline, training, and leadership, the highly coordinated battlefield through an abundance of situational awareness will create a well-coordinated effort that resembles the precision of a world-class sports team.

The Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System is an example of taking action against an ever-changing threat.

The charter is to defend against small, unmanned aircraft which represent a rapidly proliferating, low-cost, highreward, and potentially lethal and damaging capability against personnel, critical assets, and interests.

It might be written in history that the HIMAR changed the tide of the war, but this would not address the heart and soul of the warrior. And although the bravery of the Ukrainian soldiers has been recognized worldwide – the fact is that it is a compendium of things that contributed to the Ukrainian’s defense allowing me to acknowledge the technologies that you defined and created in support of this effort – thank you.

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AFRL’s Oscillating Heat Pipes are even cooler in space The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, has released the results from its AdvanceStructurally Embedded Thermal Spreader Two, or ASETSII. The AFRL experiment was 100% effective in testing the most recent version of the revolutionary Oscillating Heat Pipes, or OHPs, and the results of the more than 6,600 hours of on-orbit testing are being made available to the public.

“We now have a treasure trove of data,” said Jon Allison, the thermal thrust lead, for the Spacecraft Component Technology Branch of the AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate. “Our results include 2.2 million data points that will increase confidence in the use of OHPs, and facilitate the continuing advancement of the technology. In particular, this dataset will be of high value to academics, because it offers the performance of high-quality OHPs and in space, no less.”

The Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader Two, or ASETS-II, Oscillating Heat Pipe experiment, developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, was designed to solve spacecraft thermal challenges. (Courtesy photo) The Advanced Structurally Embedded Thermal Spreader Two, or ASETS-II, Oscillating Heat Pipe experiment, developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, was designed

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to solve spacecraft thermal challenges. (Courtesy photo) Photo Details/Download Hi-Resohps are revolutionizing spacecraft thermal control. ASETSII has paved the way for this next generation of spacecraft thermal control and this new data release portends further advances as the academic community uses it to increase our knowledge of OHP thermo-physics.

“Quality spacecraft thermal control is important to ensure the functionality, reliability, and cost-achievability of space systems,” Allison said.

“The importance of reliable space systems can’t be understated as integral parts of our lives; from national defense to commerce, to weather, and much more.”

ASETS-II has demonstrated that thermal problems that affect spacecraft are not the case with well-made OHPs. Experimental space testing has proven effective at weeding out new technologies including new thermal technologies that are prone to issues in the space environment.

“There is a long history of testing novel heat pipes and many don’t pass this type of test, but OHPs can, and did,” said Allison. “We’re excited to add OHPs to that pantheon of space-suitable heat pipes – this is exciting stuff for a heat pipe nerd!”

“These problems are often compounded, or at least different, in the zero gravity environment of space; many promising heat pipes have had problems during flight experiments,” he said. “In this case, we showed that OHPs can overcome these issues.”

ASETS-II was flown on the Space Force’s X-37B, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle, a reusable, robotic spacecraft. This fifth flight of X-37B, OTV-5, launched on Sept. 7, 2017, and landed on Oct. 27, 2019.

The success of this experiment builds upon many years of AFRL efforts to develop OHPs, especially models that characterize how well they perform and under what conditions they stop working.

“We are satisfied that OHPs can be designed to provide reliable operation in mission-critical spacecraft applications, and ASETS-II has been a big part of coming to that conclusion,” said Col. Jeremy Raley, director of the AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate. “The OHPs operated as designed by our team, who have worked on this kind of technology for many years.”

For years to come, the data collected on ASETS-II will be used to develop and test new theories about the complicated thermo-physics of OHPs, and will positively impact future U.S. space missions.

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TSA Trials Pangiam’s AI-Driven Solution to Improve Airport Threat Detection

Pangiam, in collaboration with Google Cloud, is selected to demonstrate its artificial intelligence solution for advanced accessible screening

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has selected transport security technologist Pangiam to demonstrate its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven accessible screening solution that has the potential to transform aviation security worldwide.

Project DARTMOUTH, the collaboration between Pangiam and Google Cloud, utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and pattern analysis technologies to digest and analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to identify potentially prohibited items in carry-on baggage.

“As TSA and other security agencies adopt 3D Computed Tomography (CT), this applica-

tion of AI represents a potentially transformative leap in aviation security, making air travel safer and more consistent, while allowing TSA’s highly trained officers to focus on bags that pose the greatest risk. We aim to utilize AI and computer vision technologies to enhance security by providing TSA and security officers with powerful tools to detect prohibitive items that may pose a threat to aviation security is a significant step toward setting a new security standard with worldwide implications,” said Alexis Long, Product Director, Pangiam.

TSA’s Innovation Task Force (ITF) issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for transportation security solutions in December 2021 to identify innovative solutions that are rigorously evaluated and then demonstrated in a live operational environment. ITF’s mission is to identify and demonstrate emerging solutions that increase security effectiveness and efficiency, improve passenger experience, and deliver

solutions that secure the freedom of movement throughout the nation’s transportation system.

The first series of Project DARTMOUTH trials are set to begin at TSA’s System Integration Facility (TSIF) – a 128,000-square-foot lab that serves as a testing ground for state-of-theart technologies for possible implementation at airport security checkpoints. While TSA is the first to debut Project DARTMOUTH initiative in North America, Pangiam is also working with AGS Airports Group on trials at Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Southampton airports in the UK. Pangiam’s AI-based solution is built to Open Architecture standards and therefore, can be interoperable with hardware and equipment in a “plug and play” manner, allowing security operations to be transformed quickly through software innovation.

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Weebit Nano to publicly demonstrate its ReRAM IP module for the first time

Silicon-based demo to show the real-world capability of Weebit’s ReRAM as an embedded NonVolatile Memory

Weebit Nano Limited publicly demonstrated its ReRAM IP module for the first time at a leading industry event, highlighting its technology’s real-world capability as non-volatile memory (NVM) integrated into an actual subsystem.

Coby Hanoch, CEO of Weebit Nano, said: “This is the first time we are publicly demonstrating our ReRAM embedded in silicon, less than a year after taping out the module. The demo of our ReRAM technology represents yet another key technical milestone as we progress toward full productization. The demo will be a great asset for use in our sales activities with potential customers.”

The demo is based on Weebit’s embedded ReRAM module that includes the ReRAM array, control logic, decoders, IOs (Input/Output communication elements), and error correcting code (ECC) as well as patent-pending analog and digital smart circuitry running smart algorithms which significantly enhance the memory array’s technical parameters.

mation Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) terminals from U.S. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) on behalf of the MIDS Program Office. This order falls under a U.S. Navy Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded to Viasat in 2020 with a maximum value of $998 million for the production, retrofits,

development, and sustainment of MIDS JTRS terminals. This order was received during Viasat’s Q2 FY23.

