COTS Journal, December 2024

December 2024, Volume 26 - Number 12 • cotsjournalonline.com

The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing

JOURNAL

Automated Test Equipment Revival Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems Why LTE-M is the Best Fit for Global Asset Tracking

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 FEATURE 16

DEPARTMENTS

Automated Test Equipment Revival Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems

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Publishers Note

By Carlo Chatman, Media Relations Specialist Power PR

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The Inside Track

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT 20

Why LTE-M is the Best Fit for Global Asset Tracking

By Dana Cohen, Product Marketing Manager

COT’S PICKS 23

Editor’s Choice for December

Cover Image: Bear-ly Comprehending A polar bear inspects a weather buoy installed by Coast Guard cutter Healy crew members and scientists on a multiyear ice floe in the Beaufort Sea, Aug. 13, 2023.

COTS Journal | December 2024

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The Journal of Military Electronics & Computing

JOURNAL EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL SUBMISSION AND RELEASES johnr@rtc-media.com PUBLISHER/CEO John Reardon • Johnr@rtc-media.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Tom Williams, Glenn ImObersteg Buck Biblehouse

ART AND PRODUCTION

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ADMINISTRATION/CIRCULATION Dawn Dunaway • dawnr@rtc-media.com

Interested in getting your copy of

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SALES MANAGER Vaughn Orchard • Vaughno@rtc-media.com CUSTOM AND CONTRACT SERVICES John Reardon • Johnr@rtc-media.com

JOURNAL

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COTS Journal | December 2024

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

John Reardon, Editor-in-Chief, COTS Journal

As the Year

Winds Down!

As the year winds down, it’s natural to start looking ahead.

This is the season when editors often share predictions about the future of technology. While I’d like to think I bring a unique perspective—gleaned from countless briefings, webinars, and conferences—the truth is, forecasting can

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COTS Journal | December 2024

quickly slip into the realm of fiction. After publishing magazines since 1994, I’ve learned to tread carefully when gazing into the crystal ball.

This year, I couldn’t shake Yogi Berra’s famous quip: “It’s

But here’s the rub: no one in a modern The Army is already testing and battlefield has the luxury to sit at a moving forward with what they refer workstation and sift through to as “Sensor-to-Shooter”. mountains of data.

déjà vu all over again.” Not because we’re merely recycling old tech trends, though that happens, or because last November feels eerily familiar to this one, though it does in some ways. What struck me was how often we’re tackling new challenges with old strategies.

Each week, I’m reminded of technology’s limits through what I call “mini epiphanies.” It might be the realization that downloading a terabyte of data can take hours—or days. Or recognizing that U.S. design cycles are too sluggish for the fast-changing dynamics of modern warfare.

Take high-performance workstations, for example. Once the domain of companies like Sun Microsystems, Data General, and Digital Equipment Corporation, their relevance has faded. Yet today, the demand for running AI algorithms on massive datasets has brought the concept roaring back— this time as high-performance command centers at the edge. These aren’t black-box systems generating automated responses but rather data hubs designed for our connected military, offering leaders the intelligence needed to make informed decisions in real time.

A recent briefing on a wearable computer drove this home.

The concept—delivering data-center performance to a soldier—was promising. But the design? A hard-edged enclosure that could injure its wearer in a fall. Another time, I reviewed a helicopter-mounted compute platform. Its size and weight (a 19-inch rack!) undermined its claim of being purpose-built.

But here’s the rub: no one in a modern battlefield has the luxury to sit at a workstation and sift through mountains of data. Pragmatism demands we narrow the focus. A defensive system responding in real time to an incoming missile? That makes sense. But waiting for a senior officer to authorize a preemptive strike? The delay could be catastrophic.

Similarly, consider time-sensitive networks. How practical is a 50-millisecond latency when countering a Mach 5 threat?

Or relying on a cloud solution with a 100 Mbps upload speed to handle high-resolution radar and mixed signals? These are sobering realities.

Communicating these insights is tricky. How do you tell a manufacturer that their million-dollar design misses the mark without offending them? Or that their clever innovation is already being given away for free by Nvidia?

I often joke with my team that if I get another shot at life, I’d like to come back as an editor-in-chief. They don’t buy their own drinks, and everyone listens to them—at least for a while. But when you point out that someone’s vision for situational awareness is impractical, you might end up with the tab.

Here’s to a new year full of pragmatism, innovation, and, hopefully, fewer déjà vu moments.

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Seventh Lockheed Martin-Built GPS III Satellite Launches, Supporting Next-Gen Constellation Modernization and Rapid Launch Capability Martin designed and built the Global Positioning System (GPS) III space vehicle, GPS III SV07, which was launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, into orbit 12,550 miles above Earth.

GPS III SV07 was launched on an accelerated timeline and joins the Space Force’s ongoing modernization of the GPS constellation, following GPS III SV06, launched in 2023.

The team has now completed signal acquisition of GPS III SV07, and the spacecraft is under operational control at Lockheed Martin’s Denver Launch & Checkout Operations Center until its official acceptance into the current operational GPS 31-satellite constellation.

The Road to a Rapid Launch The spacecraft, assembled at Lockheed Martin’s Littleton, Colorado, facility, traveled across the country via ground transport to its launch site in Florida. This differs from the typical air transport for these missions since its standard military aircraft ride was engaged in hurricane tracking and relief efforts.

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The team seamlessly changed gears to a road shipment on short notice, which helped the mission maintain its rapid launch schedule in the face of shifting aircraft availability. The Space Force time from call-up to launch for SV07 was reduced to about three months to demonstrate operational agility to launch critical national security missions.

Lockheed Martin’s spacecraft team carefully mapped out the approximately 2,337-mile route and carefully monitored weather models, as Hurricane Milton was on track to pass through Florida around the time of the spacecraft’s arrival.

After an epic, six-day road trip, SV07 arrived at its final destination, avoiding severe weather, undergoing final checks, and preparing for launch.

“We supported our customer’s vision for an accelerated launch of this GPS satellite, ultimately helping them achieve quick-turn operational readiness,” said Malik Musawwir, vice

president of Navigation Systems at Lockheed Martin. “Time is of the essence for national security missions, and we quickly delivered this critical capability for the Space Force to support rapid demand for secure, advanced positioning, navigation, and timing signals.”

An Additional Satellite with Secure Military Code All GPS III space vehicles, including SV07, are equipped with M-code. M-code is an advanced, new signal designed to improve anti-jamming and anti-spoofing and increase secure access to military GPS signals for U.S. and allied armed forces. GPS III space vehicles provide up to eight times more anti-jamming power than GPS II space vehicles, and M-code has been in operational acceptance since 2020.

GPS satellites provide essential navigation for U.S. military assets, operational troops, and field supply deliveries while powering global financial markets, transportation, utilities, agriculture, construction, and ride-share services.

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Anduril Partners with OpenAI to Advance U.S. Artificial Intelligence Leadership and Protect U.S. and Allied Forces

Anduril Industries, a defense technology company, and OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT and frontier AI models such as GPT 4o and OpenAI o1, are proud to announce a strategic partnership to develop and responsibly deploy advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for national security missions. Combining OpenAI’s advanced models with Anduril’s high-performance defense systems and Lattice software platform, the partnership aims to improve the nation’s defense systems that protect U.S. and allied military personnel from attacks by unmanned drones and other aerial devices.

U.S. and allied forces face a rapidly evolving set of aerial threats from both emerging unmanned systems and legacy manned platforms that can wreak havoc, damage infrastructure, and take lives. The Anduril and OpenAI strategic partnership will focus on improving the nation’s counterunmanned aircraft systems (CUAS) and their real-time ability to detect, assess, and respond to potentially lethal aerial threats. As part of the new initiative, Anduril and OpenAI will explore how leading-edge AI models can be leveraged to rapidly synthesize time-sensitive data, reduce the burden on human operators, and improve situational awareness. These models, trained on Anduril’s industry-leading library of data on CUAS threats and operations, will help protect U.S. and allied military personnel and ensure mission success.

