AI-optimised development chassis speeds progress of rugged GPU-focused applications

Elma Electronic has extended its line of SOSA-aligned CompacFrame development chassis to include an AI-optimised seven-slot version. Equipped with six 3U payload slots and one VITA 62 power supply slot, the new 3U VPX/OpenVPX test and development platform permits for SBC and GPU coupling and distribution directly through the backplane.

The CompacFrame was developed to satisfy the complex needs of AI-based processing when testing and developing rugged embedded applications. Typical applications include where one GPU/SBC pair runs an inference model and another supports signal processing of RF data or drives a high-definition display.

The portable unit is excellent for compute-intensive electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) and RF processing using AI, ML or traditional DSP algorithms. Applications include radar beamforming, SAR, ground-moving target indicator (GMTI) radar, autonomous navigation, threat detection and identification, target tracking and display, sensor fusion, surveillance and situational awareness.

Because the slot profiles are aligned with SOSA and CMOSS, the AI-optimised CompacFrame is ideal for modern defence applications that adhere to the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), an interoperability initiative driven by the Department of Defense. A fully SOSA-aligned VITA 46.11 chassis manager is accessible from a connector on the rear of the unit.

For maximum throughput and speed, the 6+1 backplane (six VITA 65 payload slots, one VITA 62 power supply slot) supports a dual domain Ethernet switch up to 100GBASE-KR4, and the expansion plane link supports PCI Express (PCIe) Gen4. With 16 lanes of PCIe between a host SBC and a GPU, including meshed GPUs between slots 5 and 6, the backplane can manage multiple AI-based use cases.

Designed for flexible test and development, the new CompacFrame delivers several easy-to-use features. Both air-cooled and conduction-cooled payload boards can be inserted. The angled card cage supplies easy access to plug-in cards, and the front panel includes reset and power switches, voltage-monitoring LEDs, and test points. The rear of the unit contains an Ethernet port, serial port - chassis manager, USB port aggregator and LED indicators for power, fan, and over temp.