The Interactive demonstration at the Leti Innovation Days event will show Weebit ReRAM functioning as an NVM memory block, being fed live images and retaining this data while powered off, then displaying the data separately. The demonstration will also show the speed of the ReRAM module, clearly highlighting its faster write speed compared to typical flash memory technology. The Direct Program/Erase capability and byte addressability of Weebit ReRAM contribute to its faster write throughput time compared to flash, which needs to access entire data sectors every time it erases/writes.

Viasat Awarded $99 Million Lot Buy Order for Military Tactical Radios MIDS is among the most widely used Link 16 terminals by the US military and global allies

Viasat Inc. announced it was awarded a $99 million order for Multifunctional Infor-

MIDS is among the most widely used Link 16 terminals by the US military and global allies, acting as the foundational communications datalink on the modern battlefield and providing a secure communications capability for operations in any environment. Viasat’s MIDS JTRS terminals provide access to the secure Link 16 line-of-sight network enabling tactical communications and data transport to ground, maritime and airborne platforms to provide greater situational awareness on the battlefield.

“This award further indicates Viasat’s commitment and expertise in providing Link 16 tactical communications solutions supporting the US and Allied armed services,” said Craig Miller, president of Viasat Government Systems. “MIDS JTRS radios are a critically important tool that enables warfighters to maintain communications superiority and secure data transport on the battlefield, as well as securely communicate with allied forces. Viasat is proud to be a trusted supplier of this capability for today’s allied warfighting force.”

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Lockheed Martin, AT&T Demonstrate 5G High-Speed Transfer Of Black Hawk Data To 5G.MIL® Pilot Network - Technology reduced data transfer time for military helicopters by more than 80%

Lockheed Martin and AT&T* securely and rapidly transferred UH-60M Black Hawk health and usage data through an AT&T 5G private cellular network and Lockheed Martin’s 5G.MIL® multi-site pilot network in a test conducted Aug. 4 at Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky headquarters in Stratford, Connecticut. The test demonstrated that wireless 5G technologies on the flight line can support accelerated maintenance operations and improve aircraft readiness to support our service members. It also proved highly secure interoperability between the AT&T millimeter wave 5G private cellular network and the 5G.MIL pilot network.

“These 5G capabilities deployed at scale are expected to enable high-speed, secure-data transfer on virtually any flight line, providing another example of how we’re advancing our 21st Century Security vision by improving customer readiness and operations,” said Dan Rice, vice president of 5G.MIL Programs at Lockheed Martin. “In collaboration with commercial 5G leaders, an interoperable 5G.MIL multi-site, multi-vendor network is another step closer to reality.”

The AT&T 5G millimeter wave private cel-

lular network wirelessly transferred data to the 5G.MIL network through ground support equipment from the Black Hawk’s Integrated Vehicle Health Management System (IVHMS). The data was then routed to local Sikorsky networks for processing and distribution through the secure Lockheed Martin 5G.MIL pilot network to the Waterton, Colorado, 5G test range site.

Currently, it takes Black Hawk crews about 30 minutes to remove the IVHMS data cartridge from the helicopter, transport it to an operations center, and extract the data for analysis. Lockheed Martin used AT&T 5G private cellular technologies to reduce the time required to less than 5 minutes including cartridge removal, demonstrating the potential benefits in time and cost for military and commercial helicopter operations.

The IVHMS provides monitoring and diagnostic capabilities to ensure a more reliable aircraft. It monitors, captures, and evaluates detailed aircraft-generated data as a result of flight maneuvers. It also captures aircraft limit exceedances on the airframe and dynamic components and monitors the temperature and vibration of key components on the aircraft. It does this through hundreds of onboard sensors that report the status of the aircraft by monitoring the airframe, engines, and other dynamic components.

Operators assess these thousands of data points to ensure the aircraft is safe, reliable, and ready to fly.

“Timely and secure transfer and analysis of mission and operations data are critical to military readiness and effectiveness,” said Lance Spencer, client executive vice president, Defense, AT&T Public Sector, and FirstNet. “This is one of many areas of commercial 5G innovation we are exploring to support defense, commercial aviation, and related fields where our 5G-related services can modernize legacy processes and help deliver truly transformational benefits.”

Lockheed Martin and AT&T also are working with other leading companies in networking and defense to modernize and transform communications capabilities for defense purposes.

Future demonstrations are expected to further enhance 5G wireless technology communications solutions for flight lines, aiming to continually shorten aircraft turnaround times to reduce costs and improve military operational readiness.

These capabilities deployed at scale can support high-speed, secure-data transfer on both commercial and military flight lines.

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Boeing Demonstrates Open Autonomy Architecture for Manned-Unmanned Teaming with MQ-25

Boeing has digitally demonstrated a new open autonomy architecture for MQ-25 that will allow the U.S. Navy to increase mission effectiveness by integrating manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capability at speed and scale.

The non-proprietary architecture, based on the government-owned Open Mission System specification, is the foundation for advanced MUM-T. A Boeing-led team virtually demonstrated how other aircraft can use MQ25’s architecture and task it to conduct tanking and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions – all within the mission airspace and without traditional communications with the ship-based ground control station.

Boeing’s MUM-T demonstration included Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye command and control aircraft, Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and Boeing’s F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet fighter jet. Using their existing operational flight program software and data links, the aircraft safely and efficiently tasked four virtual, autonomous MQ-25s to conduct ISR missions. The F/A-18 also used its advanced

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tactical data links and Boeing’s conceptual “Project Black Ice” crew vehicle interface, which significantly reduced aircrew workload.

“Large swaths of the ocean could be surveilled, identified, and targeted when MQ-25 is teamed with carrier-based assets such as the E-2D or the land-based P-8A patrol aircraft,” said Don “BD” Gaddis, director, MQ-25 Advanced Design. “Through this demonstration, our customers saw how this digital, open approach to MUM-T is key to fielding critical warfighting capability at much lower cost and with greater speed and agility.”

For example, the demonstration showed how both the P-8A and E-2D could easily task an MQ-25 teammate with an ISR mission specifying only the search area and no-fly zones.

Using an onboard autonomy framework developed by Boeing subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences, the MQ-25 autonomously did the rest – including validating the command against its operational constraints, planning its route, and conducting its search pattern, among many other tasks.

Aurora also created and demonstrated a prototype platform abstraction layer – a soft-

ware boundary that decouples MQ-25’s flight safety and flight critical components from mission software and sensor hardware. This commercial best practice allows third-party “app” integration on MQ-25. Using an Aurora-provided software development kit, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division created a new radar search application for MQ-25 that was successfully used during the demonstration.