The accelerating race between the United States and China to lead the world in advancing AI makes this a pivotal moment. If the United States cedes ground, we risk losing the technological edge that has underpinned our national security for decades. The decisions made now will determine whether the United States remains a leader in the 21st century or risks being outpaced by adversaries who don’t share our commitment to freedom and democracy and would use AI to threaten other countries. Bringing together world-class talent in their respective fields, this effort aims to ensure that the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community has access to the most advanced, effective, and safe AI-driven technologies in the world.

“Anduril builds defense solutions that meet urgent operational needs for the U.S. and allied militaries,” said Brian Schimpf, co-founder & CEO of Anduril Industries. “Our partnership with OpenAI will allow us to utilize their world-class expertise in artificial intelligence to address urgent Air Defense capability gaps worldwide. Together, we are committed to developing responsible solutions that enable military and intelligence operators to make faster, more accurate decisions in high-pressure situations.”

OpenAI’s shared commitment to AI safety and ethics is a cornerstone of this new strategic partnership. Subject to robust oversight, this collaboration will be guided by technically informed protocols emphasizing trust and accountability in developing and employing advanced AI for national security missions.

“OpenAI builds AI to benefit as many people as possible and supports U.S.-led efforts to ensure the technology upholds democratic values,” said Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO. “Our partnership with Anduril will help ensure OpenAI technology protects U.S. military personnel and help the national security community understand and responsibly use this technology to keep our citizens safe and free.”

Anduril

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Aitech’s Space-Ready Orbital Systems Enhance Capabilities in Space Applications

COTS-based technologies provide high computing and connectivity performance for systems across all orbit levels.

Technology Highlights: COTS space-ready systems provide improved reliability and real-time situational awareness to ensure space superiority Space Digital Backbone enables seamless integration and high-speed, reliable, secure connectivity between internal and external communications systems throughout all levels of orbit.

Aitech Systems has expanded its space-rated unified system architectures to meet the growing demands for shorter development times and lower costs among satellite busses, subsystems, and payloads.

Using a Space Digital Backbone (DBB) approach, which provides a flexible, scalable communication pathway for the increasing number of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies being implemented into space missions, the company offers a selection of space-rated subsystems for common space platforms: • Earth Observation: Integrated and qualified hardware and software, along with the engineering analysis of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) space-ready systems, enable improved reliability, real-time data processing, high-resolution high-resolution imagery, and rapid situational awareness for space superiority.

• Communication: The space DBB enables seamless integration and high-speed, reliable, secure connectivity between internal/external com-

munications systems, cameras, local edge computing, and shared storage elements throughout all levels of orbit.

• Communications, Computation & Data Handling (CCD&H): I/O boards are used to dedicate multiple high-speed data streams and provide high-capacity memory to reduce latency, empowering payload sharing and interface satellite buses, satellite swarm, constellation positional, and mission management.

• Power Control: To achieve the high reliability needed for mission-critical systems, power control subsystems are added to subsystem controllers to limit the ultimate output power and the power on/off switching times to prevent transients from coupling to the system backplane.

• Robotics: This technology provides power and signals to control a motor or servo device, enabling autonomy and improved decision-making across space applications and allowing for greater adaptability in rugged conditions.

Ralph Grundler, Director of Space Business Development and Space R&D at Aitech, commented, “Accelerated timelines in space innovations have led to the transition from custom space-qualified systems that require extensive design, testing, and qualification processes to economical COTS technologies without sacrificing key performance indicators of radiation tolerance, reliability, spaceflight pedigree, and risk management.”

Commercial space companies seek spaceready orbital systems with computational, input/ output, and communication functionality to control specific satellite functions such as image data processing, communications, and navigation.

Space-ready systems with high computing and connectivity performance are fueling the future of space exploration. At Aitech, we harness the power of scalable, versatile interconnects and open standards-based computing using COTS to provide reliability within space electronic systems in critical areas, including Earth observation, computation and data handling, and communication.

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INSIDE TRACK Demonstrating high-fidelity gates and the world’s largest entangled logical qubit state in Atom Computing’s flagship systems

stone in the company’s race to build fault-tolerant quantum computers, achieving state-of-the-art single-qubit and two-qubit gate fidelities in Atom’s second-generation systems.

In September, Microsoft announced its collaboration with Atom Computing to build the world’s most powerful quantum machine and create a unique commercial offering that is available for order today.

In a preprint article on arXiv, the Atom team reported the measured performance of qubits contained in an optical tweezer array.

With a 99.963(2)% single-qubit gate fidelity and a 99.56(5)% two-qubit gate fidelity, the team demonstrated the best neutral-atom two-qubit gate fidelity in a commercial system.

Just two months after this announcement, we are excited to share the news that we have entangled 24 logical qubits together, setting a new world record. We also jointly demonstrated error detection, correction, and computation with 28 logical qubits on Atom’s flagship systems. More information on this work can be found in the Azure Quantum technical blog.

Dr. Ben Bloom, Founder, and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are excited to show how our highly scalable neutral atom technology can be used to create large numbers of high-fidelity qubits, which are a crucial part of Atom’s strategy for building fault-tolerant quantum computers.”

At the same time, Atom Computing is announcing the demonstration of the highest two-qubit gate fidelity in a commercial neutral atom system. This is another important mile-

Fault-tolerant quantum computing is essential for solving large computational problems that enable scientific and economic value beyond classical computing. It requires the integration of mul-

L3Harris Plays Key Role in Successful Missile Defense Test

strengthening U.S. missile defense.

L3Harris Technologies provided the Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target and propulsion for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA (SM-3 Blk IIA) used in the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) latest successful test aimed at

The Aegis Guam System, integrated with the new AN/TPY-6 radar and Vertical Launching System, fired an SM-3 Blk IIA, which intercepted an air-launched MRBM target off the coast of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during Flight Experiment Mission-02.

tiple advanced technologies and quantum error correction algorithms to provide sufficient reliable computing resources in a sustainable way.

With these results, Atom Computing’s second-generation systems have demonstrated all of the key ingredients necessary for supporting quantum error correction, including large numbers of high-fidelity physical qubits with all-to-all connectivity, long coherence times, and mid-circuit measurement with qubit reset and reuse.

Atom Computing will continue to drive its technical roadmap energetically and, together with Microsoft, demonstrate significant milestones toward achieving scientific and commercial advantage faster than previously thought possible.

“Our team’s high-fidelity mobile-launch target and propulsion systems helped enable MDA’s successful test of the SM-3 and other capabilities critical for the defense of Guam,” said Ross Niebergall, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris.

“The MRBM target and SM-3 propulsion systems contribute to streamlined operations in remote locations worldwide, essential to highly effective missile defense system testing.”

L3Harris designed, manufactured, and launched the MRBM Type 1 target for the recent test. The company also provided integrated logistics support, including inventory storage and maintenance, pre- and post-mission analysis, launch preparation, launch execution, and engineering services for the test.

The U.S. Navy uses the SM-3 Blk IIA as a defensive weapon to defeat short- and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. It is integral to the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System on certain Navy cruisers and destroyers.

L3Harris’ Mk 72 solid rocket boost motors provide the first stage propulsion for SM-3 Blk IIA to launch the interceptors safely. At the same time, the company’s Throttling Divert and Attitude Control System helps maneuver the system’s kinetic warhead into the target for the final hitto-kill impact.

