Modern defense and aerospace applications such as radar, electronic warfare (EW), intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR), and software-defined radio (SDR) require high-performance processing, fast data communication, and flexible system architectures.
iWave SOSA Aligned 3U VPX technology delivers these capabilities through a compact, modular embedded computing architecture. When designed to meet applicable requirements of the Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) Technical Standard, these platforms can improve interoperability, simplify integration, and support future technology upgrades.
SOSA-Aligned VPX: Architecture, Interoperability, and Modularity
SOSA-Aligned VPX combines the VPX hardware ecosystem with the profile-based architecture of OpenVPX and the requirements defined by the SOSA Technical Standard. This approach establishes a structured framework for developing modular embedded computing systems for Mission critical Applications
- VPX (VITA 46): Enables high-speed data transfer and modular integration of advanced embedded computing components in rugged systems.
- OpenVPX (VITA 65): Defines module, slot, and backplane profiles to standardize system connectivity and high-speed data communication.
- SOSA Technical Standard: Promotes interoperability and simplifies integration between compatible system components.
Together, these standards support flexible, scalable, and reliable system design
How SOSA Aligned VPX Enhances System Design
SOSA-Aligned VPX simplifies the development of embedded computing systems through standardized interfaces and a modular architecture. It helps address challenges related to system integration, hardware upgrades, performance scaling, and long-term maintenance.
Key Benefits
- Improved Interoperability: Simplifies integration between compatible modules from different vendors.
- Reduced Vendor Dependency: Provides greater flexibility in selecting and replacing hardware components.
- Scalable Architecture: Supports flexible configurations for processing, networking, and I/O.
- Simplified Upgrades: Enables individual modules to be upgraded without redesigning the entire system, where compatibility permits.
- Lifecycle Efficiency: Promotes hardware reuse and helps reduce integration and maintenance effort.
- MOSA Alignment: Supports modularity, open interfaces, and technology reuse in line with Modular Open Systems Approach principles.
iWave SOSA Aligned 3U VPX Portfolio: Payload & Switch Profiles
It integrates high-performance FPGA & adaptive SoC technologies into modular Payload and Switch Profile solutions for defense, aerospace, and avionics applications. Designed to support demanding processing workloads, high-speed data communication, and real-time signal processing, the portfolio offers flexibility across a range of embedded computing requirements.
- AMD Zynq™ UltraScale+™ RFSoC: ZU48/ZU47/ZU43DR, ZU28/ZU27/ZU25DR, ZU67/ZU65/ZU64/ZU63DR
- AMD Zynq™ UltraScale+™ MPSoC: ZU7/ZU5/ZU4, ZU9, ZU19/ZU17/ZU11
- AMD Versal™ Adaptive SoCs: Versal™ AI Edge Gen 2, Prime Gen 2, AI Edge/Prime
- AMD Virtex™ UltraScale+™: VU13P/VU11P/VU9P/VU7P/VU5P
- AMD Kintex™ UltraScale+™: KU19P/KU095/KU115, Kintex 7
- Altera Agilex® 9 Wideband & Midband
- Altera Agilex™ 7 (R24C)
- Altera Agilex™ 5
Payload vs. Switch Slot Profiles
In a 3U VPX system, Payload and Switch modules serve different but complementary roles. A Payload module focuses on application processing, while a Switch module provides connectivity for transferring data between system modules
| Feature | Switch Slot Profile | Payload Slot Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Data switching and routing | Routes data between system modules |
| Data Plane | Four Fat Pipes in the referenced profile | One Fat Pipe and one Ultra-Thin Pipe in the referenced profile |
| Control Plane | Seven Ultra-Thin Pipes through P2A in the referenced profile | One Ultra-Thin Pipe in the referenced profile |
| Connectivity | Documented Ethernet mappings include 40GBASE-KR4, 10GBASE-KR, and 1000BASE-KX | 40GBASE-KR4; Data Plane 10GBASE-KR; Data Plane Ultra-Thin Pipe PCIe Gen 3 from expansion plane |
| Additional features | VITA 67.3 Type D connector, where implemented | Maintenance ports, optional RF connectivity, and configurable clock/GPIO signals, where implemented |
The referenced VITA 65.0 profiles are:
- Switch: SLT3-SWH-4F1U7U1J-14.8.7-n
- Payload: SLT3-PAY-1F1U1S1S1U1U4F1J-14.6.13-n
Actual interfaces and features depend on the hardware implementation and product configuration
3U VPX Utility Plane: Power, Clock, and Control
The Utility Plane, defined by VITA 46.0 through the P0 connector, provides essential power, clock, reset, and control signals for 3U VPX modules. It supports power distribution, reference clock signals, and system-control functions required for coordinated module operation.
iWave SOSA-aligned 3U VPX Switch and Payload boards support the required Utility Plane interfaces according to their respective hardware designs. These interfaces help coordinate module power, timing, and initialization.
VITA 46.11 provides a separate system-management framework for monitoring and managing VPX modules and systems, helping support fault detection and maintenance
RFSoC ADC/DAC SOSA-Aligned 3U VPX Plug-In Module:
A key example from iWave portfolio is the RFSoC ADC/DAC 3U VPX Plug-In Module powered by AMD Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC SoC It integrates high-speed analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), digital-to-analog conversion (DAC), programmable logic, and processing capabilities within a compact 3U VPX form factor.
Key capabilities include:
- High-speed data conversion: 8 DAC channels supporting sampling rates up to 9.85 GSPS and 8 ADC channels supporting sampling rates up to 5 GSPS, depending on configuration.
- Wideband signal processing: Supports RF signal acquisition and generation across a configurable frequency range, making it suitable for applications such as radar, electronic warfare, and software-defined radio.
- High-speed backplane connectivity: Supports interfaces including 40GBASE-KR4 Ethernet and PCIe Gen 3 connectivity, according to the implemented configuration.
- Integrated processing and programmable logic: Enables application-specific signal processing and high-throughput data handling.
- Compact VPX integration: Provides a modular platform for integration into compatible embedded computing systems.
By combining high-speed data conversion with programmable processing and VPX connectivity, the RFSoC ADC/DAC module helps system developers build flexible signal-processing platforms for advanced defense and aerospace applications.
SOSA-Aligned VPX enables flexible, scalable, and interoperable defense computing systems built on open standards. iWave combines advanced VPX hardware, FPGA technology, software, firmware, and system integration expertise to simplify development and accelerate deployment.
With iWave, customers gain a trusted technology partner for developing reliable, mission-ready defense systems.
iWave Global is a leading embedded solutions provider specializing in System on Modules, FPGA platforms, and ODM product development. With more than two decades of engineering expertise, iWave delivers scalable hardware solutions powered by leading semiconductor technologies, supporting applications across industrial, communication, medical, transportation, and aerospace and defence markets.
For information and inquiries, please write to us at mktg@iwave-global.com