“Aurora’s robust software development kit enables our Navy teammates to rapidly integrate new capabilities,” said Graham Drozeski, vice president of Government Programs for Aurora Flight Sciences. “The platform abstraction demonstration met test objectives for resource sharing between multiple onboard systems and supervisors, and these efforts will greatly reduce government test and certification costs as new capabilities are added over time.”

The demonstration was aligned with the future warfighting capabilities in the Navy’s Unmanned Campaign Framework. Boeing will continue to refine the autonomy, sensors, interface exchanges, and crew vehicle interfaces required for MUM-T.

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REGENT and Siemens collaborate for revolutionary zero-emission seaglider Siemens Digital Industries Software announced that REGENT has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of cloud-based software and services to help pioneer a new category of vehicle called the seaglider. The seaglider is a high-speed zero-emission vehicle that operates exclusively over the water to drastically reduce the time and cost of moving people and goods between coastal cities.

With 40 percent of the world’s population living in coastal communities, REGENT’s electric seagliders will be the first vehicles to offer safe, low-cost, high-speed, zero-emission vehicles for this segment. As a manufacturer or OEM, REGENT’s launch customers span aviation, ferry, and logistics, transportation operators.

The REGENT seaglider operates exclusively over the water as an all-electric wing-in-groundeffect (WIG) vehicle. It travels the sea in one of three modes—floating on its hull near the dock, foiling on its hydrofoils at up to 40 knots (kts) as it comes in and out of port, or flying above the waves at 160 kts while cruising to its destination.

fect fit for a digital-first startup like ours.

Cloud-native solutions, such as Teamcenter X, minimize administrative overhead and allow us to focus 100 percent on design, engineering, manufacturing, and innovation. Siemens’ valued collaboration and the subscription model provide significant cash flow benefits that are vital to any startup.”

REGENT’s flagship seaglider, the 12-passenger Viceroy, will be built to the highest safety standards. It will be able to service routes up to 180 miles with existing battery technology and routes up to 500 miles with next-generation batteries, all via existing dock infrastructure. Additionally, its operation as a wing-in-ground effect vehicle above the water enables maritime testing and certification. This is an efficient pathway to entry-into-service, allowing customers to experience high-speed, zero-emission coastal mo-

bility sooner than electric aviation options while maintaining similar levels of safety.

“The revolution of both mobility and electrification is continuing at an exciting pace across the entire spectrum of the industry, but it’s not often that the two combine with such spectacularly innovative product design to address a specific challenge like the one faced by coastal communities across the globe,” said Dale Tutt, Vice President of Industry Strategy, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “REGENT is pioneering innovative high-speed coastal transportation while targeting net zero from the very beginning. Our Xcelerator as a Service portfolio is instrumental in helping them get there faster.”

When in flight, it operates a few meters off the surface of the water, relying on the ground effect phenomenon, flying on a cushion of air. It combines the high speed and comfort of an airplane with the low operating cost of an electric vehicle. Seagliders differ from past WIGs due to their hydrofoils, distributed electric propulsion, and aerospace fly-by-wire controls. These elements enable safe harbor operations, increased wave tolerance, and a comfortable passenger experience.

At the heart of its design, engineering, and development toolset is the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, which has been fundamental to REGENT since its founding in 2020.

“At REGENT we are focused on bringing a revolutionary new vehicle to the transportation market with the potential to change how both people and freight move over the water,” said Mike Klinker, CTO, and co-founder of REGENT. “As our seagliders approach certification and full-scale commercial production, we need a robust, modern digital tools platform that supports the pace of our innovation cycles with the rigor to encompass a product as complex as ours. Siemens Xcelerator as a Service was a perCOTS Journal | September 2022

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American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense team to pursue U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck Program

American Rheinmetall Vehicles has formed a strategic collaboration with GM Defense LLC (Washington, DC), to compete in the U.S. Army’s Common Tactical Truck (CTT) program. The CTT program seeks to identify a replacement platform for the Army’s Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles.

The Army expects to execute multiple Prototype Projects before determining whether to proceed to initial production which could entail the purchase of approximately 5,700 vehicles at a value of around $5 billion. A Request for Prototype Proposals for the first phase was issued in late June with an expected Contract Award in December of 2022.

Rheinmetall, with its subsidiary Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV), is a

global leader in tactical military truck development and manufacturing. The Group’s HX family of trucks has been sold to 20 customers globally including an active Allied user group consisting of Germany, Australia, United Kingdom, Austria, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Rheinmetall recently unveiled its HX3, next-generation series of truck with advances in power, mobility, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and an open systems architecture with pathways to hybrid technology incorporation, leader-follower driving, and autonomous operations. The militarized HX3 series incorporates substantial commercial technologies reflecting Rheinmetall’s joint venture with MAN Truck & Bus which streamlines logistics and sustainment burdens and provides benefits in vehicle upgrades. An Americanized HX3 forms the basis of what the American Rheinmetall Vehicles and GM Defense team will offer the Army in the first phase of the CTT program. Combined with an open architecture, the commercial backbone of the HX3 will support persistent modernization and allow for increases in capability as technologies mature. This will reduce obsolescence issues and overall lifecycle costs.

GM Defense is a rapidly expanding, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global technology powerhouse General Motors (GM) – one of the largest automotive producers in the world, delivering 2.2 million vehicles in 2021 alone, and remains the largest commercial provider of military vehicles in history. As GM’s purpose-built government-facing entity, GM Defense will

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bring its formidable manufacturing capabilities and technological excellence to the CTT team, leveraging GM’s innovation and portfolio of commercial technologies to advance customer capabilities. Having been selected to deliver the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) to the Army under the Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract, GM Defense understands rapid prototyping, agile design and engineering, and rapid delivery.

The CTT Program is a rapid prototyping effort that uses a middle-tier acquisition strategy and OTAs to enable the Army to quickly procure and test tactical truck prototypes to replace its family of heavy tactical trucks. The Army is seeking a modern platform featuring advanced driver safety systems, increased off-road mobility, cybersecurity, machine learning, artificial intelligence, improved survivability, and fuel efficiency among other emerging technologies.

The program will enable the Army to replace legacy vehicles like the Palletized Load System (PLS), Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT), M915 Line Haul Tractor, and other platforms in the current heavy and medium tactical wheeled fleet. A truck with maximum commercial elements, able to perform military missions, and that can bring commonality amongst mission roles are top priorities for the Army in the program.

“American Rheinmetall Vehicles is a committed partner to the Army, bringing next-generation capability, technology, and competition to high priority Army modernization programs like CTT. GM Defense shares our commitment, and together our team will provide a transformational truck to support the Army and its Soldiers,” said Matthew Warnick, Managing Director for American Rheinmetall Vehicles. “General Motors has a century of experience supporting the Department of Defense with a remarkable heritage in design, engineering, and manufacturing. GM Defense continues that heritage with the ability to rapidly develop and deploy advanced technologies, bringing an important capability to the American Rheinmetall Vehicles team and our exceptional CTT offering,” said Warnick.