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AI Software Startup Moreh Partners with AI Semiconductor Company Tenstorrent to Challenge NVIDIA in AI Data Center Market Joint R&D of AI data center solutions by integrating Tenstorrent’s semiconductors with Moreh’s software, Targeting NVIDIA’s dominant data center market with top-notch performance solutions.

Moreh, an AI software company led by CEO Gangwon Jo, has established a strategic partnership with Tenstorrent, an AI semiconductor company led by the world’s top processor semiconductor expert Jim Keller, to start developing AI solutions for data centers.

Over the past two years, the two companies have been engaged in various collaborative discussions and joint R&D efforts. On the 4th of this month, CEO Gangwon Jo and CEO Jim Keller signed an MOU at Moreh’s Seoul headquarters to further formalize their partnership.

This partnership outlines plans to integrate Moreh’s software with Tenstorrent’s AI semiconductors (NPUs) to target the AI data center market, which has rapidly expanded since the

Aeluma Secures NASA Contract to Advance Quantum Dot Photonic Integrated Circuits for Aerospace and AI Applications NASA contract expected to accelerate Aeluma’s development of advanced photonics for next-generation sensors and optical interconnects used in AI infrastructure, high-performance com-

emergence of large language models (LLMs).

Tenstorrent, led by Jim Keller—a renowned processor expert for his work on CPUs and AI processors at AMD, Tesla, and Apple—focuses on developing innovative next-generation AI hardware and CPUs. Moreh, founded by researchers who spent over 10 years studying supercomputer software at Seoul National University’s Computer Science department, possesses unique experience and capabilities in parallel processing SW, particularly in combining multiple GPUs and NPUs. The solution combines Tenstorrent’s NPU and Moreh’s software to support various AI applications, including simple inference and large language models (LLMs) training. This solution is expected to be commercialized by the first half of 2025. Through this venture, the two companies will enter the global AI data center market, currently dominated by NVIDIA. Moreh CEO Gangwon Jo stated, “To com-

puting, and cloud data centers Aeluma, Inc., a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance, scalable technologies for mobile, automotive, AI, defense and aerospace, communication, and quantum computing, announced it has been awarded a contract by NASA to develop quantum dot photonic integrated circuits (PICs) on silicon. This advanced

pete with NVIDIA, we must innovate AI semiconductors and software comprehensively. We are pleased to collaborate with Tenstorrent, which has an innovative architecture suitable for the LLM era. By combining our software with Tenstorrent’s AI semiconductors, we aim to transform the AI data center landscape fundamentally.”

“Moreh has a great software team that will bring new capabilities to the data center,” said Jim Keller, CEO of Tenstorrent. “Moreh challenged us to build better software and APIs; we look forward to working together on AI software.”

technology targets next-generation space and aerospace applications, enabling capabilities such as free-space laser communication, autonomous navigation, and precision sensing.

Under this new contract, Aeluma will collaborate with NASA to develop silicon-based photonic circuits that leverage quantum dot technology to enhance optical performance in challenging environments. With NASA’s support, this breakthrough is poised to impact various aerospace functions by delivering high-precision, low-power solutions essential for space missions and autonomous systems.

“This NASA contract is a significant milestone for Aeluma and reaffirms the groundbreaking potential of our quantum dot photonic technology,” said Dr. Jonathan Klamkin, founder and CEO of Aeluma. “We believe our collaboration with NASA will drive major advancements in critical aerospace applications and expand application possibilities in AI-driven systems, such as optical interconnects for data centers and high-performance computing.”

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Vertex Solutions And Archer Aviation Complete Cutting-Edge Mixed Reality Flight Simulator For eVTOL Pilot Training

companies worked together to develop this innovative new flight simulator in support of Archer’s relationship with the Department of Defense under its contracts with the U.S. Air

Vertex Solutions is a renowned developer of cutting-edge raining solutions and Archer Aviation Inc. (“Archer”) announced today the completion of a mixed reality flight training device (MR FTD) for Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft. Both

The companies will now focus on bringing the Midnight MR FTD to an unprecedented level of excellence, targeting an eVTOL equivalent of FAA Level 7 FTD certification—believed to be an industry first in mixed reality flight training.

“Flight simulators and mixed reality devices will play a critical role in the training of our pilots,” said Archer COO of Urban Air Mobility, Tom Anderson. “Partnering with Vertex Solutions allows us to leverage their expertise in mixed reality training to ensure that our pilots are exceptionally prepared to operate Midnight safely and efficiently.” “Collaborating with Archer on what is poised to become the inaugural FAA-qualified mixed reality eVTOL aircraft flight training device is extremely exciting for us,” expressed Dennis Wikoff, President and COO of Vertex Solutions. “This can be a game changer for the flight training community.”

The Midnight MR FTD integrates Midnight’s hardware and flight model, RYAN AEROSPACE’s custom simulator platform, Varjo’s XR-4 headsets, and Aechelon Technology’s Nucleus image generator.

This effort leverages Vertex Solutions’ extensive experience as a systems integrator for current Defense Innovation Unit sponsored mixed reality programs such as the USAF’s Multi-Place Mixed Reality rotary-wing simulator and the Virtual Training for the Air Dominance program.

Archer’s Midnight MR FTD brings a world-class mixed-reality flight simulator to the commercial VTOL aircraft industry.

U.S. Army Orders Additional Boeing CH47F Block II Chinooks The U.S. Army ordered three additional CH47F Block II Chinooks from Boeing [NYSE: BA].

The Lot 3 contract award, valued at $135 million, is a part of the U.S. Army’s ongoing modernization efforts.

acquire long-lead parts.

Boeing delivered the first CH-47F Block II aircraft to the Army in June, followed by the second in September.

With improvements to the drivetrain and airframe, the CH-47F Block II configuration is stron-

ger, adding 4,000 pounds to the maximum gross weight of the aircraft and significantly increasing lift capability. Additionally, innovative fuel system changes extend nearly all payloads’ mission radius. Combined with enhanced sustainment and the ability to make affordable future upgrades, the CH47F Block II will meet the Army’s desired goal of flying for at least another 40 years.

“It is critical soldiers get to their destinations and have the equipment they need to accomplish the mission,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Boeing Cargo Programs. “The CH-47F Block II’s increased payload capacity and expanded range enables the U.S. Army to meet evolving heavy-lift mission requirements worldwide.”

This contract award follows the U.S. Army’s February announcement that it is moving forward with full-rate CH-47F Block II program production. Boeing is under contract for nine of up to 465 aircraft in the Army’s current fleet. The Army has also received funding from the U.S. Congress for three aircraft as part of the next production lot, and Boeing was awarded a contract last year to COTS Journal | December 2024

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Mobix Labs Delivers EMI-Filtered Connectors for the U.S. Navy’s New Tomahawk Missile System Mobix Labs has reached a significant milestone with the delivery of its advanced EMI-filtered connectors for the U.S. Navy’s Tomahawk Cruise Missile system. These connectors, integral to the new Block V Tomahawks, help ensure electronic resilience in the face of electromagnetic interference, safeguarding critical missile functions in highstakes operational environments. As Mobix Labs deepens its footprint in defense technology, this achievement reflects our dedication to advancing military-grade connectivity solutions.

Enhancing Precision in Modern Defense The Tomahawk Cruise Missile, known for its long-range precision and adaptability, has become a mainstay of the U.S. military’s

defense capabilities, deployed from ships and submarines. According to Newsweek, the U.S. military’s arsenal includes thousands of Tomahawks, and these missiles have been deployed in more than 2,300 combat scenarios.

The modernized Block V variant, supported

by Mobix Labs’ EMI connectors, represents the latest evolution, extending service life by 15 years and enhancing accuracy to strike targets with high precision from distances of up to 1,000 miles. This long-range capability enables them to penetrate heavily defended airspace, making them a vital asset in modern warfare. Mobix Labs’ EMI-filtered connectors 14

COTS Journal | December 2024

enhance this capability, ensuring the missile’s sensitive electronics remain reliable and interference-free in jamming-prone environments.

