Computer subsystems operate in 55°C

Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing (CWCEC) has rolled out the MPMC-9320, a new line of compact 1/2 ATR-style computer subsystems. The MPMC-9320 offers a built-in power supply that can be configured with either a DCP-124P SBC PowerPC 7448 or an Intel DCP-1201P SBC. Its system configuration (MPMC-9320-0001) is equipped with an integrated DCP-124P SBC, three SPMC serial PMC cards and one NAII 75C2 DIO card. As a packaged commercial off-the-shelf (PCOTS) system, it delivers economies of scale in production that reduces costs in meeting the I/O, performance and environmental requirements of unique military programs.

The MPMC-9320 provides the highest functional density available in a small package, the company stated. As a natural convection cooled system, it is designed for reliable operation in harsh environments without the need for base plate or forced air-cooling. Packaged in an ultra compact 3U cPCI form factor and equipped with reliable PowerPC processing, the MPMC-9320 has all the elements required of modern mission computers in space-constrained applications, the company added. Optimal system cooling is ensured via thermal transfer between card edges of its conduction cooled 3U cPCI cards and the side walls of the system enclosure while EMI filters and gaskets improves system security and increases reliability.

According to the company, the device uses advanced packaging techniques to provide advanced processing power that measures a compact 600in³ yet is able to operate and survive external air temperatures of 55°C using only natural convection. This enables system designers to implement and deploy a highly capable processing system without the need for fans, coldplates, vehicle-supplied air, liquid or other demands from the vehicle. The PCOTS system can be readily configured to meet the needs of the full range of military or aerospace requirements, from benign laboratory to harsh deployed ground vehicle environments, simplifying and speeding the development and deployment of critical applications.

The MPMC-9320 can greatly reduce up-front development costs. It is designed to the meet military specifications including MIL-STD-810 for environmental conditions, MIL-STD-461 for EMI, and MIL-STD-704 for power. This computing system—engineered to fill multiple roles in air and land vehicles—features a 100BaseT Ethernet, 4–25mA A/D, fiber GbE and 28VDC input.

"Our customers are looking for performance and flexibility in system designs," said Lynn Bamford, VP and general manager of CWCEC. "Our packaged COTS rugged systems deliver tried and tested Curtiss-Wright COTS advanced single board computers and I/O options in field-ready and affordable configurations that lower risk for the most demanding environments and applications."