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Cubic Announces New Secure Data-atRest (SDAR) Server Solution

Cubic Corporation, Cubic Mission and Performance Solution (CMPS), in collaboration with MEMKOR, have tested and validated the M3-SE-VSVR5-P hardware by demonstrating Secure Data-at-Rest (SDR) using MEMKOR Self-Encrypting Drives (SEDs).

SDAR “It has always been a challenge to achieve SDAR with the possibility of being disconnected from the enterprise network and centralized Key Management Server (KMS),” said Anthony Verna, senior vice president, and general manager of Cubic Rugged Internet of Things Business Unit. “Now that SDAR is a new Department of Defense requirement, we are pleased with the Cubic partnership with MEMKOR, and our M3-SE-VSVR5-P product ensures the data is fully secured and encrypted. Cubic is the only Edge Compute and Networking manufacturer in the industry with a proven ability to achieve SDAR with a hyper-converged virtual infrastructure while being disconnected from the enterprise network.”

SDAR capabilities are often dependent on centralized KMSs to access secure data stored on field-deployed servers. Accessing the cen-

tralized KMS to decrypt data in the field requires additional communications equipment that increases deployment weight and the radio frequency footprint of the mission, which in turn adds to the risk of detection by the enemy. In a first-to-market product, the M3SE-VSVR5-P, combined with MEMKOR self-encrypting drives (SEDs), removes the need to communicate with the centralized KMS because keys are safely secured within the server.

Data stored on the M3-SE-VSVR5-P is protected from unauthorized access or modification that results from theft, loss, or repurposing of drives.

The M3-SE-VSVR5-P high-powered computer platform, with 16 physical cores and up to 128 GB of RAM, is designed to support multiple virtual machines in a single small form factor module. An integrated enterprise-grade Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) controller servicing 10 bays of solid-state disc (SSD) drives means the M3-SE-VSVR5-P is compatible with commercially available hypervisors and hyper-converged solutions such as VMware ESXi and vSAN applications, as well as Redhat Linux. The platform known to provide unsurpassed virtual environment capabilities in a cost-effective modular solution will now deliver proven and secure data-at-rest capabilities.

Teal Drones Secures Purchase Order for Golden Eagle Drone Units from NATO Member Country for Deployment in Ukraine

TRed Cat Holdings, Inc. has secured an order for 15 Golden Eagle drone units, plus spares and training, from a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member country that has committed them to deployment in Ukraine. “Drones in the category of the Golden Eagle can be among the most impactful technologies during a war, and there is a significant need for drones in Ukraine to be used for reconnaissance purposes. We are now seeing small drones like the Golden Eagle helping to define the outcomes of wars such as what we’re experiencing now,” commented George Matus, founder, and CEO of Teal. “Teal is one of the only drone companies in the world able to provide these types of drones at scale, utilizing our proprietary technology, manufacturing, and resources, despite the supply chain issues that have plagued the industryat large.”

“Red Cat Holdings stands by Ukraine, and we will continue to support its needs to the greatest extent possible using Teal’s Golden Eagle platform,” added Jeff Thompson, Red Cat’s CEO. “Since the war in Ukraine began, we have seen strong interest in the Teal drone platform from numerous European countries. Defense budgets within Europe have risen seemingly overnight due to the need to support this current invasion, as well as the desire to be prepared for future geopolitical conflicts. Many countries and military units are recognizing the strategic benefit of having an adequate baseline inventory of drone units that can be invaluable in reconnaissance and surveillance on the front lines.

We believe this is the first of many relationships and purchases in the region.”

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The

INSIDE TRACK

General Dynamics Land Systems to Provide Abrams Tanks to Poland Under $1.1 Billion Foreign Abrams M1A2 SEPV3 Polish Army to receive 250 tanks in the state-ofthe-art M1A2 SEPv3 configuration

battle tank in the world, and we look forward to getting it into the hands of Polish Soldiers.”

General Dynamics Land Systems provides innovative design, engineering, technology, production, and full life-cycle support for land

combat vehicles around the globe. The company’s extensive experience, customer-first focus, and seasoned supply chain network provide unmatched capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies.

General Dynamics Land Systems announced that it has been awarded a Foreign Military Sales order from the U.S. Army worth up to $1.148 billion to deliver 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tanks to Poland.

The state-of-the-art M1A2 SEPv3 configuration features technological advancements in communications, fire control and lethality, reliability, sustainment, and fuel efficiency, plus upgraded armor. Additionally, the SEPv3 Abrams is designed to seamlessly accept future upgrades.

“We are pleased to have been chosen to provide this critical armored capability to our allies in Poland,” said Chris Brown, vice president of global strategy and international business development at General Dynamics Land Systems. “The M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams is the most advanced main

Pod demonstrated surveillance, autonomous target tracking capabilities Northrop Grumman Corporation’s LITENING advanced targeting pod has completed its first test flights on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet. The Navy selected LITENING to replace

the legacy targeting pods on the F/A-18 fleet in early 2022.

“This first flight demonstrated LITENING’s ability to rapidly add modern, upgradeable mission capabilities to the Super Hornet,” said James Conroy, vice president, of navigation,

targeting, and survivability, Northrop Grumman. “The pod’s digital video, autonomous target tracking, and laser sensors will give Naval aviators an entirely new set of capabilities for operations over land and sea today, and the growth capabilities built into LITENING’s modular design ensure that the pod can evolve to meet changing requirements.”

During the flight, pilots executed maneuvers and operations representative of combat missions, including ground moving target tracking, air-to-air tracking, and target designation. The pilots also engaged the eye-safe training laser mode that allows the pod to be used for realistic training with combat controllers on the ground. The pilots were able to carry out these operations without advanced training, showing the ease of use that has been made possible by close collaboration with the aviation community.

LITENING is currently in service with the Marine Corps, Air Force, Air National Guard, and international customers. Northrop Grumman has delivered more than 900 LITENING pods.

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COTS Journal | September 2022

SPECIAL FEATURE

Advance System Monitoring made easy by One Stop Systems

By John Reardon, Publisher, COTS Journal Complex Solutions and the need to Monitor them Edge Computing provides the opportunity to move highly complex, multifunctional solutions to the edge in support of the DoD advance compute initiatives. The connected battlefield requires solutions that are not only able to perform but are also capable of meeting the varied environments of the modern-day field of deployment. This daunting task challenges the best system designers to build a solution that is measured in the extreme. Generally speaking, the types of system design break out as follows: • Localized System - Designed from inception as one system, examples could be an air-craft or ship.

• Systems of Systems - These are highly distributed systems for which the final configuration is unknown.

• Combat operations - The complexity is the result of the connected battlefield and the extreme physical environments.

com-monly used throughout datacenters.