With rising electronic warfare tactics, such as signal jamming, EMI protection is more critical than ever for modern defense systems. Mobix Labs’ EMI filtering technology helps maintain mission-critical stability by shielding the Tomahawk’s sensitive guidance and communication systems from external disruptions. These connectors, developed with our EMI Solutions team, meet AS9100 and MIL-810 standards, underscoring their resilience in the demanding environments of military applications.

Expanding Defense Market Reach with Arrow Electronics In alignment with our growth strategy, Mobix Labs has partnered with Arrow Electronics, a global technology distribution leader, to bring our EMI filtering products to broader markets, initially focusing on the defense and aerospace sectors. Arrow’s extensive network and expertise in distributing mission-critical components across defense sectors will be instrumental in helping Mobix Labs scale and reach new customers and markets. Arrow’s established relationships within the defense and aerospace industries align closely with Mobix Labs’ mission to provide reliable EMI solutions for high-stakes environments. Together, Mobix Labs and Arrow aim to meet the growing demand for high-performance EMI filtering technology across the defense industry.

As Mobix Labs continues to innovate in defense, aerospace, and beyond, the delivery of EMI connectors for defense systems like the Tomahawk Cruise Missile underscores our commitment to equipping the military with resilient, high-performance technology. Our strategic collaboration with like Arrow marks an exciting step forward, positioning Mobix Labs to capture new opportunities in defense and aerospace applications, ensuring our advanced connectivity solutions play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of national security.

Avassa and Wind River Partner to Deliver Innovative Edge Application Management on Wind River Linux Platforms Avassa and Wind River®, a global leader in delivering software for the intelligent edge, today announced a strategic partnership where Wind River will add the Avassa Edge Platform to its Linux portfolio, including Wind River Linux and eLxr Pro. This collaboration aims to provide a complete and secure software stack for managing edge workloads and enhancing edge computing capabilities across distributed environments.

With this partnership, Avassa and Wind River will offer a comprehensive edge software solution, enabling customers to benefit from robust edge infrastructure and advanced application orchestration, monitoring, and security tools. Additionally, organizations will be able to efficiently deploy containerized edge applications while leveraging the reliability and performance of Wind River’s technology. This collaboration empowers organizations across industrial automation, telecommunications, retail, and medical industries to deploy, operate, and scale edge applications with enhanced flexibility, control, and security.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Avassa to bring their edge-native application management platform to our Linux offering lineup,” said Avijit Sinha, president of Wind River. “Our work with Avassa empowers our customers to manage edge applications with greater ease while also benefiting from the scalability, security, and reliability that are the hallmarks of Wind River products. Together, we’re advancing the next generation of intelligent edge computing.” The two companies will seamlessly integrate Wind River’s Linux offerings and Avassa’s modern edge platform. The Wind River Linux portfolio includes industry-leading open-source offerings and is known for its performance, scalability, and ability to run mission-critical workloads. The Avassa Edge Platform automates the deployment, monitoring, securing, and scaling of edge applications across largescale environments. This combined solution reduces complexity for customers managing distributed systems while optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs.

“Our partnership with Wind River reflects a shared commitment to simplifying edge computing and application management for enterprises and equipment providers,” said Fredrik Lundberg, CEO of Avassa. “With the Avassa Edge Platform alongside eLxr Pro and Wind River Linux, businesses can benefit from the flexibility they need to easily manage containerized applications while ensuring high performance and reliability at the edge.”

The

INSIDE TRACK Teledyne FLIR Selected as Thermal Camera Provider for the Red Cat Drone Black Widow U.S. Army SRR Program Award

Integration of Prism Embedded Software and Hadron 640R+ Payload to Provide Cutting-Edge Thermal Sensing and Air-to-Ground AI Capabilities.

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced it has been selected by Red Cat Holdings, Inc., to provide thermal imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) embedded

Army considers microreactors to increase installation readiness and resilience The U.S. Army is engaging with the advanced nuclear energy industry to explore potentially sitting a microreactor on one or more Army installations by 2030, furthering the Army’s commitment

software for its Black Widow™ small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS). Red Cat was selected as the winner of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record after an evaluation process completed by the Army Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Army Maneuver Battle Lab, Army Test and Evaluation Command, and Army Operational Test Center. The U.S. Army’s current acquisition objective is for 5,880 systems, each consisting of two aircraft.

Red Cat incorporated Teledyne FLIR’s NDAA-compliant Hadron™ 640R+ longwave infrared and mega-pixel visible camera module and its Prism™ AI embedded perception software into Black Widow, a highly capable, rucksack-portable sUAS designed for operation in Electronic Warfare (EW) environments. Black Widow’s fully modular architecture enables swift adaptation to diverse mission requirements, including SSR and secondary payload operation.

to installation resilience and mission readiness.

“When it comes to installation energy resilience and reliable power to support operational and strategic readiness on installations, we can’t leave anything off the table,” said Rachel Jacobson, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. “We are actively developing a solution set that includes all types

“We are proud to be selected by Red Cat to support the Black Widow with unparalleled tactical capabilities for the U.S. Army’s SSR Program,” said Paul Clayton, Vice President, Teledyne FLIR. “This collaboration provides the Black Widow with superior yet compact dual thermal-visible imaging along with AI software libraries that enable classification, object detection, and object tracking to complete the mission day or night.”

“The Hadron 640R+, with its best-in-class thermal vision, will play a key role in helping the warfighter Dominate the Night™ with the Black Widow,” said George Matus, CTO of Red Cat. “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the world leader in thermal imaging technology, enabling Red Cat to accelerate deployment to the U.S. DoD and its allies across the globe.”

The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-free Hadron 640R+ provides a 640x512-resolution thermal camera with industry-leading thermal sensitivity and a 64-MP resolution visible camera in a size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized package. Paired with Prism AI embedded software, the combination can enable high-precision object detection within application-specific classes, multiple object tracking, motion target indication, and more.

of power that will meet those needs; nuclear is one that we are looking at as part of our deliberate and thoughtful planning.”

Advanced nuclear power is one solution being considered as part of a deliberate and thoughtful planning process to ensure reliable energy access for critical military missions.

The Army is dedicated to developing a comprehensive set of energy solutions, including nuclear, to meet its future needs. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance mission assurance, readiness, and power-projection capabilities through a forward-leaning energy enterprise that leverages next-generation technologies.

The Army has partnered with the Defense Innovation Unit, interagency partners, and utility providers to evaluate environmental, economic, and safety factors crucial to determining reactor placement and operation.

COTS Journal | December 2024

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Automated Test Equipment Revival Repurposing and Extending the Life of Aging ATE Systems 16

COTS Journal | December 2024

By Carlo Chatman, Media Relations Specialist Power PR Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and Automated Test Systems (ATS) ensure that electronic devices operate according to specifications in the field. As such, these systems are widely utilized for testing automotive electronics, batteries, telecom infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and consumer electronics. The aerospace and defense sectors also make substantial investments in ATE due to the criticality of electronics utilized in military equipment such as aircraft, naval vessels, and ground vehicles, as well as in various systems like weapons, radar, and wireless communication.

The dilemma, however, is that ATE stations are specifically engineered to validate the functionality of the units being tested. A substantial investment in testing equipment is necessary, and then… everything changes. Government contracts may not be renewed or could be entirely terminated.

Hardware components become obsolete.

Test specifications undergo modifications, sometimes necessitating a complete reconfiguration of the test.

At this point, the purpose-built ATE system that costs hundreds of thousands to millions is often left to gather dust, redistributed to another program, sold, salvaged for parts, or scrapped altogether.

“Some companies essentially have $300,000 paperweights sitting in their laboratory. At that point, they face a choice – they can find a way to get rid of it or have it refurbished or repurposed to meet the requirements of a new program or test,” says Andrew Engler of Intepro Systems. Founded in 1981, Intepro has supplied Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems that test power electronics in various applications.

Engler emphasizes that many ATE equipment customers are unaware that updating or repurposing the equipment is

an option. However, experienced ATE system integrators like Intepro can upgrade any hardware component, replace the existing test program, and even reconfigure the entire test. This approach has significant benefits, including cost savings compared to purchasing an entirely new system.

ATE Revival ATE encompasses apparatus designed to conduct tests on a device, referred to as the device under test (DUT), equipment under test (EUT), or unit under test (UUT). Through automation, these systems efficiently execute measurements and assess test outcomes.

The ATE system typically comprises hardware, software, test instruments, signal sources, test harnesses, probes, or handlers.

The hardware components are typically consolidated into all-in-one test stations, which vary in size and portability from compact test stations on wheels to large

Experienced integrators can upgrade hardware components, replace test programs, and reconfigure tests, extending the equipment’s life and functionality.

COTS Journal | December 2024

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Outdated ATE systems, often left unused, can be refurbished or repurposed, offering a cost-effective alternative to buying new systems.

stationary test towers. Each system also includes test program software, which plays a critical role in test development and the management of data collection, storage, reporting, and analysis.

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Engler says these systems typically require long support paths since test requirements often extend 10-15 years. When this occurs, hardware components may fail or become obsolete.

Replacing hardware components is a relatively simple process. Although ATE systems can be used for different tests, Engler says Intepro specializes in power electronic testing, including power converters, inverters, chargers, batteries, adapters, and other

power components. Although some of the test parameters may differ, there are many commonalities in the components of such systems.

Intepro’s ATE test systems feature an open hardware and software architecture that permits complete flexibility in configuring and integrating off-the-shelf instrumentation with a wide range of Intepro and customer hardware. The systems are based on universal buses (VXI, PXI, LXI, CAN, Ethernet, GPIB, and Serial) that provide the customer with a choice and are not limited to one equipment brand.

Intepro offers many products used in test stations, including AC and DC power sources, AC loads, and other standalone equipment.

They offer service and repair work on all products, even the equipment they do not distribute. Intepro serves as a distributor for several well-known and established manufacturers.

The ATE test program software is a critical component, and when changes need to be made, extensive reprogramming is required, often at a substantial cost.

Intepro offers flexible test program software called PowerStar that streamlines and adapts to inevitable changes without extensive new

programming. With more flexible software, ATE stations are ‘future-proof ’ to ensure that as hardware requirements change and evolve, the test programs can adapt accordingly to ensure long-term usability.

PowerStar provides hundreds of fill-inthe-blank test routines that provide a range of control, from single instrument functional control to full test procedures with easy-to-use parameter entries. Engineers can customize their programs without writing code or assembling graphical components. “[PowerStar] can seamlessly integrate various hardware configurations and platforms. Even if there is already an incumbent software, our solution can be implemented and call on the other software when applicable,” says Engler.

ATE systems are useful data acquisition and diagnostic tools for testing various electronics in various industries, automatically testing and identifying faults in electronic packaged components. However, as these systems age, integrators can modify or even repurpose them as needed. Given the initial investment in these systems, squeezing more value out of existing automated test equipment is the best way to reduce costs and ensure an adequate return on investment.

Automated Test Equipment (ATE) is vital for ensuring electronic devices meet performance standards.

COTS Journal | December 2024

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SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT

Why LTE-M is the Best Fit for Global Asset Tracking

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COTS Journal | December 2024

By Dana Cohen, Product Marketing Manager at Sony Semiconductor Israel

Connectivity has been a gamechanger in the asset tracking landscape. Personal devices, pets, vehicles, international packages, or any kind of asset can all easily be tracked through the cloud. This has opened the door to innovative use cases that have transformed global shipping, automotive loans, retail management, construction, and other industries.

Using asset trackers allows shippers to track the temperature and condition of products and raw materials as they move on ships, planes, and trucks through the supply chain. Families have a better chance at recovering beloved pets that are lost. Even banks are more willing to approve high-risk car loans, knowing that they can locate and recover a vehicle if its owner falls behind on payments.

While there is some debate as to the best

connectivity technology to integrate into the tracker, the benefits introduced by LPWA (low-power wide-area) has placed it as the frontrunner. LPWA technologies are optimized for low-power, long-range communications, making them ideal for tracking applications with extended battery life and broad coverage requirements.

LTE-M, a form of LPWA technology, has demonstrated its value in terms of cost,

coverage, power consumption, and longevity.

It offers a number of benefits over other cellular solutions, such as cat 1bis. This article will focus on the coverage and hardware advantages offered by LTE-M. What is LTE-M Connectivity?

Long-Term Evolution for Machines, better known as LTE-M, is a versatile connectivity solution that extends the capabilities of LTE networks to support IoT applications.

Long-Term Evolution for Machines, better known as LTE-M, is a versatile connectivity solution that extends the capabilities of LTE networks to support IoT applications.

COTS Journal | December 2024

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LTE-M offers superior coverage, better signal penetration, improved power efficiency, and other benefits, all of which support its case as the most effective connectivity solution for asset trackers.

LTE-M is governed by standards set by 3GPP. As a result, it is included in 5G, and is effectively future-proof for the next 15 years or more. Since 2017, the number of LTE-M networks has dramatically grown, and by 2023 there were over 115 mobile network operators that supported the protocol. Effectively, LTE-M (and NB-IoT) is directly supported in North and South America, Europe, most of Asia, Australia and more.

Comparing LTE-M and CAT 1bis Hardware Cat 1bis is a comparable technology sometimes used in connecting devices. It is a low-cost version of the CAT-1 chip, containing only one antenna. It is ideal for low-cost IoT devices that don’t need the complexity of a MIMO antenna, found in CAT-1 chips, but

want to utilize LTE networks with higher data rates. Cat 1bis is also used for applications that require higher throughput. Devices that involve voice transmissions or require real time, two-way communication such as routing updates are better served with the faster communication capabilities of cat 1bis.

However, cat 1bis chipsets introduce a hardware/coverage challenge. These chips use a Full-Duplex Frequency Division Duplex (FD-FDD). FD-FDD operation mode is having simultaneous transmission and reception on two different frequency bands. These bands vary between regional networks due to regulatory requirements, and the duplex gaps are different in each region. As a result, each chip needs to be built for a specific regional network. As shown in the following figure, a manufacturer developing a tracking product that will be sold globally must develop and install chips for each region. Building a global cat 1bis SKU increases the hardware components within the chip and might add up to $4 to the cost of the chip (Out of China prices).

LTE-M chipsets, on the other hand, have a Half Duplex Frequency Division Duplex (HDFDD) operation mode. This means they are unable to simultaneously transmit and receive data, and it also allows for more simplicity on the hardware side, in terms of supported frequency bands: LTE-M has one global SKU design. As a result, it is able to connect with any network operator that supports 4G or 5G. This simplifies manufacturing, as developers can create a single chipset model and deploy it globally.

This differentiation takes on greater importance with trackers. As items sometimes move from one country or region to the next, those devices being monitored by a cat 1bis need to be initially designed with specific region SKU or global SKU. Packages, shipments, and other devices using a LTE-M chip can still be monitored wherever they go.

LTE-M has several other advantages over cat 1bis which make it ideal for tracking devices. It has a longer battery life, ensuring that users can track the device for a longer period of time. This takes on greater importance when items are being tracked and monitored over a long period of time.