OSS recognized the importance of having predictive tools to affirm that reliability is increased and monitored in the field. This is achieved through a user interface that allows systems and subsystems alike to be monitored.

Adapting to the Real World One example is vehicle integration for the Joint Tac-tical Light Weight Vehicle ( JTLV) in support of C4ISR/EW demands. The solutions adopted must be able to support vehicle network standards through a single pane view, like the unified dashboards used in data centers. The OSS solution gives the system designer a dynamic platform that can be configured to address the needs of the application.

By monitoring the infrastructure of the

A dynamic configurable solution One Stop Systems, having worked in all these envi-ronments, recognized that a dynamic solution that addressed the application-specific requirements, along with the growing complexity of system design was needed. The goal was to create a solution based on an open standard with universal support that could grow along with the host systems. It would allow for dynamic configuration to address and monitor the system-wide behavior of the hard-ware and then convey this information in a single pane.

The Unified Baseboard Manage Controller (U-BMC) from OSS is an easily configured system monitoring solution that extends beyond the discrete system to multiple expansion chassis. This tool enables a full systems review based on the Redfish tools 18

COTS Journal | September 2022

Figure 1 - An example of user interface.

host chassis along with up to 7 expansion chassis, the U-BMC goes beyond the simple monitoring of the chassis’ thermal aspects. It also can be configured to detect: • Device directory and inventory • Performance monitoring • Health and predictive monitoring • Network and data movement monitoring • Reporting and logs • Alerting Predictive and Configurable This infrastructure monitoring affords the user a real-time awareness of those elements within the system that are most susceptible to the environment they face. This tool will contribute to the objectives by collecting and reviewing data on an ongoing basis. From a simple alarm regarding a fan failure, to being able to collect and review infrastructure data to chart and predict system performance. The

ability to identify spikes and lags and diagnose why they have occurred will enable the user to determine stress points within the system. In addition, by providing a single point of access to all sensor data within a complex system, OSS has significantly reduced the potential for a security breach.

The increased complexity of system design has many believing that we are reaching a limit to the complexity that can be addressed with current tools and methods. Challenging this idea may come with the U-BMC that can monitor and predict possible disasters before they happen. The U-BMC monitors and scales as the number of elements within the system increase. It is built on an open platform that continues to evolve allowing a calculus to increase as a polynomial or even an exponential number of sensor input is reached. Using a nonlinear approach of how one component might influence a second, which influences a third, which interacts

back to the first, and so on, gives a whole new insight into system diagnosis.

The OSS U-BMC doesn’t require that the system standards be constrained and will support a heterogeneous environment based on PCIe as it evolves. Being able to configure the U-BMC to support the addition of expansion chassis, opens the playing field to increase processing and storage based on the application need without leaving portions of the system exposed. For systems with a large array of components, often the interaction between the components becomes a concern.

By determining these interactions, the U-BMC can put weight on describing this interaction to a greater degree than it does in describing the properties of any individual component.

The U-BMC aids in combating the uncertainties inherent as systems grow in complexity. The matter becomes particularly burdensome when multiple components

are involved. OSS was inspired to provide a solution that didn’t add to the complexity of the system, hence the uncertainty, but rather provide a simple user interface based on industry standards; a user interface that is easily viewed and conveys complex data sets based on algorithms that are built on the interactions of the system.

The Release The U-BMC will first appear on the OSS Rigel platform employing the Intel 9260NGW, Wifi/Bluetooth Combo adapter. The Rigel is OSS’s flagship for FLOPS in a box for C4ISR applications throughout the military. The Rigel has had success in vehicles, due to the challenging environmental and electrical requirements, which closely compliments the monitoring features of the U-BMC.

The increased complexity of system design has many believing that we are reaching a limit to the complexity that can be addressed with current tools and methods.

COTS Journal | September 2022

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September 2022

COT’S PICKS Avnet Launches MaaXBoard 8ULP Starter Kit for Design Engineers Creating Secure Intelligent Edge Applications

tioning of processing resources into application domain (Dual-Core Arm® Cortex®-A55 cores), real-time domain (Arm® Cortex®-M33 core and Fusion DSP), and Low Power Audio Video domain (HiFi 4 DSP).

The new MaaXBoard 8ULP starter kit from Avnet features the i.MX 8ULP processor from NXP® Semiconductor and will help facilitate the development of ultra-low power, secure, intelligent edge applications. Implemented as a compact System-on-Module (SOM) plus carrier board (in popular single-board computer format), this platform includes a multifunction development interface plus well-supported communication and expansion interfaces, to maximize its overall utility for developers of new custom products.

The MaaXBoard 8ULP’s small, 43mm x 36mm form factor SOM includes the NXP i.MX 8ULP applications processor and power management IC (PMIC) plus abundant memory resources including: • On-chip shared RAM (768 KB) • Power-efficient 32bit wide LPDDR4X DRAM (2GB) • Octal PSRAM (8 MB) • eMMC 5.1 flash (32 GB) • Octal SPI NOR flash (4 MB) non-volatile memory

“Use of the NXP i.MX 8ULP applications processor and PCA9460 PMIC on the Avnet SOM provides a promising new option for developers implementing energy efficient, secure edge-AI applications with advanced audio and display capabilities,” said Amanda McGregor, senior director of Product Innovation, Advance Edge Processors, NXP. Efficient control of energy usage is facilitated by architectural features of the i.MX 8ULP device, which includes the parti-

The memory architecture enables ultra-low power capabilities through the support of independent real-time and application processing domains. Two 100-pin connectors interface the SOM to the carrier board.

“Utilizing the small form factor of the MaaXBoard 8ULP ensures the most complex aspects of the hardware implementation are already pre-engineered in the SOM—significantly

reducing the engineering risk and providing a path from development to integration into custom products,” said Jim Beneke, vice president of Products & Emerging Technologies, Avnet. “It also reduces supply chain risks, since the compact SOM replaces dozens of components, many of which have long lead times.”

The MaaXBoard 8ULP carrier baseboard (based on a compact Raspberry Pi form factor) supports a versatile set of I/O interfaces. These include: Gigabit Ethernet • Two USB 2.0 host interfaces plus a USB 2.0 device interface • MIPI DSI display and MIPI CSI camera interfaces • Expansion headers supporting the 40-pin Pi-HAT compatible header, MikroE Click 16-pin header, and ADC/DAC 6-pin header • Audio applications are supported via onboard audio codec, digital microphone, and stereo headphone jack I/O • Power is sourced via USB-C connector and is managed via the PCA9460B PMIC on the SOM, plus three additional voltage regulators A unique aspect of this board is its debug subsystem which supports remote USB access to three UARTs, 16bit I/O expander-based remote control, and monitoring, plus an option of using an integrated SWD/JTAG or 10-pin header debugger interface. The built-in remote control, monitoring, and integrated debugger are modeled on the capabilities of NXP’s i.MX 8ULP EVK platform, allowing developers to use NXP’s BCU software utility to remotely set boot mode, reset the board, reflash the memory and monitor the processor mode.