LTE-M also has better network coverage and signal penetration than cat 1bis.

Testing has shown that LTE-M can maintain connectivity at coupling losses of up to 154 dB. Cat 1bis loses connectivity at 145 dB. This means LTE-M maintains connectivity in areas with poor network coverage and gain 9dB compared to cat 1bis. This reliability is important in tracking, where objects being tracked with a LTE-M chipset will continue to transmit their locations even in poor coverage areas.

The Future of Asset Tracking Global Connectivity is LTE-M The choice of connectivity technology plays a decisive role in the success of tracking assets anywhere in the world. LTE-M’s versatility and ability to operate seamlessly across regions makes it an obvious choice, as organizations don’t have the concern of losing connectivity.

The choice of connectivity technology plays a decisive role in the success of tracking assets anywhere in the world.

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COTS Journal | December 2024

This level of reliability allows businesses to monitor their assets in remote locations, harsh conditions, or densely populated urban environments with the same confidence.

As these technologies evolve, the balance between cost efficiency, global scalability, and operational performance will further solidify LTE-M as the dominant choice to track assets.

December 2024

COT’S PICKS Safety Certifiable NXP 16-Core Armbased VPX Single Board Computer Now Supports DDC-I’s Deos RTOS Curtiss-Wright’s V3-1708 SBC with artifacts for AC 20-152A DAL A compliance now supports concurrent multi-core operation with Deos Safety-Critical RTOS for avionics applications.

Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions Division announced that it is collaborating with DDC-I to deliver industry-leading Future Airborne Capability Environment®, FACE® conformant DO-178C/ ED-12C Design Assurance Level A (DAL A) processing for use in safety-certifiable multi-core computing avionics applications. Curtiss-Wright’s rugged V3-1708 single board computer (SBC) with off-the-shelf AC 20-152A DAL A certification packages, combined with DDC-I’s Deos™ configurable multi-core real-time operating system (RTOS) enables system designers building avionics systems for aerospace, military, and other high-reliability markets to deploy rugged safety-certifiable solutions rapidly. Deos uniquely enables the L2 and L3 cache memory on the V3-1708’s NXP LX2160A Arm Cortex A72 system-on-chip (SoC) processor to be partitioned on both a core and application basis.

This provides avionics applications with a dedicated isolated region of L2 and L3 cache and greatly speeds RTOS performance by eliminating the need for cache flushing or processor cores to access the main memory, memory bus, or memory controller.

“We are excited to collaborate with DDC-I to bring industry-leading AC 20-152A DAL A safety-certifiable multi-core processing to the avionics market,” said Brian Perry, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Curtiss-Wright Defense Solutions. “Combined with DDC-I’s Deos multicore RTOS, our SWaP-optimized 16-Core V3-1708 single board computer provides system designers

core count advantages of the NXP LX2160A Arm Cortex A72 system-on-chip (SoC) processor to rugged, deployed DO-254 DAL A safety-certifiable applications. The NXP LX2160A features 16 A72 cores and delivers more than 15% higher performance than Intel Tiger Lake.

with the proven and reliable building blocks they need to quickly and cost-effectively develop DO254 DAL A safety-certifiable systems. By freeing the customer from having to develop the required data artifact packages, the V3-1708 significantly reduces schedule risk and costs, often the cause of safety-certifiable program delays.

cations such as flight control computers, mission control, and primary flight displays, the V3-1708 is ideal for bringing the benefits of COTS-based safety certifiable processing to airborne military platforms such as the Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.

“The VPX-1708, together with our DAL-A, FACE conformant DO-178C Deos RTOS, provides an ideal MOSA-aligned, safety-critical platform for developing, certifying, and deploying a broad range of high-performance, multimedia-intensive avionics applications,” said Gary Gilliland, Vice President of Marketing at DDC-I. “The VPX-1708 utilizes the powerful A72 cores. Deos, with its patented cache partitioning, takes full advantage of the A72’s multi-core capabilities, enabling multiple Arm 72 cores to operate concurrently, delivering blazing performance in a DAL-A certifiable context.”

The V3-1708 3U VPX processor module is the embedded industry’s first SBC to bring the high

Designed for use in compute-intensive appli-

As a result of NXP’s close collaboration with the Multi-Core for Avionics (MCFA) industry group, the V3-1708 provides system integrators with the device data needed to support a DO-254 certification process, at little to no cost, such as related AC/AMC 20-193 multi-core and AC/AMC 20-152A COTS device objectives. For avionics system designers, a rugged COTS SBC developed using AC/AMC 20-152A as a means of compliance and provides off-the-shelf data kits for DO-254 and FMEA to support system architecture, Functional Failure Path (FFP) analysis and certification, delivers a proven and cost-effective foundation for safety-critical applications.

Curtiss-Wright’s curtisswright.com

COTS Journal | December 2024

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December 2024

COT’S PICKS Abaco Systems Unveils Rugged NVA2102xX: The Future of HighPerformance Embedded Computing

AMETEK Abaco Systems is excited to introduce the NVA2102xX, a next-generation XMC GPGPU card powered by the NVIDIA RTX™ A2000 GPU. Engineered for AI processing, real-time video capture, and metadata-rich applications,

this rugged card delivers power-efficient performance and cutting-edge capabilities in a compact XMC form factor.

Designed for harsh environments and mission-critical applications, the NVA2102xX supports a wide range of advanced features, including:

AI-Driven Analytics: Boosts decision-making with 8.25 TFLOPS of FP32 performance. Advanced Video Processing: Supports video format conversion, metadata embedding, and low-latency sensor integration. Rugged Reliability: MILSTD-810G compliance ensures functionality in extreme conditions.

Comprehensive I/O Support: Multiple video input/output options for seamless integration into modern platforms.

“The NVA2102xX embodies Abaco’s dedication to innovation in embedded computing,” said Simon Collins, Director of Product Management at Abaco Systems. “By combining NVIDIA’s RTX A2000 GPU with a ruggedized design, this product allows customers to push the boundaries of AI, video analytics, and GPGPU processing. It’s a powerful testament to the ‘Discover Abaco’ promise.”

Built to deliver exceptional performance in air, land, and maritime applications, the NVA2102xX is ideal for C5ISR operations, autonomous systems, and advanced sensor fusion. It’s a MOSA-compliant solution that ensures scalability and future-proof integration into evolving defense architectures.

AMETEK Abaco Systems abaco.com

NEW Compact 4.3” Touch Display with whole viewing angle Inelco Hunter announced the availability of the new Powertip 4.3” TFT Touch Display, which is aimed at applications requiring a bright, compact display with a full viewing angle.

The display features a borderless Capacitive Touch Panel, whose outline dimensions are the same as those of the backlight frame. This provides very flexible mechanical design solutions for the end product.

The panel offers a wide viewing angle, and the unlit color is black. It has a 24-bit RGB-Strip interface, and the display has a resolution of 480* 3 (RGB) * 272 Dots. The Drive IC is an SC7283-G4 device, and the Touch Interface is I2C. The display features an MTBF lifetime of 24

COTS Journal | December 2024

up to 20,000 hours (25°C, IF= 20mA), operating temperature of -20°C to +70°C, and 450 cd/m2 brightness. The 4.3” display is the ideal solution for many applications, such as machine control panels, factory automation, audio, industrial and

scientific equipment, medical, server, and security systems, and domestic appliances such as dishwashers, extractor hoods, and electronic hobs.

Inelco Hunter inelcohunter.co.uk

December 2024

COT’S PICKS Systel Unveils New Kite-Strike II Intel x86 Product

use across various Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

The new version of Kite-Strike II will feature highperformance Intel x86 COM-HPC architecture. It builds on Systel’s dual-architecture approach, allowing customers to tailor their rugged computer to mission requirements.