Expansion via a well-established ecosystem of HAT boards and Click boards (over 1,200 different MikroE Click boards are available) enables developers to tap into a broad range of prototyping options. An M.2 module connector on the backside of the carrier board facilitates the easy addition of 801.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity using an optional certified M.2 wireless module. Other available accessories are a 7-inch MIPI-DSI LCD panel, a 5 MP MIPI-CSI camera, and a 5V/3A (USB-C connector) power supply.

Avnet www.avnet.com

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September 2022

COT’S PICKS

Johanson Enhances WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 and Coexistence Filter Solutions High-speed data transmission and requirements for low latency demand implementations of narrow RF multi-channel designs and low interference with coexisting bands, per WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 / IEEE802.11ax standards.

Johanson Technology announces a tighter rejection 5.5 Gigahertz Bandpass Filter and a dual-band rooftop WiFi5 and WiFi6E, 6.1 Gigahertz, Bandpass Filter supporting WiFi 5.5 Gigahertzand WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 Gigahertz bands.

The 5.5G Gigahertz Bandpass Filter, EIA 1812 (4.5 x 3.2 metric), and operating frequencies of 5.1 Gigahertz through 5.8 Gigahertz (part number 5500BP44A0700), offers a 50dB attenuation with a coexisting 6 Gigahertz WiFi band.

The 6.1 Gigahertz SMD filter, EIA 0603 (1.6 x 0.8 metric), and operating frequencies of 5.17 Gigahertz through 7.125 Gigahertz (part number 6100BP14A1995), offers a 2 Gigahertz bandwidth solution with 0.9dB insertion loss suitable for the highest antenna power transfer demands.

Johanson Technology, inc www.johansontechnology.com

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September 2022

COT’S PICKS IAR Systems enable Visual Studio Code extensions to meet developer demands

ASupported by Microsoft, IAR Systems is now providing its embedded expertise and software solutions to millions of developers using Visual Studio Code worldwide. The launch is in response to market demands and will help professionals accelerate development workflows.

IAR Systems proudly presented Visual Studio Code extensions for IAR Systems embedded software development solutions. Now available at Visual Studio Code Marketplace, these extensions enable developers to work in Visual Studio Code while at the same time taking advantage of the powerful capabilities of the IAR Systems’ software solutions specialized in embedded systems.

For many years, IAR Systems and Azure RTOS have delivered the highest level of product integration, including the Azure RTOS ThreadX kernel integration in the IAR Embedded Work-

Mercury’s ultra-compact tuners help counter adversarial threats AMercury Systems, Inc. announced a new family of low-power, ultra-compact tuner modules purpose-built to support customers’ spectrum processing applications such as signals intelligence (SIGINT), direction finding (DF), and test and measurement. The high-performance design and compact size of the new AM9018 and AM9030 modules bring faster broadband RF processing to mission-critical operations in harsh environments, where space is at a premium such as in small ISR drones and man-portable SIGINT systems.

Mercury’s innovative microwave technology provides the agile broadband RF needed so that SIGINT solutions can quickly identify and counter a target’s electronic signals and communications.

“Our customers require broadband performance in a compact size for their processing-intensive SIGINT applications like electronics intelligence (ELINT),” said Clay Couey, senior director, and general manager, Mercury Microwave. “By developing our own monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) devices, we can design very small tuners – approximately the size of a few credit cards – that enable customers to build sig22

COTS Journal | September 2022

bench debugger.

This stateof - t h e - a r t debugger integration with Microsoft’s Embedded Tools extension includes the ability to view all Azure RTOS ThreadX objects, set thread-specific breakpoints, view suspended thread’s call stacks, and view the unique execution profile and performance monitoring features in Azure RTOS ThreadX. The new IAR Systems’ extensions bring the same high level and integration capabilities to the Visual Studio Code community. In addition, this gives IoT developers a seamless development experience from prototyping to delivered products, enabling a fully GitHub-based automated development workflow.

“IAR Systems has been a great partner with Microsoft as we’ve been working on Azure RTOS for embedded applications. And now, we’re excited to bring the capabilities in the IAR

nal collection platforms compact enough to fit in a UAV, directly supporting mission needs to counter adversarial threats.”

Mercury’s new, SWaP-optimized RF tuners leverage the Company’s custom MMIC design capability resulting from their recent Atlanta Micro acquisition. These custom semiconductor devices, available as stand-alone products, allow maximum space savings and broadband performance.

Built with MMIC technology for maximum SWaP optimization • Extremely low-power 2–18 GHz tuner module • Ultra-compact form factor: a pproxi m a t e ly 1.4” x 3.0” x 0.3”

Embedded Workbench to the millions of developers using Visual Studio Code. We look forward to seeing what developers build with this technology”, said Amanda Silver, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. “The Visual Studio extensions from IAR Systems open a bridge between the leading general code development environment and the leading embedded development environment to make the sum greater than the parts”, commented Anders Holmberg, CTO, IAR Systems. “This gives our mutual users the best of both worlds, enabling users to develop the next generation of smart embedded devices for a wide range of different use cases and workloads in the most efficient way possible.”

IAR Systems www.iar.com

• 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth for fast signal intercept • Transmit (AM9030) and receive (AM9018) variants available Mercury Systems, Inc. www.mrcy.com

September 2022

COT’S PICKS DDC-I’s Deos Safety-Critical RTOS and Development Tools Available for Docker-Enabled Hosts Provides Development Host Independence for Avionics Developers Targeting Deos

DDC-I announced the availability of its Deos Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) and OpenArbor Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Docker. The Docker container implementation provides host independence and streamlined product installation for avionics developers utilizing OpenArbor on a Docker-equipped host platform to target the Deos safety-critical real-time operating system.

“Docker provides unprecedented access to our development tools and safety-critical DO-178C Design Assurance Level A Deos RTOS,” said Greg Rose, vice president of marketing and product management at DDC-I. “Avionics developers targeting the Deos RTOS can now hit the ground running with our OpenArbor IDE running on platforms equipped with the popular Docker technolo-

gy, unhindered by the development host operating system.”

Docker is an open platform for developing, shipping, and running applications.

Docker enables developers to isolate the application development environment from the host infrastructure, thereby expediting software installation and code development through seamless integration and by limiting unwanted host configuration dependencies and conflicts.

Docker provides the ability to package and run an application in a loosely isolated environment called a container. The isolation and security allow developers to run multiple containers simultaneously on a given host. Containers are lightweight and contain everything needed to run the application, so developers do not need to rely on what is currently installed on the host. Containers can easily be shared among developers, ensuring that everybody gets the same container working in the same way in different host development environments.