Both Kite-Strike II versions share the same form factor and chassis, giving customers significant compute power in applications where size, weight, and power (SWaP) are limited. This includes ground and air platforms in crewed and uncrewed configurations.

Systel will showcase a new product in its popular Kite-Strike II embedded computer line at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition. The product features a next-gen Intel x86 COM-HPC architecture that supports a range of compute-at-the-edge applications.

The proven x86 architecture is widely used and designed for high-performance computing tasks on operating systems, including Windows and Linux. Known as the Kite-Strike II x86, the new small form factor (SFF) computer is the perfect solution for managing and controlling various equipment on platforms, including sensors, communications suites, and other mission-critical systems.

This builds on Systel’s dual-architecture approach to rugged computer development, allowing customers to choose the most appropriate for their mission requirements.

The x86 version (model number EC7220) follows the significant success of the NVIDIA-based Kite-Strike II AI at the edge product (model number EC7210) that integrates the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin SOM, the world’s most powerful embedded AI computing engine. Kite-Strike II x86 is configured with an Intel x86 COM-HPC CPU module optimized for

Kite-Strike II is also highly modular, allowing customers to configure the computer with different cards and expand capabilities where required. The x86 version has a robust IO capability that includes 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet ports with TSN (as well as an option for 10GbE), multiple USB 3.0 and 2.0 connectors, multiple serial ports, and dual HDMI. Storage options include Internal M.2 or mSATA and removable U.2.

The new Kite-Strike II meets MIL-SPEC standards, including stringent US DoD environmental and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. Systel is a world leader in military-grade computer ruggedization, and this experience has once again been brought to the fore for Kite-Strike II. Brian Russell, vice president of product at Systel, said: “The Kite-Strike II x86 brings true compute power to the edge. It’s designed to meet the demands of programs requiring high-performance computing without running complex AI algorithms.

With this architecture, we’re giving our customers the flexibility to control complex systems in a very small form factor and where low SWaP is critical.”

Systel systelusa.com

KULR Xero Vibe Solution Launches on NVIDIA Jetson Edge AI Platform AKULR Technology Group, Inc. announced the launch of its innovative KULR Xero Vibe™ (“KXV”) solution integrated with the NVIDIA Jetson edge AI platform. This new rollout combines superior vibration mitigation with artificial intelligence capabilities to enable high-performance, reliable operation in edge AI environments.

The NVIDIA Jetson platform, known for its powerful edge AI computing capabilities, offers unparalleled performance for edge applications such as robotics, autonomous machines, industrial IoT, and smart cities.

KULR’s Xero Vibe™ solution complements the Jetson platform by addressing key operational challenges such as vibration suppression, ensuring optimal cooling system performance, reduced energy consumption, and extended mechanical lifespans.

KULR CEO Michael Mo highlighted, “The Jetson platform is NVIDIA’s Industrial AI-at-the-edge solution to connect the physical world to the Omniverse through AI agents for the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

It’s the perfect platform for KULR to integrate our KXV technology and provide our customers with a future-proof AI-agentpowered energy management edge device solution for data centers, renewable energy, electric mobility, and industrial cooling applications. We are very excited to embark on this new era of AI-agent-powered future with the NVIDIA platform.”

The edge AI market size is projected to grow from $24.05 billion in 2024 to $356.84 billion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 27.786% during the forecast period 20242035.

KULR kulrtechnology.com

COTS Journal | December 2024

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December 2024

COT’S PICKS New Wave Design Releases Innovative V6067 3U VPX Versal® Premium Adaptive SoC FPGA

+ NVIDIA® ConnectX®-7 Ethernet Offload Optical I/O Module with QMC Sites Breaking New Ground in Heterogenous High-Performance Embedded Computing and Optical Interfacing.

New Wave Design announces the release of its latest innovation, the SOSA-aligned V6067 3U VPX Versal® Premium Adaptive SoC FPGA + Ethernet Offload I/O Module with QMC Sites. This state-of-the-art module is designed to deliver unparalleled performance and versatility for demanding defense, aerospace, telecommunications, and industrial automation applications.

The V6067 leverages the powerful AMD Versal® Premium Adaptive SoC (System-onChip, ASoC) FPGA and the NVIDIA® ConnectX®-7 Ethernet Offload ASIC, allowing the system designer the off-the-shelf world-class Ethernet performance of the ConnectX®-7 while deploying unique data processing and security algorithms in the onboard ASoC device therefore providing a highly configurable platform that combines the benefits of an adaptable hardware architecture with the performance of a multi-core processor. This highly heterogeneous approach enables the V6067 to maximize the effectiveness of the deployed applications and algorithms while eliminating design efforts required to establish truly high-bandwidth and low-latency Ethernet, PCIe controllers, PCIe switches, efficient DMA engines, or low overhead software drivers.

Key Features and Benefits: Versal® Premium Adaptive SoC FPGA: Harness the power of the latest AMD Versal® Premium technology, offering high computational density and integrated hardware accelerators, including challenging silicon implementations of AES-GCM encryption/decryption for MACsec and IPsec.

NVIDIA® ConnectX®-7 ASIC: The NVIDIA® ConnectX®-7 remote direct-memory access (RDMA) ASIC utilizes off-the-shelf network offloads and features such as MACsec/IPsec, RoCE v2, and PCIe gen4 performance.

High-Bandwidth Optical I/O: The V6067 features up to 600G optical transceivers for fast, reliable data transmission, ensuring 26

COTS Journal | December 2024

seamless communication in high-performance environments.

crucial for defense and critical infrastructure applications.

QMC Sites for Heterogenous Flexibility: The integrated QMC sites provide additional flexibility, allowing users to customize the module with various mezzanine cards to meet specific heterogeneous application needs.

“We are excited to introduce the V6067, a new standard in rugged, high-performance embedded computing,” said Ryan Jansen, Chief Architect at New Wave Design. “This module highlights our commitment to innovation, integrating the cutting-edge Versal Premium FPGA, industry-leading NVIDIA ConnectX-7 network adapter, and 600G of optical bandwidth in a standard, SOSA-aligned form factor. Combining the processing and flexibility of a high-end FPGA with world-class network offload performance in a single, ready-to-use module will accelerate the development of next-generation sensor processing solutions, empowering the EW, SIGINT, Radar, and Video communities.”

Rugged SOSA-aligned 3U VPX Form Factor: Designed to meet the stringent requirements of rugged environments, the V6067 offers robust performance in a compact, space-saving form factor in a compute-intensive 14.6.11 or 14.6.13 profile.

Advanced Security Features: Built-in security features ensure data integrity and protection against unauthorized access, which are

New Wave Design newwavedesign.com

December 2024

COT’S PICKS

New SOSA-Aligned 3U VPX SBC Features Intel Tiger Lake-H Xeon-W CPU and 100-Gigabit Ethernet

Acromag’s newest VPX processor board follows SOSA’s I/O intensive profile to provide high-performance computing and a broad range of I/O interfaces for rugged embedded systems.

The new VPX7600 3U OpenVPX SBC is powered by Intel’s 11th-generation Tiger Lake-H Xeon W-11000E processor and aligns with the SOSA I/O-intensive profile.

An XMC mezzanine site and a wide variety of I/O peripherals offer great flexibility. Intel’s E810 Ethernet controller supports 100GbE on the data plane and 10GbE on the control plane.

An NVMe SSD provides up to 1TB of M.2 data storage. Backplane I/O includes 2.5GbE, DisplayPort, USB 3.2, SATA III, RS232/422, and GPIO. Conduction-cooled and air-cooled with front I/O versions are available.