Docker can utilize OpenArbor and the Deos development tools, enabling avionics designers to develop and debug code for Deos. The development host runs the Docker application. The Docker image contains the OpenArbor development environment needed to build and debug Deos applications on various hardware platforms. OpenArbor’s QEMU (Quick EMUlator) virtual machine then allows the user to run Deos and the integrated customer applications in the Docker container, thereby facilitating application testing in an isolated environment without the target hardware. OpenArbor is an Eclipse-based, mixed-language IDE, which features C and C++ optimizing compilers, a color-coded source editor, project management support, automated build utilities, and a symbolic debugger. Also included is a virtual target hardware development tool, QEMU that allows developers to develop, debug and test their code on their development host in advance of actual target hardware availability.

DDC-I www.ddci.com

Any development host equipped with

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September 2022

COT’S PICKS Introducing DevAlert® Sandbox

An Easy Route to Instant Anomaly Detection in RTOS Device Software for 100x Faster Resolution, Safeguarding Deployments at Scaley

Percepio® released DevAlert® Sandbox, a ready-to-run online platform for Percepio DevAlert, the company’s monitoring framework for remote anomaly detection and debugging of RTOS software.

“In a world that is increasingly defined by software, OEMs making intelligent devices need an automatic feedback loop from device to developer to enable rapid detection and debugging of software anomalies, both during development and in deployment. By including Percepio DevAlert in shipped devices, OEMs can react 100x faster on software issues in the field and provide rapid updates to safeguard customer operations. DevAlert Sandbox provides an easy route to exploring the concept in general, and DevAlert in particular,” said Percepio CEO and founder Johan Kraft.

ing and the integrated Tracealyzer tool. This way, OEMs can provide rapid solutions to safeguard their devices and related business, and reduce debugging and customer support costs. DevAlert is designed to fit in small microcontroller-based devices and scales to large device fleets without causing alert fatigue.

DevAlert Sandbox lets users experience a full DevAlert setup directly in their web browser using a simulated device, and without having to write any code. A ready-to-run application example is included with source code and development tools, allowing developers to explore and experi-

ment with use-cases of software anomaly monitoring, and expand the solutions to their projects.

The example application provided by DevAlert Sandbox is an elevator control system running on a virtual Arm microcontroller, powered by the xPack QEMU Arm simulator and monitored using Percepio DevAlert. A graphical simulator interface allows for triggering anomalies in the elevator controller, which are detected and reported using Percepio DevAlert together with software traces that explain the reported anomalies.

Percepio https://percepio.com/

Percepio DevAlert is a cloud-connected monitoring framework for anomaly detection and remote debugging of RTOS-based embedded software, during development and deployment at scale. DevAlert enables a diagnostic feedback loop from deployed devices back to OEMs and operators and provides immediate and full insight into anomalies in the device software via software trac-

New 6U VPX Carrier Cards Host Dual XMC Modules to Support a Wide Variety of Signal Processing and Computing Options

DAcromag’s new VPX carriers route power and bus signals to two plug-in XMC mezzanine modules with a 16-lane Gen 3 PCIe interface to enable a broad range of FPGA, GPU, I/O, and CPU combinations.

A c romag expands its O p e n V PX ™ carrier card selection with the addition of two new models that provide a simple and cost-effective solution for interfacing XMC mod-

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COTS Journal | September 2022

ules to a VPX computer system.

The VPX4840 and VPX4850 feature two XMC slots with support for front or rear panel I/O. They are available with VITA 42, VITA 61, or VITA 88 connectors to route power and interface bus signals to the plug-in mezzanine modules.

Both models support a choice of direct PCIe connection to the VPX backplane via the data or expansion plane.

The XMC sites have a 16-lane PCIe bus Gen 3 interface enabling rapid data throughput. By inserting XMC mezzanine modules on the carrier, including XMC processor (prXMC) modules, developers can now leverage hundreds of available function modules currently unavailable in a VPX platform.

Acromag www.acromag.com

September 2022

COT’S PICKS Supermicro Announces Global Availability of Intelligent Edge Systems featuring Intel Xeon D Processors

Super Micro Computer, Inc. is announcing the global availability of a wide range of systems for edge computing, including the recently announced SuperEdge and a range of Intel Xeon D processor-based systems, with up to 20 cores, 25 GbE networking built-in, and a temperature operating range from -40° C to 85° C. These systems are optimized for the Intelligent Edge, where responsive systems that reduce latency are required. In addition, locating powerful AI systems closer to where data is generated reduces network traffic and lowers response time.

“We are pleased to be able to deliver our high-volume optimized edge systems worldwide due to our expanded factories and capacity,” said Charles Liang, president, and CEO of Supermicro. “Our latest systems are designed for harsh conditions with the highest performing CPUs and GPUs that are available. Supermicro has the unique ability to quickly deliver industry-optimized solutions from the edge to the data center by using our Building Block Solution ® approach. We are also committed to lessening our servers’ carbon footprint, resulting in fewer emissions and a greener planet.”

Supermicro is introducing a selection of new systems, including updated versions of the popular IP65 Outdoor Edge system and the Supermicro Hyper-E product lines, all of which are designed with the optimal Intel Xeon CPU and various forms factors. These systems are all applications optimized for computing and infer-

encing at the edge and are available worldwide.

Edge systems from Supermicro incorporate the latest Intel Xeon CPUs, including the Intel Xeon D family and the 3rd Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. As a result, Supermicro servers built with these CPUs show a performance increase over previous generations of systems, producing more work per watt of electricity.

“As data continues to be processed outside the traditional data center, customers are looking for solutions to address the most demanding use cases to create a better overall experience for key network and edge usages and workloads,” stated Jeni Panhorst, VP and GM of Network and Edge Compute Division at Intel.

“Our collaboration with Supermicro extends the reach of systems needed to meet demand in ruggedized environments and allows new solutions to be delivered to help increase innovation and decrease costs for many organizations.”

The short-depth and front I/O systems are critical for edge environments where physical space may be at a premium. These systems may need to operate in facilities far away from climate-controlled data centers and without interruption. Supermicro continues to innovate with servers that can be installed in outdoor environments, including the pole-mounted IP65 server platform for 5G and the intelligent edge.

Moving AI inferencing to the edge of the network allows faster decisions to be made without using valuable network bandwidth to communicate back to a remote data center.

Super Micro Computer, Inc. www.supermicro.com

Kontron expands its new motherboard family based on 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i, processors, with the K3851-R ATX Kontron presents a new ATX motherboard that leverages the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i series processors (LGA1700 with 125W TDP).

With this, Kontron now extends its product family of new motherboards “Designed and made in Germany”, consisting of Mini-ITX, µATX, and ATX, after the recent launch of three µATX boards.

The K3851-R ATX is particularly interesting for all applications with a high demand for PCIe expandability - including PCIe 5.0, which is twice as fast as the previously prevailing PCIe 4.0 standard. This makes it particularly suitable for industrial automation markets - mainly for control PCs in 19” rack format (including robotics), for medical technology, high-performance workstations for CAD applications (including gaming PCs) as well as for video editing and video wall displays via GenLock signal.

The ATX board with the Intel® R680E chipset is equipped with a total of three network ports (two Intel® i225 and one Intel® i219LM GbE vPRO controller incl. AMT, Teaming, and TSN), two M.2 2230/2242/2280 (Key-M, PCIe/NVME SSD modules) incl. NVME RAID and support for Intel® Optane™ memory as well as one M.2 2230 (Key-E, WLAN/Bluetooth modules, including CNVi support). It has a total of 6 PCIe slots, one x16 5.0 and one x16 4.0, two x8 4.0 and x1 3.0 lanes each, as well as a PCI expansion card slot. 4 COM ports round off the wide range of interfaces.

The motherboard is suitable for use in an extended temperature range of -10° C to +60° C. Four DIMM memory modules, fast DDR5-4800 with a maximum of 128 GB, and Dual Channel are used as memory. Furthermore, the board is equipped with numerous other interfaces, including a total of 13 x USBs, of which 1 x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen2 and 6 x USB Type A (2x USB 3.2 Gen2, 4x USB 3.2 Gen1) on the rear of the case.

The Trusted Platform Module (TPM 2.0) ensures a high level of hardware- and software-based system security.

Kontron www.kontron.com

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August 2022

COT’S PICKS

Real-Time Systems Safe Hypervisor running on Intel Atom x6000E Series enables new functional safetycompliance capabilities

Real-Time Systems (RTS) announces the upcoming availability of its new RTS Safe Hypervisor. The RTS Safe hypervisor will be an OS-independent functional safety certified Type 1 hypervisor to target mixed-critical workloads based on x86 multicore processor technologies and will be available worldwide.

The new RTS Safe Hypervisor will be delivered as a complete OEM package, bundling the certified real-time hypervisor with functionally safe and nonsafe virtual machines and a certified safe OS such as the Linux-based Zephyr or QNX. This bundle targets any off-the-shelf or custom-specific embedded computing platform equipped with FuSa-capable x86 processors. The first implementations will be based on Intel Atom x6000E Series processors with integrated Intel Safety Island and 11th Generation Intel Core processors.

“We want to ensure that engineers get the most efficient route to fully functional-safety-compliant applications by utilizing pre-certified platforms. Safe real-time hypervisor technology is the key to tying everything together, from safe hardware, safe Type 1 grade virtual machines, and safe OSes to non-safe domains running multi-purpose OSes. In the end, application engineers only need to take care of their safety-critical application part to gain functional safety certification. This is ultra-convenient in an IoT- and AI-driven decade, where many innovations are emerging in the autonomous vehicle and collaborative robot sectors, for example. Here the core functions must comply with functional safety 26

standards. The non-safe part of the bundle, on the other hand, can be modified and updated as needed without affecting the functionally safe parts in any way. And the real sweet spot for engineers is that they can utilize standard x86 technologies,” says Mi-

chael Reichlin, CEO at Real-Time Systems, to explain the sales strategy for the new RTS Safe Hypervisor.

Typical mixed-critical applications include complete solutions on a single embedded computing platform that combine real-time enabled safe controls with non-safety applications – such as GUIs, AI logic or vision, and situational awareness systems. With the Industry 4.0 trend, IoT gateways are becoming increasingly embedded. Integrated gateways are required, for superordinated control logic over real-time 5G and/or for anything related to the IT/OT fusion trend to enable predictive maintenance and new business models via agile subscriptions with pay-per-use and usage-based pricing.

Benefits of mixed-critical application engineering OEMs utilizing a single hardware platform for mixed-critical application designs benefit from cost savings due to a reduced system count, resulting in an improved mean time between failures (MTBF) compared to multi-system installations. Another benefit is that engineers can manage critical and non-critical applications on one single chip or hardware, which eases application engineering and testing and data exchange between these applications. And despite the single-system approach, such a hypervisor implementation allows all non-safety applications to be continuously updated and modified without recertifying the safety-relevant components. This is not just important for innovation but also for improving cyber security.

Real-Time Systems www.real-time-systems.com

COTS Journal | September 2022

Antenova launches Minima, a smallspace antenna for 5G and LTE, as mobile operators roll out 5G Antenova Ltd announces a new and smaller SMD antenna for 5G and 4G frequencies. The antenna is named Minima, part number SR4L075.

At 40 x 10 x 3.3 mm, Minima is the smallest 5G antenna that Antenova has brought to market so far. Its small volume and low weight, below three grams, suit it for small, lightweight designs for 4G and 5G frequencies, and designs that use both frequencies.

Minima is a multi-band cellular antenna covering the common 4G and 5G frequencies used globally, including the popular Band 71, 617- 698 MHz, used by T-Mobile in the USA. It can therefore be used in designs that will be marketed globally. Says Antenova’s Product Marketing Manager Michael Castle: “As the name suggests, Minima uses minimum space in a design. It is a very small antenna that operates with a small clearance beneath, making it a winner for 4G and 5G cellular designs where space is tight on the PCB. In tests, Minima achieved efficiencies up to 60%, which will help designers to achieve certification for their 5G designs.”

Antenova announces Minima to help designers future-proof their designs as operators move away from 3G and roll out 5G services.

The Global Mobile Suppliers Association reports an increase in super-fast 5G networks and 5G devices, identifying 493 operators in 150 countries that have invested in 5G, and 205 operators in 80 countries have launched 5G mobile services and 5G devices. The number of devices available for the 5G networks has grown by more than 60% in the last 12 months.

Bloomberg reports demand for high bandwidth entertainment services, such as 4K video streaming and remote AR/VR gaming driving the growth, while oil, gas, mining, and energy utilities are investing in 5G networks to connect millions of industrial IoT (IIoT) devices. Emergency healthcare, transport, smart cities, V2X, and drones will also, use 5G. Antenova www.antenova.com

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ADVERTISERS Company Page # Annapolis Micro Systems ....................................... 14 Behlman Electronics ............................................ 5/BC Great River Technology .........................................

19 Holo Industries ......................................................

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17 PICO Electronics, Inc ............................................. 11/IBC Pixus Technologies .................................................

21 Sealevel ................................................................. 12 SECO ......................................................................

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Website ......................................... www.annapmicro.com .............................................. www.behlman.com ..................................... www.greatrivertech.com ................................................ www.holoind.com ................................. www.interfaceconcept.com ......................................... www.newwavedv.com ................................................. www.pentek.com .................................... www.picoelectronics.com ................................ www.pixustechnologies.com ................................................ www.sealevel.com ..................................................... www.seco.com

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