Acromag acromag.com

COTS Journal | December 2024

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December2024

COT’S PICKS IDEC 4.3” HMI Delivers a Technologically Advanced Display with Enhanced Durability, Visibility, and Functionality This compact touchscreen HG1J HMI provides essential visualization and high-performance multitouch control, even in space-limited applications.

IDEC Corporation has expanded its operator interface (OI) family with its new HG1J Series touchscreen. This device uses the latest innovations to provide vivid visualizations and responsive multitouch operation, all in an extremely compact form factor so the technology can be used in more applications than ever before. The HG1J Series is the successor of the HG1G Series HMIs, providing an upgrade path for existing installations.

Compact and durable HMI display The HMI’s projected capacitive touch panel (PCAP) advanced technology—like what is used for smartphones and tablets—saves Space and improves performance. Besides being water- and scratch-resistant, PCAP is very responsive and resists false signals when dirt or water droplets are present on the HMI face. Fewer touchscreen layers and better light transmission ratings mean less backlight power is needed,

and the display provides an industry-leading 500 cd/m² brightness level featuring 16 million colors and a 480x272 display resolution. In addition to being multitouch, users can interact with the touchscreen while using thin gloves. The front bezel carries no branding, which interests many OEM suppliers.

Engineered for any environment The glass-top design is wear-resistant even in harsh environments, and it delivers a long life with a 50,000-hour-rated backlight, making these units low maintenance. The battery-free design uses a hyper-capacitor to maintain clock time for 20 days, while magnetoresistive random-access memory (MRAM) provides non-volatile storage for programs, retentive registers, and log data.

With a rated input voltage ranging from 12 to 24V DC and push-in wiring connectors that simplify installation, the HG1J is ideal for industrial, vehicle, and solar-powered applications. Ratings for extreme temperatures from -20 to 55˚C, IP66 and IP67 for washdown areas, IP66F and IP67F for oil resistance, UL61010, UL Type 4X/13, and Class I Div 2 make the HG1J HMI suitable for a wide range of applications and locations.

Intuitive software IDEC’s standard WindOI-NV4

software is used to access HMI configuration. It is easy to use and intuitive, with a drag-and-drop interface and extensive image library. Projects can be automatically converted from one HMI size to another within seconds. The HMI supports script programming, multilingual capabilities, security, trend charts, data logs, alarm logs, and other functions and features.

Connectivity and IIoT Two USB-A ports support flash drives for data logging, recipes, and program transfer, along with speakers, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth dongles. The embedded Ethernet port provides users with easy access for remote maintenance and communication, and the Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet IP, EtherNet/IP, and MQTT protocols are supported for connecting with other intelligent devices. The built-in RS232C and RS422/485 serial communication ports support Modbus RTU and allow the HG1J to communicate with other serial PLCs or devices, like barcode readers or temperature controllers. A main HG1J can operate up to 15 other IDEC HMI devices over the serial port using OI Link communication, simplifying wiring and reducing communication loading. The HG1J supports the use of up to four protocols simultaneously.

Users have many communication options to create automation and IIoT solutions incorporating multiple industrial protocols, the FTP protocol, remote monitoring and control, email/text messaging, Twitter/X, iOS and Android apps, and custom web pages.

An adept HMI operator interface solution The IDEC HG1J HMI packages modern technologies into a conveniently compact display size and form factor, making it the best solution for space-limited industrial applications. The HG1J is ideal for many laboratory, commercial, and industrial applications throughout industries like food and beverage, consumer packaged goods, oil and gas, and agriculture. Designers of test equipment, HVAC systems, pump controls, remote wells, booster stations, and other OEM machines and process skids are finding the HG1J to be the best visualization solution for their equipment.

IDEC idec.com

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COTS Journal | December 2024

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Military Systems Source

Our inventory is changing everyday with new and used solutions for military users. The consigned products are available at considerably lower prices and can be shipped within 24 hours of receipt of an order.

Mini-ITX Xeon Motherboard, 10GbE x 2

Manufacturer: Supermicro Part No: MBD-X10SDV-4CTLN2F-O-0005 SKU: PB004 Quantity: 25 Motherboard only. $293.75

We encourage you to take advantage of our lower prices in repurposing inventory. Not only does the buyer benefit, but the seller is unburdened of the inventory in exchange for cash.

EpicDealz Gigabit Ethernet Low Profile PCI Express Network LAN Card 10/100/1000 JUST 2 LEFT!

Manufacturer: Intel Part No:I210-T1 SKU: IN008 Quantity: 2 In clam-shell, both brackets included. $37.50

1920 x 1080 21.5 wide Rugged Display

Manufacturer: DITHD Part No: DTS-OR215W SKU: DP0011 Quantity: 6 Wide viewing angle, 250 NITS, 14 ms response time - bracket included $750.00

PCIe RAID controller, 8 channel

Manufacturer: Microchip/Adaptec Part No: 9460-8i SKU: CN005 Quantity: 25 With cache backup module attached. Low-profile bracket. $411.25

CAT6a Patch Cord (UTP), RJ45, 5 Foot Manufacturer: Micro Connectors Part No: I210-T1 SKU: CB009 Quantity: 84 Blue

OM3 Multimode LC to LC Fiber Cable, 5M $4.38

Manufacturer:Quantum Part No:I210-T1 SKU: CB010 Quantity: 84 Blue-Green

$4.19

8GB DDR4, 1 row x 8, PC4-2666

Manufacturer: SK hynix Part No: HMA81GR7CJR8N-VK SKU: SU006 Quantity: 25 Supermicro PN: MEM-DR480LHL05-ER26 $43.75

10TB SATA HDD (IronWolf)

Manufacturer: Seagate Part No: ST10000VN0004 SKU: SU003 Quantity: 15 Zero reallocated sectors $123.75

Contact John Reardon, Johnr@rtc-media.com or 949 697 4032 to have your questions. *MSS is a service of RTC Media, LLC. Companies wishing to liquid inventory are welcome to list items at no charge. Items are promoted to more than 50,000 defense member each month.

30

New Condition!

670p Series 512GB NVMe SSD

Gigabit Ethernet NIC

Manufacturer:Intel Part No: I210-T1 SKU: IN007 Quantity: 26 Low-profile bracket.

COTS Journal | December 2024

$25.00

Manufacturer: Intel Part No: MZ7LH3T8HMLT-0005 SKU: SU002 Quantity: 25 >99% Life remaining $48.75

PM883 3.84TB 2.5” SATA SSD

Manufacturer: Samsung Part No: MZ7LH3T8HMLT-0005 SKU: SU0001 Quantity: 40 99% Life remaining $375.00

For dditional information please contact;

John Reardon,

Johnr@rtc-media.com or 949 697 4032 to have your questions.

COTS COTS

ADVERTISERS

Company

Page #

Website

29

............................................ www.Alphitech.com

Annapolis Micro Systems ......................................

4

........................................ www.annapmicro.com

Behlman Electronics .............................................

2/BC

............................................. www.behlman.com

Great River Technology .........................................

27

.................................... www.greatrivertech.com

Interface Concept ................................................

10

................................ www.interfaceconcept.com

Military Systems Source ........................................

5

....................... www.militarysystemssource.com

MPL ......................................................................

9

....................................................... www.mpl.ch

OTEK ......................................................................

18

............................................. www.otekcorp.com

PICO Electronics, Inc ............................................

19/IBC

................................... www.picoelectronics.com

Pixus Technologies ................................................

IBC

............................... www.pixustechnologies.com

Index

Alphi Technology Corporation ................................

COTS Journal (ISSN#1526-4653) is published monthly at; 3180 Sitio Sendero, Carlsbad, CA. 92009.

Periodicals Class postage paid at San Clemente and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to COTS Journal, 3180 Sitio Sendero, Carlsbad, CA. 92009.